Last night's rehearsal in my new community band

[Eclipsehornplayer]

I thought I’d take a moment to share some things with you; my TM friends! As most of you know the last 3 months or so have been very tough on me and my family. Since arriving here in Michigan I’ve not been playing anywhere near the time that I’m accustomed to. I have been focused solely on my new job and my father’s care.

I’m happy to report that although he’s made no real measurable gains he continues to maintain a good attitude and works hard at his therapy. I’m so inspired by him! The community band that I had investigated here in my area of Michigan rehearses on Tuesday nights from 7:30 Pm to 9:30Pm. I was visiting with my dad yesterday and he asked if I had joined it yet. I replied no and told him I was waiting until things had settled down a bit more before making other commitments.

My dad then said to me, “Other commitments? It’s not a commitment for you its fun and you miss it! I want you to stop worrying about me and go join; Now!” That’s the essence of my dad always worried about everyone else. Well he prodded me more and more and finally I agreed that I’d go and check into the band.

I arrived for rehearsal last night and as soon as I walked in the door of course I was singled out; not in a bad way; as the “new guy.” It doesn’t help that I’m 6’3” and 340Lbs so when I enter a room it’s very noticeable anyway. I came walking in with every instrument I own not knowing what to expect. I was very nervous wondering if I’d made a mistake; will I fit in? Will this group like me and be as good to me as my former community band down in Georgia?

I introduced myself as I walked in the door to the first person I saw. She was an Oboe player and she directed me to the trumpet section and the section leader. I introduced myself and he asked the basics about me. How long you been playing? Where are you from? Yada yada yada….. He told me how they do things and asked if I’d be Ok with it. It’s really neat the way they do things in the trumpet section. Every trumpet player is a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd player. I was the 13th trumpet; yeah I know! What a section eh? So I was assigned to group C. The way they do it is they have 3 groups A, B, and C with 4 members to each group except C which now had 5 with me. On song 1 group A plays 2nd, group B plays 3rd and group C plays 1st. So every song you play a different part! It’s neat in that everyone gets a chance to play the “good stuff.” The drawback of course is that every once in a while you have people playing 1st that maybe should not be. I don’t see that as an issue here though as the group as a whole seems to be pretty good players.

I settled into my chair and then it hit me; Oh crap. I have to prove myself here. These people don’t know me from Adam and I’m now swimming in the thick of it. I now was really nervous and tried not to let it show. As it turns out the band was preparing for a concert in two weeks. So we were working on the concert material. What luck the first song called I had just spent the last two months working on in my community band in Georgia “Sinatra in Concert.” It’s not a hard piece at all but I nailed it spot on. Then we starting working on the rest of the concert which was all sight reading for me; something that I don’t do well. We played everything from Rock around the Clock to the Beach Boys and to Grease and back. It was much more varied then I had played in a band setting in a long, long, time.

I had to read on with one of my group mates as they did not have a music folder for me because I am new. This was difficult for me too. I am legally blind out of my right eye and I wear bi-focals. Of course my group mate sat on my right making it difficult for me to see the music and then kept the music all the way to his right even further from me. This made my goal of fitting in and playing well very challenging. By the break I felt good; amazingly about my playing and most of the nervous jitters were gone.

It’s a small world! During rehearsal I kept thinking to myself I know that Tuba player back there I think. But then I thought well it can’t be the same kid I went to school with he was a trombone player. Curiosity got to me and at the break I was approached by our section leader and asked how I was doing. I said that I felt fine and was thankful for being given a chance. All my group members told the section leader that I was playing the material just fine so I guess it was all good. I asked the section leader the Tuba players’ name. He told me and I almost fell out of my chair. I’ll be darned I replied. I told them if that was the same person I had not seen him in 23 years! We went over and I was introduced and sure as shootin’ it was him! He surprised me by standing up, shaking my hand and giving me a hug. He said some expletives that I’ll leave out and said it was good to see me. The last time we saw each other I was the lead trumpet in the Seitz Jr. High School band and he was the lead Trombone player. We caught up a bit and then got back after it. It was great to be re-united with someone who knew me when I was on top of my game.

We continued on and finished out the rest of the concert. I felt surprisingly good about how I played. Truth be told my single biggest flaw is a lack of confidence. I just relied on the foundation that Alex built with me and my playing abilities took care of the rest. I am not used to seeing notes above top line F because for the last two years I’ve been playing 3rd. I had music that went up to the roof of my rage and I nailed it. It felt great. I must again thank Alex for I know that I would not have done so well without her. God I miss you girl! It was nice to be able to play again.

At rehearsals end I really believe that I had earned my peers respect and trust. The community band appears to be a great group of people with attitudes and egos checked at the door! This really appeals to me. Much to my surprise I was asked to join them in their upcoming concert just two weeks away. I thought for sure that I would be asked to sit it out; and I expected to. What a wonderful surprise. One of the guys in my group gave me his music to take home and woodshed. I intend to come back next week and really show them what I can do; all in the context of the music of course.

Anyway sorry for the short story I guess I just really wanted to share this with you as you’ve been so supportive of me and I’m so grateful to you for that. It’s nice to be always among friends even though we are all so geographically scattered.

John

[Solar Bell]

Way to go John!

-cw-

[Alex Yates]

It is great to hear from you John! I am glad things are falling into place nicely for you. It is great that you found a group to join in the shortest delay and I hope you enjoy many years of music making with them.

I am really proud of you. I miss you too, big guy.

[Manny Laureano]

Hey, John

Here's a little "welcome home" song for you, as promised:

http://www.trumpetmaster.com/vb/198/...tml#post305120

I have no doubts you'll prove your worth as a dedicated musician in the new band. And bully to you for finding a group as quickly as you did.

ML

[gregc]

Damn, John! No moss grows under your feet, huh? Congrats on the new gig. Playing music will be a good relief valve for the other things you now have to deal with. Your father is a wise man. I bet you're glad he pushed you to go now!
Me, I'm still hunting for a band to play in. I'm now on a sub list for the local orchestra. Maybe that'll get me in the door. I'm jealous!

[Vulgano Brother]

Awesome! You can leave the Kevlar vest at home next time!
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[Firestas'1]

Way to go John! I'm still trying to find the courage / time to go play with the local band in my town, it's been 10 years since I've played with them.

[Eclipsehornplayer]

Thanks everyone; really!

I draw a lot of strength from knowing that I have friends here who support me.

TM is a great place indeed!

[Solar Bell]

Originally Posted by Kinghornplayer

I draw a lot of strength from knowing that I have friends here who support me.

Not to mention the Hula girl's support in your avatar!

-cw-

[Vulgano Brother]

Originally Posted by Solar Bell

Not to mention the Hula girl's support in your avatar!

He's almost blind in his right eye, remember? That's his braille instructor.