06/05/2022
Did I ever tell you about the time I almost quit band?
I was in 8th grade and band wasn't fun anymore. Technically, it was still fun for everyone, but I was not having fun anymore.
Why?
My natural talent had run out and I was having to REALLY work. The musical concepts that our director was teaching us were more advanced, and I wasn't able to instantly grasp them.
I almost quit. I really did.
Fortunately, I had a parent who wouldn't let me (my father, who settled the issue with one syllable: "No."). I also had a band director who cared about all of his students, not just his first chairs.
He talked to me.
He told me I was talented.
He asked me if I needed lessons.
I agreed to stay in and "try it out" for the rest of the year.
33 odd (some VERY odd) years later, I am a full-time composer, I play in a community band, I met my husband in college band, and I have friends from high school and college band that I still talk to on a weekly basis. If that was all I had gotten out of it, that would be an embarrassment of riches.
But no.
I got more than that.
I learned that I was capable.
I learned that I was worth caring about.
I learned that I had a place to belong.
I learned to work HARD (a skill that I credit for most of my professional success, even over my creativity).
Music class will change your life. It already has. It will continue to do so.
Stay in Band.
Stay in Choir.
Stay in Orchestra.
That one decision could have positive consequences that will echo down the rest of your life's path.
Best wishes to you and again...
STAY IN MUSIC.
From one music nerd to another...
Peace Love and Music
