Personal Narrative: My Band Experience In A Middle School Band

To accept a challenge is daunting, whereas to seek out a challenge is rewarding. This realization came to me during my middle school band experience and has followed me to this day. No longer do I wonder why the avid runner enters a marathon or why the science whiz takes incredibly difficult chemistry courses. Although these tasks seem mountainous to others, those who enjoy these activities run toward the challenge with open arms. My challenge came to me in the form of a clarinet, some sheet music, and the glory that was being first chair, a position of distinction among the other clarinetists in the band that was designated to the most skilled player. My brother joined the band two years before I enrolled, and his initial mention of “first chair” seemed rather unappealing to me. I could not understand why a student would seek out more difficult music, the potential to have a solo, or the weight of having the band instructor expect the student to be the best in his instrument section. I could not see the appeal in practically …show more content…
By default, the next open seat presented me with third chair sheet music. This music was much easier than the first chair music; the range of notes was small and the rhythms were simple since the third chair music was designed to be easy to play. I quickly learned the music, and it quickly bored me. I felt that my potential was greater than being stuck with simplicity. Upon seeing the first chair sheet music, it became my goal to hold a chair position that would allow me to play those difficult notes and rhythms, as they greatly intrigued me. I wanted this challenge. To fast-forward, I quickly tested into higher chair positions, and I was soon playing the music I had aspired to learn. This music absolutely took more time to learn, improve upon, and perfect. This was the challenge I had asked for though; I did not want to be bored with my sheet