Friday, December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all of you few, lovely people who read this blog! More band stories and random posts to come in 2016!
Monday, December 21, 2015
The Time We Really Annoyed The Sub
Everyone knows that band is the worst class to have a substitute teacher for. Since it's very difficult to find subs for band that actually know something about music, you usually end up having a study hall that day. But sometimes, they'll find a sub that was once a band director or something, and thinks they know what they're talking about, but they usually don't. Either that, or they know something, but they are horrible at conducting and don't have the leadership skills to keep the band under control. (Why do you think they aren't a band director anymore?) These types of band subs are the worst kind.
Now that I'm in high school, we have student conductors (including myself) that can lead rehearsal if our band director is ever gone, so we don't have the problem of dealing with incompetent substitutes. However, when I was in middle school, we had a few that were really bad...
It was probably March or April of my sixth grade year, and we were preparing for our spring concert. One of our pieces was a concert band arrangement of "Do Re Mi," from "The Sound of Music." You know, "Do, a deer, a female deer; Re, a drop of golden sun..." It happened to be my favorite piece in the program for that concert.
Both of our band directors were gone, and we had one of those subs who thinks they know something but they really don't. Or at least this guy was really bad at conveying the fact that he knew things. But anyway, we were about to rehearse the piece I just mentioned when he left to go do something quick. So, like any band does, we started practicing it on our own, individually, while we waited for him.
It started in the trumpet section. We had a couple trumpet players who liked to play together when we had a pause like this during rehearsal, and they started playing through the piece from the beginning. My stand partner and I joined in, because why not, and some of the saxophones followed. Gradually, each section realized where we were in the piece and started playing, until the entire band was playing through the piece with no conductor or anything. We were relying on listening to others around us and our own internal pulse, like a band should do all the time, even with a conductor. It was absolutely glorious.
We finished the piece, and the band room was dead silent for about three seconds before we all burst out laughing. We were amazed by what we had just done, and it was also hilarious because by that time, the sub had returned to the room and was standing on the podium looking quite put out.
After rehearsing that piece for a little bit, he made the mistake of leaving again to get a drink of water. This time, we knew what we were doing and started playing one of our other pieces without a conductor, but we only got a few measures in before the sub ran back into the room, wildly waving his arms and yelling, "Stop! Stop!" The whole thing was priceless.
I know I said that my stories were going to be from this year, 2015, but that one is so funny, or at least I think it is, that I wanted to share it with you. Maybe try this with your band the next time you have a sub;)
Now that I'm in high school, we have student conductors (including myself) that can lead rehearsal if our band director is ever gone, so we don't have the problem of dealing with incompetent substitutes. However, when I was in middle school, we had a few that were really bad...
It was probably March or April of my sixth grade year, and we were preparing for our spring concert. One of our pieces was a concert band arrangement of "Do Re Mi," from "The Sound of Music." You know, "Do, a deer, a female deer; Re, a drop of golden sun..." It happened to be my favorite piece in the program for that concert.
Both of our band directors were gone, and we had one of those subs who thinks they know something but they really don't. Or at least this guy was really bad at conveying the fact that he knew things. But anyway, we were about to rehearse the piece I just mentioned when he left to go do something quick. So, like any band does, we started practicing it on our own, individually, while we waited for him.
It started in the trumpet section. We had a couple trumpet players who liked to play together when we had a pause like this during rehearsal, and they started playing through the piece from the beginning. My stand partner and I joined in, because why not, and some of the saxophones followed. Gradually, each section realized where we were in the piece and started playing, until the entire band was playing through the piece with no conductor or anything. We were relying on listening to others around us and our own internal pulse, like a band should do all the time, even with a conductor. It was absolutely glorious.
We finished the piece, and the band room was dead silent for about three seconds before we all burst out laughing. We were amazed by what we had just done, and it was also hilarious because by that time, the sub had returned to the room and was standing on the podium looking quite put out.
After rehearsing that piece for a little bit, he made the mistake of leaving again to get a drink of water. This time, we knew what we were doing and started playing one of our other pieces without a conductor, but we only got a few measures in before the sub ran back into the room, wildly waving his arms and yelling, "Stop! Stop!" The whole thing was priceless.
I know I said that my stories were going to be from this year, 2015, but that one is so funny, or at least I think it is, that I wanted to share it with you. Maybe try this with your band the next time you have a sub;)
Sunday, December 20, 2015
WARNING! NEW ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCE DISCOVERED!
WARNING!
Recent discoveries have proven that a lifestyle known as BAND can be extremely addictive! Musically inclined, socially awkward teenagers are at the highest risk of addiction! Beware!Symptoms of addiction include:
-Constant practicing of an instrument
-Insisting on being present at every band-related event
-Post-concert depression
-Heightened enthusiasm for going to school on days when the subject has band
-Maintaining a presence in the band room at every possible minute out of the day
-Arriving to class late with a tardy-excused note from the band director
-Subject never misses a band lesson
-Subject remains in the band room until the last possible second after band-related events
-Subject sings their band music in the shower
-Constantly listening to concert or marching band music
-Subject develops a dislike of weekends because they can't be at school, in the band room
-Subject's confidence and outlook on life may improve due to the ability band has to fulfill the "Love/Belonging" and "Esteem" needs (according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs)
-Subject will stay out of trouble because they'll be in the band room or practicing all the time
-Subject will be emotionally healthier because music gives them a way to express their feelings
If you or someone you know shows signs of band addiction, contact your school's band director or someone else you trust to get immediate help. You are not alone:)
A note from Rosetail the Flutist:
I confess that I am also addicted to band, and I'm proud of it. I obviously have many band related stories, and because it's almost the end of 2015, I'll be putting some of those into posts to reflect on the events of this year. Hope you enjoy, and Merry Christmas to you all!
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Stuff Band Kids Say
1. "I can't wait for marching season!"
2. "WHY were you not at band practice?!"
3. "Can somebody unzip me?"
4. "What is the football team doing on OUR field?"
5. "I can't come, I have band."
6. "My uniform doesn't fit."
7. "Left. Left! LEFT!"
8. "Do you have valve oil?"
9. "This one time, at band camp..."
10. *clarinet squeaks* "Sorry, it's my reed..."
11. *whispering* "What measure?"
12. "I forgot my music..."
13. "I can't wait for concert season!"
14. (flutes) "What note even is that?"
15. "Seriously, I love this song."
16. "I actually practiced this!"
17. "Great. Twenty-three measures of rests."
18. "When's the concert again?"
19. "This stand sucks."
20. "Ewww, there's spit on the floor..."
21. "What time do we have to be here for pep band?"
22. "Can I borrow your pencil?"
23. (section is complaining about high notes or a hard rhythm) "Come on, guys, it's not that bad!"
24. "Graduation? Noooooooooooooooooooooo..."
You Know You're A Band Nerd When...
(In no particular order of importance.)
1. You describe people by saying things like, "She's an alto sax," or "He plays trumpet."
2. You eat lunch in the band room.
3. You get mad when you're at a basketball game, and the other school's band plays your favorite pep band song.
4. Band practice is the highlight of your summer.
5. You conduct and/or march in step to all music you hear.
6. You're walking with or behind someone and you change your steps to match theirs.
7. The phrase, "Can somebody unzip me?" is a completely normal and non-sexual thing to say after marching band performances.
8. Double tonguing is a musical technique, not anything dirty.
9. You point out key changes and dynamics when listening to the radio.
10. The band room is your second home.
11. One of your philosophies is "Early is on time, on time is late, and late is just sad."
12. Your instrument has a name.
13. You accidentally hit your instrument on something and you yourself say "ow."
14. You sing band songs in the shower.
15. You and your band friends agree that the football team plays the band's pre- and post-show.
16. You get extremely angry when someone disses band.
17. In the devastating situation that the band room is locked, you sit right outside the door and wait for the band director to arrive, no matter how long it takes.
18. You have all of the numbers that correspond to the titles of pep band songs memorized.
19. You know that "one more time" really means "like four or five more times."
20. Your entire life revolves around band or practicing.
21. You have to decline invitations to parties because you have rehearsal.
22. You have a favorite time signature.
23. You're willing to argue with anyone who questions whether marching band is a sport. Which it totally is.
24. You roll step to avoid spilling things (or just 'cause you feel like it).
25. You leave football games after halftime.
26. You can relate to any of these.
There might be a Part 2 to this post, depending on if I think of more "you know you're a band nerd when..." situations. I would be delighted if somebody would leave a comment below telling me if you could relate to any of these, which ones, and if I forgot any.
22. You have a favorite time signature.
23. You're willing to argue with anyone who questions whether marching band is a sport. Which it totally is.
24. You roll step to avoid spilling things (or just 'cause you feel like it).
25. You leave football games after halftime.
26. You can relate to any of these.
There might be a Part 2 to this post, depending on if I think of more "you know you're a band nerd when..." situations. I would be delighted if somebody would leave a comment below telling me if you could relate to any of these, which ones, and if I forgot any.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Section Stereotypes
I don't know about any of you, but I've always felt like there are stereotypes for each section in a band-- i.e., a certain personality they tend to have, common methods of approaching social situations, etc. So here is a breakdown of the different sections and what type of person usually plays that instrument.
Flutes- Flute players can be one of two things. They can either be a bit haughty and think they're better than everyone else, or they can be quiet, sweet, and shy. And then there are the rarities who are a combination of the two-- confident, but not snobbish. Another stereotype is that most flute players are girls. Which is true, but I know of several male flutists who are just as good as the female flutists, maybe even better than some of them.
Clarinets- Clarinetists can, again, be one of two things. They are usually either obnoxious and immature, or quiet and a little shy. Again, there can be a combination of the two, but those are even more rare than the combination-type flute players. Clarinetists are also usually female, although of course, there are many male clarinet players out there.
Oboes- I haven't had much experience with oboe players, but the few that I do know are pretty quiet and reserved most of the time. They are also good musicians, because oboe is one of those instruments that people don't play unless they're willing to work hard to be good at it.
Saxophones- Ah, saxophones. A very interesting group, indeed. They tend to be a bit loud and obnoxious and sometimes quite strange. They aren't as egotistical as trumpet players, but they have more confidence than clarinetists.
Low Reeds (Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor and Bari Sax)- These are also instruments that people generally don't play unless they're good at it. People who play these instruments are usually a little different, which could be why they chose their respective instrument. For example, a bass clarinet player might play that instrument because they don't feel like they fit in with the other clarinets, etc.
Trumpets- Trumpet players are generally quite full of themselves. The ones who are good at playing the trumpet tend to have the biggest egos on the planet, while the ones who aren't that good don't seem to care much about band. However, I have found that male trumpet players are more egotistical than females.
French Horns- Horn players are similar to trumpet players in the sense that they think highly of themselves. The difference is that because the French horn is a difficult instrument to master, they are slightly more mature and they put forth more effort.
Trombones- Honestly, I'm not really sure. I know some trombone players who used to play woodwind instruments, so they still carry that attitude, and I know some who are similar to the euphoniums and tubas in being the comic relief, except they're quieter about it. So I guess they're a mix.
Baritones/Euphoniums- Definitely the comic relief of the band. They can be very immature, loud, and obnoxious, though. As far as gender goes, I've only ever known one girl who played the euphonium, and she quit band after a year.
Tubas- Tuba players (tubists?) are pretty much like the euphonium players, except (obviously) they play a bigger, lower, louder instrument. They are also usually male, but I do know a girl who plays the tuba and is freaking amazing at it.
Percussion- Percussionists are definitely their own type of people. Just like their music doesn't look like any other kind of music I've ever seen in my life, they certainly have an interesting personality. They are generally likable, but they like to be in their own little world, doing their own thing. Like trumpet players, they can have a very big ego, and as a drum major, I've found them to be the hardest section to gain the respect of. However, they can be funny and some of them are adorable, which makes them probably one of my favorite sections of the band.
So that's that. Please note that this is just for fun and wasn't meant to be degrading to any section. Even though I mentioned having a soft spot for percussionists, I really do love all of the sections because without them, we wouldn't have a band. Thanks for reading this, everyone who did, and if somebody wants to make my day by putting a comment down below about if I was correct in these section stereotypes and what your favorite section is, that'd be fabulous!
Flutes- Flute players can be one of two things. They can either be a bit haughty and think they're better than everyone else, or they can be quiet, sweet, and shy. And then there are the rarities who are a combination of the two-- confident, but not snobbish. Another stereotype is that most flute players are girls. Which is true, but I know of several male flutists who are just as good as the female flutists, maybe even better than some of them.
Clarinets- Clarinetists can, again, be one of two things. They are usually either obnoxious and immature, or quiet and a little shy. Again, there can be a combination of the two, but those are even more rare than the combination-type flute players. Clarinetists are also usually female, although of course, there are many male clarinet players out there.
Oboes- I haven't had much experience with oboe players, but the few that I do know are pretty quiet and reserved most of the time. They are also good musicians, because oboe is one of those instruments that people don't play unless they're willing to work hard to be good at it.
 |
| I sound like a wild goose when I play sax, just sayin'. |
Low Reeds (Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Tenor and Bari Sax)- These are also instruments that people generally don't play unless they're good at it. People who play these instruments are usually a little different, which could be why they chose their respective instrument. For example, a bass clarinet player might play that instrument because they don't feel like they fit in with the other clarinets, etc.
Trumpets- Trumpet players are generally quite full of themselves. The ones who are good at playing the trumpet tend to have the biggest egos on the planet, while the ones who aren't that good don't seem to care much about band. However, I have found that male trumpet players are more egotistical than females.
French Horns- Horn players are similar to trumpet players in the sense that they think highly of themselves. The difference is that because the French horn is a difficult instrument to master, they are slightly more mature and they put forth more effort.
Trombones- Honestly, I'm not really sure. I know some trombone players who used to play woodwind instruments, so they still carry that attitude, and I know some who are similar to the euphoniums and tubas in being the comic relief, except they're quieter about it. So I guess they're a mix.
Baritones/Euphoniums- Definitely the comic relief of the band. They can be very immature, loud, and obnoxious, though. As far as gender goes, I've only ever known one girl who played the euphonium, and she quit band after a year.
Tubas- Tuba players (tubists?) are pretty much like the euphonium players, except (obviously) they play a bigger, lower, louder instrument. They are also usually male, but I do know a girl who plays the tuba and is freaking amazing at it.
Percussion- Percussionists are definitely their own type of people. Just like their music doesn't look like any other kind of music I've ever seen in my life, they certainly have an interesting personality. They are generally likable, but they like to be in their own little world, doing their own thing. Like trumpet players, they can have a very big ego, and as a drum major, I've found them to be the hardest section to gain the respect of. However, they can be funny and some of them are adorable, which makes them probably one of my favorite sections of the band.
So that's that. Please note that this is just for fun and wasn't meant to be degrading to any section. Even though I mentioned having a soft spot for percussionists, I really do love all of the sections because without them, we wouldn't have a band. Thanks for reading this, everyone who did, and if somebody wants to make my day by putting a comment down below about if I was correct in these section stereotypes and what your favorite section is, that'd be fabulous!
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Sorry, Everyone Who's Not Here
After some thought, I have decided to cease continuation of the whole "30 Day Post Challenge" thing. This isn't meant to be a testament to my level of commitment to things; usually if I say I'm going to do something, I do it. However, I was supposed to be done with the thirty days about a month ago, and most of the posts weren't really about what this blog is meant to be about anyway. Perhaps I'll use post topics from that challenge in the future, but for now, let's get back on the bandwagon! Get it? BAND wagon? Ha ha ha, so funny. :)
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