I just joined a university marching band few days ago (i am n the band camp right now.) and play the flute. I have no experience in high school marching band and have not played flute before, either. I found that it is really hard of being a member in the band since I just started to learn the flute (self teaching and has private lesson by a music major college student). We have 8 hours of practice each week in the marching band. Everyone in this band has played the flute for many years and have been in marching band in high school. I personally think it is really stressful being in this band since I can hardly play those music...but we have a lot of fun in the band and I've made nice friends in there. So should I quit the band? Is that possible to catch up if I have private flute lessons(btw, i pay the lessons by myself), how long it will take for this transition? Is it worth to be in the marching band?
2007-08-24 14:57:55 · 8 answers · asked by ryan 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
I hope to have your opinions so I can decide if I should quit the band before school starts. Thanks.
2007-08-24 14:58:38 · update #1
Also, our rehearsals for pregames and half-time are all set. So if I left the band now is it still be fine for the band? will they hate me because i change my mind? Are there any people left the band within the first month of being in it?
2007-08-24 15:01:38 · update #2
Btw, they don't kick people out no matter what level you are...no auditions. So that's why they let me in...
2007-08-24 15:21:55 · update #3
Just do your best. The band director will let you know if you are a liability or not. You do not have to be a virtuoso to be able to read sheet music and play halfway decent. You need to learn all of the marching parts as well. I would not quit.
If you stick with it and practice, practice, practice, your playing will improve each year. If the band director detects a problem let him tell you.
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2007-08-29 01:45:58 · answer #1 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in marching band all 4 years of high school. I think it is great that you are taking so much time to learn the flute all by yourself. I think you should stick it out. It is a lot of hard work, I know, I remember. You should know that after playing the saxaphone for 7 years, I stopped growing as a player after about 5 years because I stopped practicing diligently. I also think there are probably other people who have done the same, meaning, if you work every day at the flute, you should be able to catch up in no time. As long as you have learned to march correctly and can learn drill quickly, you should be fine.
Good luck...practice is key, seriously!!
2007-08-24 18:39:25 · answer #2 · answered by nodaybuttoday 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are not going to kick you out, they must obviously need you. You should stick it out:
1. You are part of the routine
2. You made a commitment and you should finish what you start
3. You sound like you are having a good time, making friends, and giving your best. That's what it's all about.
Next time you consider doing something like this, you will have this experience to draw on. I hope it won't discourage you, but I hope you will remember the stress you are going through right now. It is definitely worth it to be in band, and as you get better, you will definitely feel better about your decision. You are just going to have to have a little patience with yourself. You already have an entire ensemble showing that same patience, so it's time to reflect some of the faith they have shown.
If at any point you become a liability, the director will take you aside privately and let you know. Until that happens, you are more of an asset than a liability.
You sound like a brave person who likes to take risks. Right now you are having a little self doubt, but that is normal in times of stress. I wish you the best, and please give my regards to the group and director as well. There are a lot of groups that would not have done this and it really speaks well for them that they a group that celebrates inclusion. I am impressed.
2007-08-24 16:52:28 · answer #3 · answered by MUDD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a close friend that is in the exact same situation as you. She didn't how to play the flute, and she didn't know how to march. But guess what-she did it anyway, and she loved it! This was indeed a college marching band, and she did it anyway. She even became a music major. She stuck with it because she loved it. If you really love it, you should stick it out.
2007-08-31 12:37:11 · answer #4 · answered by lachy4591 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow. That is definately gutsy, I'm not going to lie. I'm glad you are in marching band; it really is a lot of fun, but it can be a miserable experience if you haven't done it before, especially if you are jumping straight into college marching. However, you sound really dedicated to it, with your lessons and everything. I'd say stick with it, so long as it is something you want to do and want to get better at. Good luck! I hope it all turns out alright!
2007-08-31 11:18:12 · answer #5 · answered by La Tromboniste 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally when one is going into a university marching band, he/she is considered to be able to play their instrument very well. If you can't play the music, then in my opinion you should wait awhile before joining the band. You would be hurting the band if you couldn't do your part.
2007-08-24 15:30:41 · answer #6 · answered by jason s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does the director know your situation? You need to schedule a meeting with him/her and share your fears and what you are struggling with concerning the playing and marching. He/she will either work with you to make it doable, or he/she will recommend you work on the flute for another year and join again next year.
2007-08-24 15:11:17 · answer #7 · answered by librarian 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no if you think you are good go for it. but if you think its a wise choice try next time. good luck!
2007-08-28 08:59:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋