I have an oboe named Mortimer and a clarinet named William but William is at home now. Mortimer is here. :) I love Mortimer! And I play the english horn too, his name is Larry. There's another english horn that I call Quincy. I love my instruments really lots. Playing in band is sosososososososososo much fun, especially when I get to make fun of the trumpet players and trombone players. Krepana
i first became a band nerd in the 9th grade, and my life has never been the same since...
On the first day of school, I walked into the band hall as a lost and frightened "fish". I had no previous experience on any instrument, but my band director said that I could play " the bells ". I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. I'd never heard anyone refer to the instrument as "the bells" or "mallets" or "pit percussion" before. At the time, nobody else was playing mallets. I walked up to the bell set with a dazed expression on my face... SOMEHOW I was going to make some beautiful music on the thing...I just knew it. Obviously, the last person to play the bells was named Brooke, for she left a sign taped to it that read "Brooke's Bells". "It's mine now" I thought. The first song I learned how to play was "Touch Me" by the Doors, which we played during halftime that season. It was the best experience I have had. Admittedly, I wan't very good at first, but by the winter concert I had learned to read music, and could sight-read with skill. Now I am a sophomore, and proud to be the band's "Bell Player"!!! Sometimes I practice for hours - I just love it!!! Last week, I recieved my first award in music - I recieved a division I rating on a xylophone solo at U.I.L.(region solo & ensemble contest)!!!! Unfortunately, our percussion ensemble received a 2...the judge thought we were "too loud"! oh well, at least we got to perform it in front of an audience - at our mid-winter concert AND in the cafeteria at the high school that was hosting the UIL contest!!!!
Playing the bells (and occasionally the 'phone) has changed my life...in my opinion, it is the most beautiful instrument. Next, I'm gonna learn to play with FOUR mallets!!!!
By Steph
