“Guys we can’t rush, pay attention.” he says, waving his arms wildly above his head. He’s looking sternly at the percussion section full of freshman. They slow down for the third time this song. He’s wearing the typical outfit. Purple Laurel Locomotives shirt tucked into his faded dad jeans. Grey and white tennis shoes to pull the look together. The sunset is glinting off his short, grey hair. I look around at the instruments and people beside me. I feel happy to be a part of it. I get made fun of for it, I know, and it’s not the coolest group to be a part of. As dumb as it may sound though our little band is like a family. In other sports and activities there is so much competition that there is hardly any joy for the art left. Band however, …show more content…
Miller cuts us off at the end of the song and we all scatter until the next break in the game. He looks down and does his usual little chuckle, laughing at how fast we all ran away. He put down the drum sticks he was using to whack a music stand with and folds his arms over his chest, turning to check the score. Inside the school, around the corner is his office. For now it sits quietly, waiting for the noise to enter again. It’s a mess, always, but not to Mr. Miller it isn’t. Even in the chaos of papers and bit and pieces of lost instruments, he knows where everything is at. My teacher was always calm and collected and his office resembled that. Even in the mess of what was happening he knew what to do, and how to fix any problem we came upon. I miss Mr. Miller. I love the new band teachers that we’ve had in the last few years, Mr. Bidwell and Mr. Cross. There is still nobody who can replace Mr. Miller for us. I remember the day that he told us he was leaving. I remember the whole room was in tears, and few were sobbing quietly. Even Mr. Miller had tears building behind each blink. It was hard to hear that he would no longer be there with us. He had lost his hearing almost completely and could no longer teach us the way he used to. The music that he had loved through his life had been the reason he had to stop. Mr. Miller had always been my favorite teacher, and even though he can’t be my teacher anymore, he will remain my
Although I've received many musical accolades, the skills and relationships I've formed while being in band are
I started band in the 6th grade, I honestly thought that I wasn’t going to make it to my senior year, but here I am a senior in band. I am not forced to be in band I can get out at anytime anyday, but I choose not to. It is hard when you are marching and it feels like 100+ degrees. You feel like you want to pass out, but you just have to suck it up and be tough. Throughout the years I have been in band I have created friendships. I have my closest friends in band. I have created many memories in band that will last a lifetime, that I will share one day with my kids. I do not know what I would do without band. Getting in band has been the best decision I have ever made. Band has been the highlight of my high school years. One of the scariest moments I have experienced in band was when we messed up at U.I.L. contest, I was terrified I did not want us to make a 2, it all happened so fast. It was time to get our results, we made a 1, I was so happy. The judges said that if you were to close your eyes and listening to us, you would not know we messed up. We never stopped playing and we recovered so fast, we were so matured when this happened. Band takes up
I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of Carmino's passing from a former student; a student who is one of hundreds of Dalton kids who knew the joy of working with such a caring and loving music teacher. He was a dear man, and I will always think of him with great affection.
Mr. Westman has been my teacher for the past six years and I still don’t think that is enough time to be surrounded by such joy and love that he gives. Mr. Westman has continuously pushed me and my classmates to better ourselves as musicians, students, and most importantly, people. He radiates so much joy for life and teaching and his kindness, sarcasm, and love for “his kids” can never be matched. I’m so grateful to have head his influence for so long, and I can’t wait to come back and see what he continues to do with the amazing orchestra program. #AvonOrchestraTurns10
In the first grade, I picked up a clarinet. It was my sister’s, collecting dust while waiting for me to play it. From the moment I produced my first sound, an ear-piercing squeal that frightened my dog, the path of my life took a turn for the better. I began teaching myself for the following three years, along with learning from my sister how to properly play the beautiful instrument. The music pushed me out of my comfort zone: concerts that forced me onstage, tests that made me play difficult songs, and teachers that pushed me to be an exceptional player. From the shy elementary school student I used to be to the outgoing band member I take joy in being today, music has shaped my everyday life.
In the middle of the band season kids end up seeing each other at band everyday except Sunday, so naturally the band gets very close and forms a “band family”. For most of the kids band becomes a place where you don’t have to worry about all the stressful parts of your life. There will always be someone there to support you, which is why so many kids love band and all the people in it. Personally, band is my safe space. When I go to band I know everything will be okay and I don’t have to worry about anything other than hitting my high A flat. These kids have high grades, love what they’re doing, and stay out of trouble by coming to
Band has become my second home and my drum has become my heart. They have shown me that I am capable of more than I think. I’ve been able to discover more about myself being in percussion than I was while playing flute. My family is the people I go and spend 9 days out of the week
I have been actively participating in the school band for five years. While most of my fellow classmates have dropped out of band, I have stuck with it because, I know band teaches me valuable
Another extraordinary person described by Joanne Lipman in “And the Orchestra Played On” is a music teacher, Mr. K. or Jerry Kupchynsky. Lipman never directly says that Mr. K. was a great teacher, but her essay shows it very clearly. At first Mr. K. gives the impression of a tough, rude man, but it changes gradually throughout the story. Strict and demanding, Mr. K. loved discipline and cooperation. He wasn’t mean, but his life was mean to him. He endured fascist camps, the death of his wife from a long suffering disease, immigration, and the murder of his daughter. In my opinion, he was very lonely and had the right to hate life. However, he was the type that believes “what does not kill us makes us stronger”. He did not give up, found his strength and love in music, and taught
It doesn’t take a natural disaster or a death to alter the course of your life. It can be as small and simple as a choice—picking a class. My life was changed for the better when, in sixth grade, I chose to join the band. I remember vacillating, nearly in tears, over which instrument to learn before deciding to choose the flute, unaware that this decision would mold me through out my middle school and high school years. Band has taught me valuable life lessons and leadership skills, it has provided me with priceless friendships, and it has fostered a love of music in me. Without band I would not be the person I am today.
I met most of my best friends from band. You will become more social and outgoing. I used to be so shy and quiet, but once i started band I became the loudest and most outgoing kid there is. Being in band is the coolest thing you can do. You meet so many new people and make so many new friends.
Lastly, being in band has made a great impact in my life because, I love it, I love music, and I enjoy being in something bigger than myself. I love the feel when each individual comes together to be part of something bigger than oneself. My main example would be marching band, due to all the individuals that it takes to make an entire show. Over two hundred and fifty individuals are asked to do various of tasks but at the end it is all worth it because, after every show or performance each individual will put all they have onto that field. Not only do I enjoy being in something bigger than myself but I also have a passion for music. Ever since I was little I was always interested in music and I wanted to play an instrument so when I got into
The sun was harshly burnt my face. I was at my uncle’s house that summer day just to hang out because he had some cool “toys” he wanted to show us. Anyway, there we were, me, my dad, and my brothers Aidan and Austin.
When the question is brought up, “What does band mean to you?” I immediately think of the responsibility, hard work, and dedication and band has given me the chance to learn and strengthen. In addition to these life skills are many others, such as leadership, teamwork, and friendship. The Force has made more than just a difference in my high school career, it has impacted my life and has provided me with skills that will follow me throughout my life. Band means to supporting each other as we work through the hard times and grow closer as a family. Band means working hard and taking on responsibility for yourself. It also means being dependable, that people can count on you and your ability to achieve the unthinkable.
Music equals life, or the saying goes. I feel if I had dropped out of band I would have missed out on a great experience. The ability to play music is something that will live on in you for the rest of your life. Unlike playing a sport you can't ever get worn out or injured and lose the talent. All through school I played sports from baseball to soccer, sure it was fun but it was never my calling, but just being able to play music for a live audience is a feeling that is so amazing there are not enough