 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: BeckyC
Date: 2002-08-16 16:02
Finally!!! After ages of not having one, We are finally going to have a community band in our area.
Any one in the extreme N.E. Texas area SHOULD go.
I am absolutly excited about this. They are calling it "A Second Time Around" or something to that affect.
There is a small fee for joining (which should be expected) which may be my only drawback....(lack of funds).....sigh!!
But anyway I AM STILL EXCITED!!!!
Just thought I would share. 
Ready for my Second Time Around,
Becky
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Burt
Date: 2002-08-16 17:28
Becky, good luck in your new band. As a charter member of the Richardson (TX) Community Band, I've seen the ups and downs of getting started. But this would be too long a drive for me.
Perhaps you've done it already, but publicizing the band via the local school systems (to get the music TEACHERS to join) got us many of our original members, also access to their libraries.
Also, you may get some UNT students interested. Prof. James Gillespie or John Scott could post a notice for you.
Burt
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2002-08-16 20:23
Becky, ditto to the above. I've played in a community band for about 8 years here in Abilene, TX. The only complaint I have is that we don't audition. A lot of people play certain parts because they "always have," rather than because they should. The director doesn't want to say anything because he says, "We're a volunteer organization." Anyway, it finally got too frustrating to me and I've recently stopped playing with them. I do miss the practices. Don't miss the politics.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-08-16 20:48
Congrats Becky - I've played in our [70 year old] Tulsa Comm Band some 20 years now, carpooling with 2 others [2nd timers] from B'ville [40+40 miles] every Thurs + concerts on other days. Our band "leaders" ask the groups for which we play for a small donation "for new music". Works quite well. As Brenda says, we also hear some "strange notes" from the less-good-players [some newbies and 2nd timers], but with many teachers [school and private] plus many seniors with experience [like me], and with good conducting, we manage to play most everything reasonably well. Well worth while, [What we do for love, as in Chorus Line] !! Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-08-16 21:12
Second the frustration of not having a more equitable seating proceedure. We have the same problem in our area's community band where there is no annual audition screening of continuing players. The lack of which results in too many "oldsters" still occupying chair positions that they are no longer proficient at playing--simply because they have "always sat there"--and newer (often better players) being placed in chair positions much lower than they really deserve (creating attitude and retention problems). My advice is to put an annual screening, audition process in place as soon as possible to avoid these problems "down the line" when beter players wish to join your great new band.
I also recommend choosing a better name. If I were searching the want ads for a group to join, a name such as the North East Texas Wind Ensemble would catch my interest over the Second Time Around Good Time Players (or whatever). Just a thought.......
Also remember that, along with Rome, community bands are often not "built in a day." You've all got to stick to it--but choosing a good conductor and getting the audition and proceedural rules right from the start, will help insure continued success. Good Luck
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob
Date: 2002-08-16 21:53
Many people who play in Community Band type organizations do it for enjoyment and don't bother griping about seat assignments and seniority.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BeckyC
Date: 2002-08-17 00:22
Thanks for the tips and all, guys.
I have to admit, I've had this bit of excitement in me all day long.
The community band will be under the leadership of two retired band directors. They are best friends and have been talking about doing this for a long time. It will be held at the local college here in Texarkana.
I've actually worked for one of the directors about 6 years ago when he owned a local Music Store. He sold his business to Brook Mays two years ago and I am guessing that is why they finally decided to do this. He still works at Brook Mays in Public Relations and he knows just about every band director within the four states area. lol probably more.
I once answered the phone while working there and it turned out to be my Jr. High Band director from my home town. We had a nice chat before handing the phone over to the Boss........oops. lol
I am anxious to see how this works out.
I'll let you know.
Becky
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jim E.
Date: 2002-08-17 04:30
If dues are a problem for you, speak to the director. I've been in a number of community bands and choruses (and presently serve on the board of a chorus,) most charge dues, but I don't think any have turned down musicians who found paying to be difficult. Perhaps you have a skill of use to the band in lieu of dues.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-08-17 14:00
Much good advice above. Jim E's comments pretty much reflect our attitude re: operating funds. A number of us seniors are well-enough-off to respond to our "board of directors" requests, such as for commissioning the composing-publication of "Heroic Sketches" by Ed Huckaby to honor Dwight Dailey, long time #1 conductor - retired TU clarinet prof. We have a number of non-playing [learning?] volunteers, many of whom are spouses who enjoy our music/performances/friendships, who do or help with the setup/breakdown, transport [we have a trailer for tymps,tubas, music etc], electrical/PA and library chores for those of us with infirmaties/big instrument problems. We have tried a "rotation-seating" of the 1st cls and 1st tpts but end-up with the "best who desire it" as solo players. It can be a touchy situation, tho. On bass cl, I have little competition, and have an alto cl in case a pro comes in to play!! Just thots and observations, ENJOY, Don
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Bob Curtis
Date: 2002-08-17 22:54
Becky -- Good luck and congratulations on the new community band! I am the principal conductor of the Colorado River Band in Wharton, Texas and have been for over 7 years. I am also a retired band director When our assistant conductor is working with the band I usually play 3rd clarinet although I have been requested to play 1st. I figure that the band needs me more here.
Yes, some funds need to be collected and we have a sliding membership dues for our students realizing that this is more attractive for them. We never charge for concerts, but we never turn down donations either. We also have all ages participating ranging from high school to one individual who comes from Houston to play with us each week who is 84. We have doctors, lawyers, farmers, band directors, retired individuals, and so om. We do it because we love it.
Get some PR work going for your group. Get a catchy name that describes your function including the term "Band" in it. This will help draw people to your group. Get articles to the local paper, invitations posted at the music stores, in the high schools, colleges, etc. Get before the public as much as possible. Give some free public concerts going soon because the more you are in the eyes of the public the more they will be aware of you and start supporting you.
I would like to suggest to you that you draw up some important papers, a constitution and by laws, board of directors, membership requirements, etc. so that you can make application through the IRS for a tax exempt organization and that will help entice individuals and businesses to donate funds to you. I would recommend strongly that you contact a lawyer about this. Some will donate their time to you to help you out. You might ask around for help in this.
Again, Congratulations and goodLuck!!
Bob Curtis
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: George Lin
Date: 2002-08-18 02:29
Good luck with your band, Becky.
I'll chime in with my observations and experiences with community bands. I think they are great becuase they allow the mostly adult player a group to play in. Sure, they'll be struggles here and there, but most members would probably say it is worth it just to be able to express and play music for people to enjoy and provide opportunities for performing.
Definitely get a constitution written up and elect a board of directors. Organization will help get things in order. I would suggest that auditions be dropped in favor of open invitations to anyone interested in joining. I think you'll find more turnout in this case.
Finally, just an observation from my point of view. I play third clarinet part in my band. While it isn't the most challenging or heard part, I have other good clarinetists on my part to make it enjoyable. I think that is the key for me that keeps me going: making (or at least trying) good music with good people.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Willie
Date: 2002-08-18 03:55
We play regularly in two different bands. Both directors try to vary the difficulty of the music so all can enjoy and not get discouraged. Even with an established band you may have some rusty players.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jim
Date: 2002-08-19 02:50
Becky,
That was a good article in the Gazette.
Would really love to join, but am afraid that I need more practice. But I would really like to go listen. Sounds like a lot of fun. I'll be the older guy with the white hair.
Jim
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Marge
Date: 2002-08-19 03:17
Becky,
I strongly urge you to hasten to Ron Boerger's Community Music website:
http://www.boerger.org/c-m
Through this starting page, you can join a large mailing list of those involved in one way or another with community instrumental organizations (some of whom I see have already replied to this query). There are also links that you might find helpful, including to community bands' own websites, some of which are very detailed and may give you some clues about choices in organization structure, etc.
Last October I was one of the organizers of a community concert band on the Eastern Shore of Maryland--really the result of a sort of my spur-of-the-moment conclusion that hey, we really can and should do this here. (There was already a local community marching band, but it was events-oriented. Some local musicians are now in both.) I'd have been thrilled if 20 had turned up for the first rehearsal last Oct. 8, but 30 did, and now our number is somewhere over 40 (now ranging in age from 11 to almost 91). Of course, a capable and popular conductor/music director had a lot to do with interest and attendance that is amazingly faithful.
Fortunately, I found this listserv quite soon after thinking that a concert band was do-able here. I've asked various questions on it about organization and other matters and received some good suggestions and information, as have others before me on similar topics. You might want to search the archives there, which will turn up discussions helpful to you. Of course, the list has been helpful in numerous other ways--reading about what other bands are playing, learning of music sources, matters of interpretation, and so on. We even got an expression of interest from a potential member for this fall through our listing in Ron's list of community-music groups, for which I applied for our group (now dubbed the Eastern Shore Wind Ensemble) to be listed.
Good luck!
Marge
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William Hughes
Date: 2002-08-19 15:51
Bob Curtis wrote:
"I would recommend strongly that you contact a lawyer about this. Some will donate their time to you to help you out."
Some will even want to join your band!!!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BeckyC
Date: 2002-08-19 16:16
I just called the College to find out about the practice tonight. From what they said........This is considered a CLASS and you must pay the $75.00 to go to the class. This is to pay the "TEACHERS". I was highly disappointed. I would like to be able to just go to the first meeting and check it out first. Does that sound wrong?? This is not a Community band YET.
So I called the Director of the band, (my old Boss) and asked him about this. He said after maybe the second year it will be considered a COMMUNITY band........but at the time it must be considered a class. Not that we will get a credit or anything or be graded in anyway. But just for the money part of it and the use of the facility, and his "small" fee.
I know that music cost money, stands cost money etc.
I also know that they have to start out some way.
I did notice that he is still the same-old guy. He is a Name dropper and really tries to impress with with the fact that he knows or worked with these High Brow people.
He named several professional/professional sounding flute players that will already be there. In first chair. I know my friend (the flute player) will feel extremely intimidated by this.
I got the impression that I was the only one that didn't just want to drop down the $75.oo with out some idea of what I was getting into with them. He finally said that if I wanted to drop in and maybe even play a little with them, it would be fine. But he was really weird about it. I am not sure I am going to be comfortable doing that. AM I WHINING OR WHAT????
Is this normal for a community band?
Becky
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BeckyC
Date: 2002-08-19 18:38
Now that I have calmed down a bit.
I am still excited about this and WE are going.
This will be a learning experience for sure.
It will be fun.
If all goes well tonight I will pay the $75.00 Tommorrow. lol 
Wish us luck.
Oh.......and see you there too JIM.
Becky
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Willie
Date: 2002-08-20 01:57
We play in one band that is concidered a class and it has fees for credits and lower fees for non credit. They finally lowered it this year. The other band, also at a community college, has no charges and even gets some funding from the college as it not only gives some of the music majors a bigger band to play in, but we put on a lot of concerts for special occasions there.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: BeckyC
Date: 2002-08-20 04:44
I am back.
It was great!!
There were about 40 people to show up, and there are several who are signed up but weren't able to be there tonight. So maybe around 55 people or more next week. Pretty good for the first day??
The majority of the people played better than average to professional. It was sight reading tonight and it sounds great.
It was a little harder for my friend (who is legally blind) because the music hadn't been enlarged at all just yet. There several older members that requested that also.
There were four people there tonight that played in the Texarkana band 20 years ago.
I'm still so excited and wish we could practice more than once a week together. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the first concert.
I'll keep you informed.
Becky
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
