My music teacher has asked me to go along to the seabridge centre to join in the groups they have there on a saturday morning. I would really like to join but I am really worried about fitting in with the others and playing to their standards. What do you think?

Thanks
Soph

I'm sure your music teacher thinks you're ready to join one of the groups there. Go for it - playing in a group is really good fun!

You'll fit in fine !! Which band has she asked you to join? If it's the centre windband then you are by far good enough, most people there are grade 2 - 4. If she has asked you to join the concert band then it should be about your standard. You may find the concert band a bit hard at first but you'll be playing the pieces in no time.

You will fit in fine - as you know quite a few people that go there !

Ben

Yes , playing on groups is wonderful , and since your teacher is the one who told you , then I'm sure that he / she knows that you are able to do it Soph

the only person I know is you and I find it hard enough to fit in in woodwind and orchestra I am really worried about going. You know what I am like I am always putting myself down I have a really negative view

Give it a go.

3 years ago, I auditioned and got a place in a wind band. After the first rehearsal, I hated it, I didn't know anyone. But 3 years later, I am in the top orchestra and I have made so many friends. The music is hard, but performing is such a thrill.

With the confidence issue, it is hard, I put myself down a lot. Currently it is because of driving. But if you think of one positive thing after each rehearsal, you'll learn to love it. PM me if you like

Soph go for it!
I go along to play oboe in our local music centre concert band and everyone has a really good time. The music can be challenging but it's great to perform together. It's much better than playing on your own. I find it helpful to able to take away the music to practice during the week rather than leave it at College, you might find it helpful to go through the tricky bits with your teacher. The other great thing is learning from more eperienced players, although as I'm the only oboe,I have to go on what everyone else says.
Altogether I've found it to be a really great way of improving my playing without the stress of playing ww in a proper orchestra and a lot of fun along the way!

I'd go along with just about all of that (except that my driving is ok )

What Nicki says is absolutely right - I didn't enjoy it the first time I got into a wind band as I thought "I haven't a clue what I am doing/where we are..." but it really is great when you go again and play more notes
And (I think Barry said this too, or words to this effect) there is nothing like playing in a group. It's terrific really.

Go for it!!!

Your driving is more that OK...


Sophie - just go along and have some fun! And if you squeak - look at the person next to you with your best frown on...!

You haven't seen it

I used to sit next to someone who was around diploma standard, and to me he never made mistakes, and sounded fantastic. I thought he must think I was stupid and that I couldn't play very well. I told him this one day and he said that he made plenty of mistakes and thought I sounded really good - so don't worry

Lol... I've been complimented on my Clarinet tone quite a bit recently... Although I personally don't think it's anything special... And my technique is certainly nothing special!


The way we see our own playing is always different to how anyone else sees it...

If your teacher says your ready then your probally ready!

Thanks thats a great idea!!