Band kids are a special group of people. Whether you are one, were one, or even knew one, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Being in band was definitely an experience, and almost became a way of life. And with that comes certain moments that almost all band kids recognize.
1. When you leave your instrument at home
Don't have your clarinet? Time to practice your part on the pencil of shame. Once you make this mistake once, the humiliation alone is probably enough to make you try to never do it again.
2. When you forget your sheet music
You have to rely on the fact that one of the people you sit next to has the same part as you, and that there's room to share the music. There's really no other option.
3. When you don't have a pencil
You have to constantly ask your neighbor to borrow theirs, and it's just so inconvenient for everyone involved.
4. When you're sightreading and have no earthly idea what you're doing
It's almost as if you lost all abilities to read and play music. Everyone is trying their best but... it doesn't sound like it. Hang in there.
5. When you lose your place in the music
This is honestly so terrifying. You try to read other people's lips to see what they're counting or you just give up and whisper "Where are we?!" to the person next to you.
6. When you try to tune your instrument
Tuners were either your best friend or your worst nightmare. Or both at the same time. It's hard enough to tune one flute, let alone a whole section of them.
7. When you figure out a popular song by ear and annoy your friends with it
Oh, so you don't want to hear me play "Hips Don't Lie" again? Too bad, it's happening anyway.
8. When you gotta empty the spit
Listen, it's gotta happen. Seeing trombones empty their spit valves became as normal as hearing people play "Heart and Soul" on the piano.
9. When your band director asks for opinions on what music to play
You want our opinions? OK, John Williams. Literally anything John Williams. Wait, do you want me to write you a list of composers I like?
10. When you have a solo
Having a solo is simultaneously one of the most exciting and most nerve-wracking moments in band. It's such an honor but you feel the pressure.
11. When your band director says "let's sing this part together"
Dude, no. I was a band kid for a reason. We try our best, but directors know not to expect too much.
12. When you have to practice scales and arpeggios
Scales are useful and essential. But good god, they are quite possibly the worst part of playing an instrument. (Just my opinion, but they kinda suck.)
13. When your sheet music is ridiculous
Look, Mr. Composer Guy, I can't hold a high note for fourteen measures. I have to breathe.
14. When you finally get a tough part of a song right
It's like the heavens open up and everything suddenly becomes right with the world. Whether it's a difficult run or a part with hard articulation, figuring something out is the best feeling ever.
15. When you get to perform the music you've been working on
When it comes down to it, all the practicing is really just to make one performance the best it can be. Often, being a band kid meant putting everything you had into one particular piece or concert. And getting on stage and performing it really made everything worthwhile.
So, did I leave anything out? What are some other moments that all former band kids just get?
