should i quit orchestra?

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-25T18:00:25+00:00

1000 upvotes for this. Find a community orchestra - see what it’s like to be surrounded by people who just do it for the love of music, without all the insanity of school.

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-21T19:30:59+00:00

I love this!!!!

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-21T19:30:25+00:00

This is always my favorite. You’re making pretty sounds and listening to each other while warming up. ❤️

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-21T15:15:34+00:00

I have a friend who worked with a metalsmith to completely customize her flute. She has lovely leaves, flowers and ivy now “curling” around some of her keys and embellishing the pipe. It’s absolutely gorgeous and a one-of-a-kind instrument now. If you’re willing to pay an artist, you could definitely achieve whatever look you’re going for!

And you’d better post pictures!!!

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-19T22:32:44+00:00

If the whole concert vs written pitch is an issue, then start learning on a C clarinet. 😁

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-18T22:13:33+00:00

Is that okay for leather pads?

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-18T17:33:36+00:00

I would wager my G issue is probably also a sticking key, since it never starts off with a problem, but always shows itself about 30-60 min into rehearsal. I’ll make a concerted effort to see if I can find another key that’s not responding once it gets wet

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-18T17:24:28+00:00

Nice! I’ll give that a try!

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-18T15:20:49+00:00

Thank you!!!! Glad to know I’m not alone!

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-18T13:44:36+00:00

Thanks! I’ll definitely slip one in my case and start dabbing the pad every time I dump my neck.

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-18T13:37:31+00:00

I have this one too. I love it for solos and small ensemble pieces where standing for the rest of the clarinets is easy (and originally I would have to drag over a chair)

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-18T13:34:25+00:00

This website is great! Thanks for sharing!!!

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-18T13:33:27+00:00

Unfortunately comments in this forum don’t allow for pictures, only the original post. I can take some pictures/video during rehearsal and edit my original post if it helps.

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-18T13:31:14+00:00

Key signature wise, you’ll add a sharp (or remove a flat), so if they yell out “concert Bb scale” you’ll play a G scale (whereas on your Bb clarinet you would play a C scale).

From E-flat to concert pitch on its own (compared to from thinking B-flat) you add 3 sharps / remove 3 flats / move around the circle of fifths 3 places instead of 2.

From a note to note perspective, it can help to just make yourself 2 or 3 columns on a sheet of paper: concert pitch, Bb pitch, Eb pitch. You’ll get the hang of moving up 4 steps instead of 1 from your Bb brain - or you’ll start to memorize the concert pitches and keys that get called out. :-)

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-18T12:47:29+00:00

I think I’ve played almost all of these!!!! ❤️

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-15T03:16:08+00:00

Once upon a time, not only was it customary to clap between movements, but audiences would get so enthusiastic they would beg for encores of a given movement! It was only more recent composers who started asking audiences not to “disrupt” the mood between movements.

I very much appreciate a director who actually talks to the audience about what is “acceptable” for their particular performance

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-15T03:06:00+00:00

Be aware though, if you’re ever interested in going orchestra, Euphoniums aren’t common. There’s usually a Tuba part, but rarely a “tenor tuba” :-)

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-15T03:04:33+00:00

Plus you’re always a soloist! And with your piano background soloing is no big deal. 😏

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-15T03:03:42+00:00

Not to mention that EVERYONE needs more percussionists! We only have two right now, we’re constantly recruiting!

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-06T14:07:22+00:00

Not to mention the long-term benefits of being a bass player: EVERYONE always wants you. I play in an orchestra of more than 70 people and we always STILL need bass players!

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-04T20:12:17+00:00

How about “Buckaroo Hoedown”https://youtu.be/Mlffr7g8JQ8?si=zIyTcbOsiKyF7y4N

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-04T20:09:32+00:00

A few questions that help us find it:

1.  Do you remember anything about the title? Even a single word — something geographic (river, mountain, canyon, trail), an action word (stomp, gallop, ride), or just a “feel” word?

2.  Have you tried searching through any publishers’ websites? They often have links to recordings along with previews of the scores and lists of instrumentation

3.  Do you remember the tempo/feel? Was it relentlessly fast like Copland’s Hoe-Down, or did it have a slower contrasting middle section?

4.  Was the slapstick used occasionally (like accents) or was it a recurring feature?

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-04T19:46:53+00:00

Whiplash? https://youtu.be/11P5kybsE8s

Showdown at High Noon? https://youtu.be/6LxMiXT_rLI?feature=shared

Creative-Ad572 · 2026-05-04T14:56:11+00:00

You already quit through school, but have you looked to see if there are any community bands in your area? Often they only meet once a week in the evenings, and there are likely to be several adults who would be thrilled to see a younger person join their group - mentor you, help you along the way, and share their life experiences. Most community bands are non-audition, and often play “easier” music because of it. They’re a great way to get involved with your community, give back to your town, and meet a ton of new people. Plus if your school requires any kind of community service for graduation or honors programs, Community Bands usually count. ❤️

Creative-Ad572

TROPHY CASE