I was five years old when I wanted to play violin. I was watching " The Great Mouse Detective" and I saw a violin. But I was never really able to play because my mom wanted me to wait. Then in middle school I played trumpet and baritone. So, in seventh grade, my mum finally bought me a violin and lessons. I progressed faster than anyone would have thought. I am now advanced and have only been playing for two or three years. But my band teacher is so controlling. He's had people fired because he wants them to focus only on band. He's like the mafia. Well, in a month or so I'm trying out for an orchestra or two and I haven't told him. He has connections everywhere!!! I'm afraid he'll jepordize it. I mean the reason I joined band was to get into a orchestra because that's going to be my career. I need to know who should I choose if I'm givin' an ultimateum? I love marching/concert band but I adore orchestras. I need help, and quick. Who should I go with : career or pleasure???
2006-07-04 07:24:34 · 15 answers · asked by VandyViolin09 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
While this appears to be a difficult dilemma, it really isn't. No one can do everything they like, nor can they have everything they want. Sooner or later, we all have to choose who and what we are.
You've answered your own question; you adore the violin and the orchestra, and you appear to have a real aptitude for it. Staying with the band to please the band director at the expense of your own sense of self and well being is not the way to make use of your talents. Go with your heart and play the violin. Be true to yourself.
On a practical note, I would say nothing until you know the results of your auditions. If you don't get in, you stay with the band. If you do get in, then go to your band director, tell him of the opportunity you have, and leave the band. If he finds out that you auditioned before you tell him; simply say you were trying to get an idea of where you are as a violinist. If he doesn't like that you auditioned, that's his problem. There worst that can happen is that he drops you from the band, which would allow you to pursue the violin more fully. Besides; he's supposed to be a teacher who develops young talent; if he doesn't do that, why would you want to stay with him anyway?
2006-07-07 17:57:40 · answer #1 · answered by Theatre Guy 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ultimately the choice is yours and yours alone. Since your band director has connections and is in a mentorship position over your future career in music, this is something that you must tell him about. If you choose orchestra over band, you must be prepared to quit the band, but--more importantly--you need to tell your band director that you have made this decision and that you need his support in order to be a successful musician. If he won't give you his support, then you need to ask him to let you complete all of your obligations to him and then leave the band. Remember that you have commitments to him, and he is less likely to try to bad-mouth you and hamper your career if you treat him professionally and with respect. I hope that you have another good mentor for your violin study and for auditioning for orchestras. Sight-reading skills, extensive knowledge and preparation of the standard orchestra repertoire excerpts, and a dependable, accurate, and flexible technique are requirements for a career as a violinist. Good luck with your future music-making!
2006-07-04 08:20:25 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. Rob 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Follow your heart. And I think your heart is with the violin.
As for this teacher with so many connections, do not let him stand in your way. If he is so controlling, you may not be able to reason with him. Talk to your guidance counselor or class adviser, and be sure that they understand that your conversation must remain in confidence. They should be able to help support you with the school, regardless of your decision.
BTW, did your band teacher ever play the violin? (I mean as his main instrument?) It might be interesting to find out.
Good luck to you.
2006-07-05 21:56:44 · answer #3 · answered by Theatregal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a band teacher myself, I would tell you not to let this person intimidate you. A true teacher would want you to learn no matter what. Some band directors become very possessive (to the point of fanaticism, in your case) with their students. Do what your heart says is right. Don't let anyone take that from you.
2006-07-04 10:04:22 · answer #4 · answered by Donna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You sound like you would rather play in the orchestra than in the band. If I were you I would play in the orchestra and leave the band.
2006-07-06 07:18:49 · answer #5 · answered by clarinetist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with pleasure. It may easily work into a career. Don't be intimidated by the teacher and don't accept no for an answer.
2006-07-04 07:30:46 · answer #6 · answered by billybetters2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My advice to you is to follow your dreams. If you want to play in an orchestra, go for it. If you want to play in the band, go for it. But in my honest opinion, who would want to be around someone so controlling as your teacher?
2006-07-04 07:30:36 · answer #7 · answered by L-Rad 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Up until eventually very last wintry climate i'd opt for wintry climate each and every time. something about the list quantity of snow that i had to shovel, push, plow or snow-blow faraway from homes, roofs, sidewalks and driveways presented a down aspect to wintry climate. i visit flow with wintry climate after a pause for concept as my in demand recreation (Ice Hockey) won't be able to somewhat be performed without wintry climate, proper?
2016-10-14 02:59:36 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that your career should be your pleasure.
What do love more? Which is your passion?
It may be a hard road, but if you truly love it, then you will find that everything falls into place one way or the other.
2006-07-04 09:21:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
many people make a career out of pleasure good luck
2006-07-04 07:29:14 · answer #10 · answered by ami l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋