 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Stephanie
Date: 2002-01-27 04:59
Ok, I had to rant. No one else want to listen to me.....but i guess it's no more enjoyable for you.....
But I did make it, 2nd chair White Band (middle sr. high band) in this district; those from AL might know what I mean. Not as good as last year though. Last year I made 2nd chair Red (top) band in another district; I changed schools. What's disappointing is that I know I could have done at least a little better but that I got nervous, as always, and let it get to me. I lost focus and messed up. I always do that, but this year I guess I let it get to me even more than usual. I played my music almost perfectly before I went in, and then I messed up on some of the parts that I found quite easy. And then there was sightreading....
That was bad. Not that it was too hard, I just can't count I guess. Well, I looked at the time signature and thought it said 2/4, but it said 12/8. It had been enlarged for my benefit and I think that it was too light to read clearly.
I just don't understand why I can't get it together. Maybe changing districts contributed to this fallback. I heard some of the people last year and some this year and the ones this year are a better, in my opinion. I don't know, but I'm aggravated (sp?), and I know that everyone around here would say that I did good to even make it, but really, in District 3 it is not that hard to make All State. It's just that I did quite a bit worse than last year. Don't people normally get better over time? I have been practicing, I don't get it. I'm sad, I thank you if you read all of this.....and respect you for your patience! I just had to rant. Sorry! :(
Stephanie
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Author: Kim L
Date: 2002-01-27 05:37
Don't ever be disappointed in not where you want to be. Did you hear about Picabo Street? She placed 33rd and is NOT going to be in the Olympics! How do you think she feels?
Anyway, play for fun and not the gold trophy. If musicians make a big deal about where they are seated, then they are only hurting themselves by being too serious.
You can do it and auditions are just miniscule. I've always told myself that seating never matters because it may not be a reflection on how good I really am. What matters most is how well I play in my lessons and practice sessions. I mean, at any given audition, I could have a bad day, a bad reed, or whatever.
Good luck and Congratulations for making All State!
Kim L.
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-01-27 06:57
Stephanie...Remember, that just by playing the clarinet you are doing something that 99% of the world cannot do (and wish they could)...GBK
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Author: Kelly
Date: 2002-01-27 17:18
Ask yourself these questions: 1) Did I enjoy the experience of playing with other good musicians? 2) Did I learn something from the guest composers/conductors/session leaders? 3) Was I challenged musically? 4) Do I want to pursue music in higher education?
If you answered yes to just 1 of these questions, you GOT the whole purpose of All-District and State Band honors. The purpose of organizing these events is to encourage and educate aspiring, talented young musicians.
In the overall scheme of things in your musical life, seating at this ONE event will mean nothing. I doubt that you will be asked where you were seated when you were All-State in Alabama! Folks will be too impressed that you play that well!
It hurts personally because you feel you could have done better. Maybe you could...maybe you couldn't, but the point is you're doing something you love. You're doing your best and wanting to get better. If only my entire clarinet section were cloned Stephanies (that's a compliment)!
Lighten up, though - music is supposed to be enjoyed. I think that when you concentrate more on the music in front of you and less on the IDEA of "auditioning," you'll find that you will get better and better at it. If you're concerned about your reactions to the "pressure" of auditions -- practice them! My teacher in college (principal clarinet for the Cleveland Orchestra) said that you could practice your way through anything -- including auditions. He suggested holding mini-recitals for friends, teachers, family, etc. to overcome nervousness.
I also have to agree with Kim about seating. EVERY part and player is important. If they weren't, there would be just one player in each section. :-)
Good luck, Stephanie.
Kelly
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Author: Kim L.
Date: 2002-01-27 17:31
Stephanie,
I, too went down in seating in Regionals between my junior and senior years at high school. Although I was upset, I can say that playing with elite musicians was the best part of my high school years! I loved the music and I loved playing with musicians from other towns. I still can't top the experience I had those two weekends!
Kim L.
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Author: Bea Starr
Date: 2002-01-28 21:12
I just recently participated in an area solo competition that determined if you made All-County Band. But there was one problem-there were two different judges for clarinets-a hard grader and an easy grader, and of course I got the hard grader while another girl from my school who is one year older than me who did not work nearly as hard as I did.(and whom my band director/teacher thought would score in the 60's/70's) got the easy judge and got a 97(out of 100 points.) I got an 83. So, of course she gets 1st chair and I somehow get away with 3rd chair. It's not fair but I guess that I'll just have to deal with it. As for you, Stephanie, you should be proud of your accomplishments. Hey, 2nd chair, that's really good, and if you feel that you could have done better there's always next time to kick some butt!!! GOOD LUCK!!
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Author: Sara
Date: 2002-01-28 22:26
I did the same thing, but you know what, you can't really judge yourself and your ability on how you played on a particular piece on a given day, we all have our good days and bad days, but if you play for fun and not for the next placement or award you'll get a whole lot more out fo music than you do for trophies. Yes do the whole competition thing, but just remenber is just another chair or competition.
Sara
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