A time in my life that was the best, but not always at times, was during my four years in high school band. In high school, I played the clarinet and the alto saxophone and enjoyed it quite well. In band, I was in everything. I was in jazz, honor, symphonic (AKA: concert), marching, and pep band.
My life was pretty much made up of band. Wake up. First class: band. After my 5th class: band lesson. After school: band practice (jazz, marching, pep, or honor). At night: practice my instrument at home. Even though this sounds way too overwhelming, I loved playing my clarinet (I only played my alto saxophone for jazz band).
However, I was somewhat forced by my instructors to participate in events such as: honor bands, all-state, and solo, duet, and trio contests. I didn't want to practice for these contests and I felt too overwhelmed, but somehow I pulled through. These events actually ended up being enjoyable! I enjoyed being with my friends, who were going through the same torture, and how all of the long hours of practicing very tough music paid off. This is a very cheesy story, but I felt that this was the time I was at my best.
This can be translated into my first year because like I pushed myself and persevered through hard music, I can definitely push myself for college-level homework. I've realized that by dedicating to myself to practicing, I can also commit myself to homework and various projects here at Iowa State.
Your story is not cheesy at all. Its like working at a piece of coal until it shines with the brilliance of a diamond (now that was cheesy!). It's a great feeling to work really hard and know that you have earned being the best you can be.
ReplyDeleteMarching band would have been much more fun for me if Iowa City wasn't infinitely cold outside when we practiced. My hands were always freezing since playing drums with gloves is rather hard.
ReplyDeleteBand is so much fun that even when working on a piece for the solo competitions, which are usually much more difficult than the other music one plays, it still doesn't seem like work. But it sucks that you were forced to be part of something, which takes away from the fun.
ReplyDeleteI miss band. I decided not to do marching band in college because of time commitments, but I did want to do jazz band. However, this class interfered with the practice time and nobody could seem to work anything out, so I couldn't.
ReplyDeleteI miss playing the alto sax. The only reason I dind't stick with it is it wasn't fun anymore. But you liked band so much you stuck with it and you got memories from the events that you won't forget. I enjoyed reading this story and if you work hard at college you'll do great here.
ReplyDeleteYour story was definately not cheesy. I really enjoyed band when I was in high shool. I also agree with you that getting ready for solo contest was some what like torture having to practice all of that hard music but it is fun to hang out with all of your friens.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you are talking about, I have been in band since 7th grade and I know what you mean how it can get busy. When I first started band I really didn't know what I was getting into but like your experience, it turned out to be fun.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, I think this is a really good message. It is kinda crazy how we can look back and get an understanding of the lessons that things back in high school actually taught us. I know that I was in band in high school and I was involved in a lot like you but I did not practice as much as it sounds like you did. But I know i learned that it is important not to give up on yourself and that practice does really make things easier even if it is not the most interesting thing to do.
ReplyDeleteBand took way too much dedication for me so I was only in it until sophomore year. I played the clarinet too! Practicing at home was the worst.
ReplyDeleteYou related your 'best' to your 1st year experience really well. Even though Design may feel like torture, but persevere through and it will pay off!