The first year that made it to the main band were of different backgrounds. The clarinets were just to fill in the band and also to add to the two existing players while some made it because they were able to learn a part of the song during sectional. In addition, there was a first year who was in a band in their primary school and she was a euphonium player and she was already added to the main band at the start same as the first year french horn player.
While the junior band was taking a comfortable stroll, the first years in the main band were running. It was nerve-wracking. With only a month or so to master their instrument and eventually perform at the upcoming competition. It was a race against time.
Trembling, the first year played their scales in the warm up with a little trick. Well I was also guilty of this, which is to play the notes you cannot softly and let your senior cover it up. It was a fool proof plan although some first year would end up squeaking and then face the truth of getting called out.
From what I hear, Mr Neo was kind and patient the first few weeks. He gives time for seniors to take their juniors for sectional to practice a bit more while the rest play in combine. Of course, sectionals were given at the start of practice for seniors to improve their playing and to guide the juniors but sometimes, it’s not enough.
However, it was really a tight schedule and soon, parts were cut out from certain people. Some first years are not able to play important parts and would only play a few measures each part. Despite this, many first years were not that upset, at least they were able to play in the main band.
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Hmm, Luck?
General FictionWent into band by force, found interest, passion, dreams, friends, companions and then left with at least no feeling of regret and a sense of accomplishment. My life in band, as a tubist player, a section leader and as a drum major!
