Band Steps

Band Steps

STEP 1- When born, you need ten, long fingers. The fingertips need to be able to cover the wholes on a wooden, slender device. Be born with strong lungs. Don't have asthma; don't have a breathing problem.

STEP 2- Age 13. Sixth grade begins. You have a choice on what music class you have to take: Band, Orchestra, or Choir. Choose band. Orchestra is for the really smart kids who don't have a life because they care too much about grades. Choir is for the kids who don't give a damn. You care, but you also want to have fun.

STEP 3- You will first pick the Trumpet, an instrument with character and pride, much like yourself. Of course, the band teacher, Mr. Yanyeze won't let you play trumpet. There are already thirteen people who signed up for it. There are only two clarinet players. That is what you go with.

STEP 4- First day. The giddy and immature feeling of being able to play your first note. Your friend, Mariah expresses the same feelings with you. You can tell Band class will be fun and exciting for the rest of the year.

STEP 5- Expect to mess up A LOT. Main problem for clarinet players is the squeaks. Your unexperienced mouth can't hold the mouthpiece perfectly yet which causes the clarinet to let out unpleasant and high pitched noises here and there. Practice every night the first year, because the first year is easy.

STEP 6- Your second year of band. You are playing with a much larger and more advanced group. Instead of only three clarinets in the whole band, there are now seven of them. This makes you feel more fit in. But that doesn't help your timidness. You will start in 3rd chair, but your talent and ability will push you up to 1st chair by the end of the first semester. Everything seems downhill from here on out.

STEP 7- Being top dog is what you have been waiting for. You're an 8th grader, ruler of middle school. And you're in Wind Ensemble, best band class. You can't help but gloat about you're position; one of the two only 1st chair clarinets. Your hours of practice in the beginning really paid off.

STEP 8- Football games. The best part of being in top band. Most middle school football games aren't that exciting, but being in the band sure changes that for you. The vibration of the drums in the way back on the metal stands. The rich sound that each kids' warm air makes in the instruments. You are a clarinet player. You are in the very front; where the attention is, where the people are looking, where the cameras are filming. It's like being a pop star.

STEP 9- Freshman. You are no longer the ruler of the school. You have been put down to the lowest level once again. You're scared out of your mind with all these huge teenagers walking around. And the school campus is twice as large as your old middle school. Finding your classes will be a nightmare. Worst part is, your not in band anymore. Expect to be pretty pissed, because the reason is some stupid councilor or whatever misunderstood that you can't be in band and in Art class. Don't let this discourage you. It's time to talk to the Band Director.

STEP 10- Walking into a band hall that is twice as wide, twice as tall, and has three times more trophies that you're old one is nerve-racking. Don't worry, that will be a normal feeling. You go and talk to the Band Director, named Ms. Nelson. To your benefit, she is interested in you. You play for her and she likes your sound. She wants you in the band. You would join, but there is a problem. In high school, Band becomes Marching Band. And since you didn't start at the beginning, you will be behind in what everyone else has learned. Don't let this discourage you. Take lessons from a private teacher outside of school to keep your skill up. There is always next year.

STEP 11- Expect private lessons to be EXTREMELY tedious and annoying. But you can't give up. You've come so far to give up now.

STEP 12- Finally you are in band your Sophomore year. Sure, your behind in skill compared to your old friends, but there are new friends to make at your level. Being in Marching Band will change. Your amount of effort you put into it is much greater than back in middle school. And to become the best rank again, you have to make your clarinet skills your passion in life. But is that what you really want? Of course not. Realize, that band is for fun and playing your clarinet is a hobby; an escape from all insanity in your life. Being the best doesn't matter anymore, when you have new friends and a good time dancing the night away at the high school football games every friday.