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Question: Is it too late for me to join an orchestral/marching band!?
I have been playing trumpet for about three, four months with a private teacher who says that I am making terrific developments and should be ready to be in a band within a year, if not sooner!. I would really like to be in a band ( a concert band would be better than a marching band, but usually the two are merged in high school) but I am kind of afraid to join one!. The problem is, I think most people in high school bands have been playing their instruments in a band since elementary school or middle school, and I have never played in a band!. I may know how to play the instrument, but being in a band and playing with other people is a completely new level to it!. Is it too late for me to join a high school band, once I get at a level of skill that I can play!? In a year (when I'll probably be at an acceptable level of skill) I'll be a junior, and that seems kind of late to be joining with no experience with playing in a band!. Are there other places where I can join a band for first-time high school students!? I would really like to join a band, I'm just afraid I won't have the knowledge to do so!Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Don't worry! I am the principal Violinist in our school orchestra and 2nd chair of our high school district symphonic orchestra!. Recently I've started to learn the Bassoon in order to join the concert band along with my friend who plays Viola who is learning to play Timpani for concert band!. We will have to play the advanced music once we do join, but we aren't worried! No, instead, enjoy your new experience, music is a fun thing, and it brings fulfillment, and many memories! You will make a great new group of friends (band geeks and orchestra dorks are awesome people for bus rides to performances XD) Don't worry about being looked down upon! That absolutely never happens, if you are a dedicated beginner such as yourself that is a very good thing! and who knows!? Maybe you will find your life calling in music! I know I did :)

And guess what!? We are joining as Juniors as well X) haha!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Go talk to the teacher of orchestra/marching band!. Take your instrument with you!.
There is no way that we can tell your ability level over the net!.The teacher wants to build the program and wants players who can do the job!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I was in band from sixth grade until I graduated!. (I graduated a year early so I'm not sure what year to say I finished!.) And one thing you should know now is if you join a concert band class or marching band, they'll teach you anything and everything you don't know!. So don't be embarrassed about not knowing something!. If you're worried about your experience level then I suggest taking a class under the techincal one you should be in!. Say you're a sophomore, then take a freshman class!. If you're a junior take a sophomore class!. And don't feel too old!. My last year of high school I wanted to be lazy so I took a freshman class!. Just do what will make you happy!. You don't want to regret not taking a band class!. Despite what everyone says about band kids, it's actually really fun!.Www@QuestionHome@Com