Note, I said that I would probably do this, but I should have added that I wouldn't recommend it, especially since it is school. With this type of person, from what is sounds like, I am not sure that talking would help much. It sounds like that is what the original poster has tried already. If it is not a heathy environment, then IMO, I think staying might do more harm then dropping out of it and joining up a community band. I have been in groups where there has been favoritism, and it just wasn't worth my time to put up with that.

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Mscl, I said I would tell him where to go, not "tell him off." Those are two different things when it comes to me.

Hmm, maybe it was just a bad choice of words on the BD's part. Possibly he is trying to get you to compete to challenge and encourage you ALL to grow and develop. From what you have written in your post, I gather that you are already practicing and working more than you did before. My own best academic results have always been when I was in direct (but friendly) competition with one or more of my peers.

You do have a very good point Leporello. I didn't think of that.

band directors and all other conductors are like any other boss on any other job, some are real jerks, and you have to quietly put up with them, it's part of life. The best revenge against a stupid band director is to challenge them when they say something that is obviously wrong.

>>Hmm, maybe it was just a bad choice of words on the BD's part.<<

Right. Or it was meant jokingly or sarcastically. We don't have context here and, IME, teens are usually pretty good at dishing out sarcasm, but they don't always pick up on it when it's pointed at them.

I agree with Pickled. I hope the BD's remark was meant jokingly.