Okay...
I`m in third chair out of 12 clarinets(7th, 8th, and 9th grade) I`m in seventh grade, and having problems with my band director. I know I`m better than the seventh grader ahead of me, but every chair test, I`m still behind her.
Lately, I`ve been practicing so much, but she still doesn`t notice!
Help!

Quit thinking that you are better than the 2nd chair clarinetist and that you deserve to be higher. Perhaps that is the attitude that may have made the director not favor you.

In a band, you work with your fellow musicians to develope a chemistry that`s reflected in the music you make. In the end, there`s few things more rewarding than a performance displaying what you have accomplished in the year. It`s always amazing to compare the first practice session the band holds with the final result. What happens between these two is something great and beautiful. It is the maturing of the students in skill, chemistry with others, and also as human beings. To many, making music with others is one of the greatest joys life could offer. People are extraodinary creatures, and music is one of the world`s greatest phenoms. Put them together, and you`ll get something beyond what is describable with words.

And that`s what it`s all about.

It is not about competing, nor is it about winning chairs, nor is it about showing off. Sure, the seating positions important, but you cannot go around being pesty about your chair because that will ruin everything. When the time is right, you`ll get your promotion, but it is also important that you not rush your stay at third chair. The lower your position is, the more you`ll learn + mature, and the longer you stay there, the more you`ll appreciate the principle seat when you eventually get there.

Good Luck.

Ok...sorry. You`re right. What I don`t understand is how I will get better when all I get to do is play whole notes under them.
If you have a solo piece I can work on, please send it to me. My band diredtor only helps the first clarinets, and that doesn`t include me.

I need some professional help!
(I`m trying to find someone for lessons, but no ones in my area...)

Read my post in the """Solo Clarinet piece needed - suggestions please!""" thread from a while ago.

Anyway, if you`re looking for some challenging Junior High level music, I suggest you take a look at the second or fourth movement form Mozart`s Clarinet Quintet.

If the only music you`ve ever played is those from band where you only have whole notes accompaining the first clarinets, then the Mozart Quintet may be too big of a step. However, it is an accessible composition and it is considered to be a masterpiece, so it will be pretty awarding after you learn it.

I do have the sheet music for this and I do have a scanner. I also have the sheet music for oh maybe 10 large scale clarinet solos, but these aren`t for 7th graders.

Oh girl I feel you.. I kinda wonder how I`m suppose to get better also, but I`m in high school and its kinda different. I`ve tried 2 yrs to get in Honors band, ok I admit my first year tryout SUCKED I wasn`t prepared at all.. but this years I was like. sooo good for once. Of course I didn`t get in Honors band and a lot of clarinets got in becuz of their schedules. I think I would grow better in Honors! But she put me first chair symphonic but i`ve been there for 2 years i think i`m about ready to get higher to honors! Even if i get like last chair....

Could you send me that music...I need a challenge. my email is hawaiiangirl08@hotmail.com
thanx.

Jennifer-I was feeling that at all region band. Concert is lower, and symphonic is higher. I was almost last chair in the symphonic. I wished I was first in the concert, but then I realized that this was better.

Good luck

Hi I have first chair and is in the 7th grade for saxophone. Don`t worry about it .If she mess up or if she`s not at a performance. Than you can sit in her chair. Next year try to get a chair better than what you have now.

Kool! you guys have diffrent chair organisations then my school.I`m in 7th grade and in are concert band,Theres 4 first clarinets,3 seconds,and four 3rd clarinets.I`m first with 10th graders and 11th graders.

I wanna try out for the New Brunswick Youth Orechestra but I dont know if I should.I think I`m young to try out but I think I might have a shot at making it.
What Do You Think

Jessica B.

Definitly...you sound awesome. I`d love to be in an orchestra, but there`s none near.

Good Luck!!!

I will ask my parents

Jessica B.