Yeah, so up until last year (my sophomore year) I have always been first chair clarinet, but then the new freshmen came, and two of them happen to be better than me and I was bumped down to third chair... That made me mad because one of them didn`t even care about band, and is only in it to make her mom happy, and the other can be a real snob. And I would get extra help, but my band director has too much on his plate already. So, could anyone help me? I would greatly appreciate it. And I would love you forever! But, don`t expect any hugs...I don`t like hugs...

To: Jakart,
The two Freshmen did not get better by natural talent nor by osmosis. You will need to practice longer and smarter to get your chair back. If you do not take lessons from a qualified teacher, and you can, then do. It will make all of the difference to you. Good luck. Third chair is not all bad, as it takes some pressure off of you, and you might just enjoy playing that way this year, and have more fun playing. It is supposed to be fun, also!

Thanks!

Keep practicing and realize that, unless you intend on only playing in mediocre ensembles for the rest of your life, you are not always going to be 1st chair. If you were always principle, it seems like it would be kind of boring. Competition can be good because it keeps you practicing. I have known people who play lst chair in their school band and progress as quickly as a stagnant pond moves because they are a big fish in a small pond. When it comes time for them to be placed in honor bands, they get 3rd part.
And don`t think it`s always going to be like this...band directors like to rotate the principle and your chair audition next year might dominate your competetors`.

P.S. By the way, don`t be so cut-throat...you might actually learn something from these "freshies".

hey dont feel bad everything will work out you will get your chair back with tons of hard work and self control just have paitentce

Same thing happened to me my sophmore year. From 5th grade to my freshman year I was the 1st chair clarinetist w/o any problem. Then for my sophmore year for tryouts I didnt even look at the music and I was 2nd chair wind ensemble. That made me sooo mad! But I tell ya, i needed it...because it made me work harder and then last year I made it back to 1st chair Wind ensemble. And this year my band director made an exception for me, he said I dont have to do marching as long as I will do wind ensemble. And I am trying out for All State. It really made me push myself before I got really behind....as hard as it may be, take it as a learning opertunity and show them who`s really the good clarinetist next year!