Reflections on My High School Band Experience
Over 50 years have passed since I found myself in the high school band, a story that has often stayed with me, marked by both triumphs and challenges. Music, a passion that developed unexpectedly, has played a pivotal role in shaping my life. In this article, I will share my experience and the highs and lows that shaped it.
Starting with a Trumpet
The journey began with a humble gift from my father, a trumpet for my 13th birthday. My father, a non-musician, believed I might be interested in playing jazz after frequently listening to my first cousin, the famous jazz cornetist Bix Beiderbecke. However, my true interest lay in the musician, not the instrument. This gift was a stepping stone that led to a journey of discovery and learning.
Consistency and Competition
For my junior and senior years, I played clarinet to maintain a consistent position in the school orchestra. One year, I was asked to play the minuscule E flat clarinet for my senior year while my friend John was concertmaster in the senior year. I decided to let John take the challenge by stepping down for him, which seemed to be the best for everyone. This decision also indirectly influenced John's path, leading him to become a multi-instrumentalist and a collector of exotic instruments like the hurdy gurdy. Sometimes, I wonder if my own 'multi-instrumentalism' had an effect on him.
The Christmas Concert and an Unexpected Twist
During my junior year, John and I were the clarinets in the orchestra. We were playing Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" during the Christmas concert, a piece known for its prominent clarinet solos. An amusing incident occurred where we somehow got out of sync by one measure at the very end. The result was a strange combination of 'advanced harmony' instead of a clear mistake. After the concert, our director Mr. Mims humorously commented, "Wow, that was psychedelic," a phrase that has stuck with me over the years.
The Orange Bowl Experience
The pinnacle of my high school band career was undoubtedly being the feature band at the Orange Bowl in Florida during the late 1960s. It was a long bus ride, filled with college pranks to avoid. Upon reaching Florida, we found ourselves rehearsing on the football field when all the water sprinklers suddenly activated. An unexpected and memorable moment, it was the perfect way for Mr. Mims' motivational talk to end!
These experiences, filled with challenges and memorable moments, have left a lasting impact on my journey in music. They remind me of the importance of resilience, the joy of unexpected twists, and the enduring power of music that unites us.
Conclusion
While the journey may seem like a distant memory now, the lessons learned from high school band experience continue to shape my life. Music is more than just an art form; it is a source of inspiration, friendship, and personal growth. It has taught me the value of competition, the beauty of unexpected turns, and the power of community in the midst of shared experiences.