Alternatives to HS Band

[Anonymous]

Rising junior DD plays an instrument that is not well utilized or supported by her HS band. She is considering dropping band next year to make room for other academic classes she wants to take. She will continue with private lessons, but will miss playing ensemble music. She doesn’t have much time outside school for more extracurriculars but may be able to handle something low key. Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

What do you mean - not well utilized or supported by HS band? What instrument is it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rising junior DD plays an instrument that is not well utilized or supported by her HS band. She is considering dropping band next year to make room for other academic classes she wants to take. She will continue with private lessons, but will miss playing ensemble music. She doesn’t have much time outside school for more extracurriculars but may be able to handle something low key. Any ideas?

Like English horn? You could ask the teacher whether they have other students who would like to play in an ensemble and whether the teacher would like to coach the ensemble (basically, private lessons for an ensemble).

[Anonymous]

She could try Bach to Rock or classical music studio and see if they have ensembles.

[Anonymous]

It’s an uncommon instrument and to name it would be too identifying. There are few players county-wide. Instead of feeling featured as she would in some bands, she often feels ignored, asked to play another instrument’s music or sit out, doesn’t receive feedback, etc. She’s good, according to her private teacher and solo festival adjudicators, but isn’t feeling the love in her HS band.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s an uncommon instrument and to name it would be too identifying. There are few players county-wide. Instead of feeling featured as she would in some bands, she often feels ignored, asked to play another instrument’s music or sit out, doesn’t receive feedback, etc. She’s good, according to her private teacher and solo festival adjudicators, but isn’t feeling the love in her HS band.

Band is a team sport.

[Anonymous]

Hard to find an off-the-beaten-path ensemble for a rare, secret instrument.


DC could ask their band friends to play together in a small ensemble.
Make a rock band.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hard to find an off-the-beaten-path ensemble for a rare, secret instrument.

DC could ask their band friends to play together in a small ensemble.
Make a rock band.

I kinda want to know what the rare, secret band instrument is. Crumhorn? Bagpipes? Vuvuzela? Wagner tuba?

[Anonymous]

If it's something like the Bassoon, try a youth orchestra instead. Auditions for next year have already happened but they might take a late audition for a rare wind or brass instrument. Generally they practice one weeknight with concerts a handful of times per year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s an uncommon instrument and to name it would be too identifying. There are few players county-wide. Instead of feeling featured as she would in some bands, she often feels ignored, asked to play another instrument’s music or sit out, doesn’t receive feedback, etc. She’s good, according to her private teacher and solo festival adjudicators, but isn’t feeling the love in her HS band.

Band is a team sport.

It's not a sport at all.

[Anonymous]

OP - you are going to need to at least specify a type of instrument. Percussion? Wind? Brass?

You just won't get good suggestions otherwise.

[Anonymous]

My guess is oboe, and the school doesn’t have a high enough level orchestra to make that an option.

[Anonymous]

I’m pp above- she could also pick up a second instrument. Using oboe as her primary for example she could pick up voice/choir, percussion, or strings so her embouchure isn’t messed up. I did both band and choir in hs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m pp above- she could also pick up a second instrument. Using oboe as her primary for example she could pick up voice/choir, percussion, or strings so her embouchure isn’t messed up. I did both band and choir in hs.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rising junior DD plays an instrument that is not well utilized or supported by her HS band. She is considering dropping band next year to make room for other academic classes she wants to take. She will continue with private lessons, but will miss playing ensemble music. She doesn’t have much time outside school for more extracurriculars but may be able to handle something low key. Any ideas?

Like English horn? You could ask the teacher whether they have other students who would like to play in an ensemble and whether the teacher would like to coach the ensemble (basically, private lessons for an ensemble).

Her band director doesn’t seem too interested in cultivating this instrument. That’s the problem.