I got first chair for clarinet, but sometimes, I feel like I want to quit. I don't get why I feel this way.

Question

I am in middle school. I am the best clarinet in 7th grade. There are only 4 clarinets in total. The band teacher, Mr. Hanas, cannot control the band at times and he gives us 5th grade pieces. Also, he does not operate who is first chair on who is better. There are no auditions, no rank looking. We just either guess, or just ask him. I might quit band because of this. Any of the clarinets could probably just go to him and tell him, "Can u make me 1st chair and Kevin ... not first chair because im asking nicely?" If that happens, I will go crazy.

Answer 1

I'm sorry you have to experience band with such a disorganized, inefficient director. Playing a musical instrument can be a thrilling experience, especially in a group setting like band or orchestra!

I know it's difficult and disheartening right now, but I suggest you stick it out and do your very best no matter what seat you're in. If there's only 4 of you clarinets, you're only 2 stands anyway. It's good for other people to sit first chair occasionally just for the experience. If you look at this situation in a mature way, with a sense of humor, you can learn and grow.

I would also let your parents know that Mr. Hanas is not a good director and isn't challenging any of his band people. Giving you 5th grade music (unless the majority of the members really can't play anything more difficult) is irresponsible. There is a glut of qualified band directors and your school district can easily replace him. Start a letter campaign among parents who agree and get him replaced. Work through the system.

The reason I'm suggesting you stick with band and not give up is that high school band is awesome! New school, new director, marching band, jazz band, orchestra, state competitions.... lots of new faces and good music and challenges.

Maybe you could consider taking private lessons so when you get to high school you'll still be sitting first chair!

Answer 2

I can tell you why you want to quit. You seem like you really like the clarinet but you're not getting the teaching you should get in your band. Sounds like your band director is just collecting a paycheck which is sad to say because teachers don't make that much as it is. I played the clarinet from 7th grade up until high school. I hated it but I wasn't allowed to quit. Like I said earlier, it seems that you like playing the clarinet.
My mother was a choir director and my father was a band director. I know for sure that they would have never treated a class like this. I'd say talk to your parents about this situation and then maybe they can talk to your principal. The band director you have now should be out of there. Also, maybe you can take some private clarinet lessons. If the high school band is good, I would say stick it out a couple more years until you get there. If not, quit and get the private lessons. Maybe you can rejoin the band in high school. Good luck! :)

Answer 3

I went and I'm still going through what's happening to you.

I am the best violinist in the orchestra and I'm in 8yh grade. My teacher put me as "the leader" in the orchestra. He can't control the younger kids and a lot of them are in orchestra to get out of class. He gives us the easiest pieces! I think I could handle anything he can throw my way now, but he doesn't think so because there are younger kids and they have to play, too.

I grew tired of it so in 7th grade, I quit orchestra. He said he really needed me because I'm a strong player. I didn't quit violin though, I took me lessons at a music school here in Chicago only because I qualified for a scholarship. In 8th grade I asked my violin teacher if I can go back in. Of course, he had to say yes. I found out that playing an instrument can get you into a better high school.

So now here I am, being the oldest kid in orchestra, the most advanced, putting up with the drama and the easy pieces that I already knew how to play. I go crazy from time to time and leave because everyone's talking and I'm just wasting my time. It's okay because when you have a performance, you'll be the only one looking like you know what you're doing and not make idiot of yourself on stage.

Don't quit. Quit the band in your school if it really is THAT bad. Take private lessons, maybe your band instructor can teach you privately. Keep playing your clarinet, it will help you later on through high school.

Answer 4

I'm kinda in the same situation. same instrument, one grade above you. I'm probably the best but we don't have chairs or rankings. I am the only one that has the drive for it. My band director, also a guy, has trouble with the class and that makes me frustrated. I like my band director and will never quit this year for sure, high school might be a different story. my advise to you is don't quit, think about how if you like playing your instrument how you will miss playing it, you could still play it but you might not progress as much. Get some lessons so you progress faster your class.If your class is like mine then hold on tight!!! the kids in that class just don't really have it in them to be at their best in their instrument, ( it drives my band director and myself crazy! (we talk everyday after school, we're close)) don't give up and keep being your best no matter what your chair is, maybe talk to your band director about it.