I've just had a phone call from my band conductor. I was on the waiting list for a space at concert band (the next stage up from flute choir). There is a space for me there now, BUT earlier I was saying to my friend at flute choir this morning that I wasn't going to audition this year, because I only have a year left, and that I would probably stay in flute choir. He just phoned me and said that he's told the conductor that I'm coming. I phoned her and she sounded wierd when I said I am going there next saturday... Do you reckon I should go?



Edit: Oh and I am terrified. At the gala concerts in the summer, we played in the same one as concert band and they sounded so good.

Yes, go concert bands are amazing, and they'll be about 6 flutes! So you won't be on your own!!

6? You see, I'm sort of used to playing with 30.

Yes, but really don't worry! In a concert band, the rule of thumb generally is that if you can hear yourself you're playing too loud. I follow other people, honestly, it isn't as bad as it sounds. They'll be at least 2 to a part. Why not try it out for a few weeks?

I'm sure it would be great experience to play with a group other than the one you are used to.

But - if you 're not so keen - is there some way you can try it out for one rehearsal before you decide?

Hmm thats a good idea...

I am excited now, just still nervous. I'm only excited because my practice went ok ish tonight.

When are the rehearsals? What are you playing?

Next saturday 9.30-12 (same as flute choir) and I don't know what they're playing.

Could you not ask your flute teacher could you go on Saturday and see how you get on before deciding? That way, if you decide you would rather stay in the flute choir your place won't have been allocated to someone else in the meantime.

Oooh.

I'd say go for it - you might not get the opportunity again before you go off to university. And besides, it'll look good on your UCAS form.

Everyone else was probably at least as apprehensive as you when they started, I'm sure you'll be plenty good enough .

I was really apprehensive. Last year was my first time in a county wind band, and I knew nobody. The first rehearsal was horrible, as I knew nobody, etc, but by the end of last year I was upset because I had to leave! Also, you can compete in competitions and things, which can be really fun...if we get to the finals of this competition like we did last year, we have to travel all the way to Glasgow!

Do it.

Do let us know what you decide and how it goes, Helen.

Are you allowed to stay in both? That would help! Or at least try for a few weeks till you decide...

Erm... not possible!

I'll let y'all know how it goes on erm... sunday night! I have to go straight from there to the international selection camp

That's a shame

Hope it goes well!

You'll have a great time! I'll save saying I told you so until Sunday night!

Well you might tell me sooner because I'm desperately thinking of a reason to get out of the camp

*wags finger*

I wouldn't worry, noone in our concert band can hear any of the 12 flutes

I'm sure it'll go well, have a great time! Congratulations!

No, once the brass are playing, you really can't hear the flutes. I had a solo to do as the principal second wasn't here, and the principal of the flutes was supposed to do it with me and the picc, but they weren't here either, so I was really nervous, but you could hardly hear me play!

I start tomorrow morning .

Good luck!

I'm so nervous

Good luck!

Car Expert

Good luck! Don't be nervous!

Once the brass are playing, you can't hear anyone else

You can do it Helen!

Eeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!

Hope it goes well!

Hope it is going well!!

Looking forward to hearing all about it...

Well? How did you get on Helen?

*is also impatient to know...*

Hehe sorry, only just got back from guide camp!

Well, on the way to concert band, I felt sooo sick and didn't want to go! Then we got to the school where it's held, I just followed the people because I had no idea where abouts in this huge school it was held! They start with a sectional rehersal which surprised me because flute choir very rarely had sectionals! Fortunately I knew about half of the flute section because they had all been in flute choir at some point! Then after the break, we had a normal rehersal, where the piece we practiced was played (Waltz from Sleeping Beauty) about twice the speed that we had done it during the sectionals... I was like "eek!" I just about kept up in most of it *makes mental note to practice it with a metronome* Although when I got there, the conductor put me and the boy who came up from flute choir straight onto flute 1

Sounds as if you got on well then. Are you staying in the band? You're lucky you knew so many people too.

Yes

I'm glad it went well for you

Hope you continue to enjoy it Helen

Hope it all goes well in the future!

Car Expert

Glad you enjoyed it Helen.

Yeh, Wind Band's are really good fun I was a bit kinda nervous before the firstrehersal, but when i got to know peeps it became really good thanks for being so friendly Nicky!! Of course we're going to travel to Glasgow!! lol, what a loooooooooooooooooong bus journey! lol

You're welcome Amy! If you think the bus journey to Glasgow is on, wait until we go to Italy!!

Oh yea, I hadn't thought about it like that! lol, we'll have to take loads of things to keep us amused! lol. Lets steal Ceri's french knitting! lol Italy will take ages and ages! Lucky Us!

What is French knitting?

Hi Amy, didn't know you posted here ! Steal my french Knitting . I'll just have to write loads of random letters for you to read like one and hour.

Ermmmm, it's where you have a kind of wooden doll thing. It'd hard for me to descibe.... Ceri could you describe please......

Mousey!!! Yay your alive!!??!?!? lol Will it be a random letter about sweets??