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Re: Beginner seeks advice

Hi Mark,

>
> I am considering learning an instrument and joining a band. I am 45
> and live in the Wigan area. I played the clarinet at school - to grade
> V, but its long gone now - and I loved making music with others. I
> would like to re-acquaint myself with that experience. 
> 
> Here is the sort of thing I am wondering about.  
> 
> - Am I too old to learn an instrument from scratch? Is what I am
> considering even remotely feasible?
> 

If you are committed to the idea then you are certainly not too old!
A band I used to play with had a learners section which was generally
full of kids.  I remember this one guy (of a similar age to you) used
to travel across town to bring his two kids to learners every week and
just sat in the corner while they attended the class.  Someone then
asked him if he'd like to have a go himself, and so he took an old
cornet home and started playing along with the kids.
He took to it very well, and in fact soon overtook his children ...

>
> - Is there any particular instrument I should learn? Either because
> there is a big demand for it, or because it might be easier? 
>

Most people seem to start on Bb cornet.  A brass band has 9 of these
and there are various benches in a cornet section.  It is the most
common instrument in a band, and cornet sections seem to always need
players.  Many bands treat the lower cornet positions as
the place to put learner players.  I personally think this only really
works if you already have experienced, quality back row specialists to
sit along side the trainees and act as mentors.  Back rows full of
learners are to be avoided if possible.
In general, I would say that bands are looking for all kinds of
instrumentalists, so you should go for an instrument that
suits you best (an experienced teacher can often predict at the outset
what size of mouthpiece might be best for you - you need to get some advice
from someone qualified here).  Most of all choose an instrument YOU want
to play!  They tried to get me to move from cornet to Eb horn when I was
learning for a place in the "contest" band.  I dug my heels in though
because all my enthusiasm was in cornet playing.

> - What sort of standard is required for entry to a band, and where
> could I obtain the tuition necessary to reach it?
> 

The required standard varies from band to band.  Contesting bands are
graded in sections (rather like football teams).  The highest standard
is championship section, then 1st, then 2nd, then 3rd, then 4th.  Some bands
are ungraded and are often of sub-4th section standard.
Band playing is fun, and will bring your playing along once ready,
but I would not advise jumping into a band too early.  You need to work
on the basic techniques first.  Seek advice from whoever you get to give
you tuition as to when it is right to get into band playing, and how best
to do it.

> - Do bands have 'beginners' sections?
> 

Some do (as in my little story above).  This is a good place to get
started with some team playing and to learn form the errors of
others, if the learners group is run properly.  Such groups are often
populated with young people, so be prepared.  This should not be a problem
as long as the atmosphere is right and the group is lead properly.

> -  Do they undertake tuition themselves?
> 

Some band players do give tuition, often in their spare time.  There
are some excellent tutors around in our bands, however, be careful here.
The best players don't always make the best teachers and there are people
around offering brass tuition who shouldn't really be doing so!  I know
of several cases of players who were given poor guidance and bad
advice early on which caused them serious problems later.  A good tutor
is essential for you to progress in the right direction!  You need to find
one that is well respected in your own area, and is experienced in sorting
out new players.  I hope the mailing list can help you here.

> 
> All advice, comments, and suggestions will be gratefully received.
> 
> Thanks a lot
> 
> Mark Lyhane
> 

These are just my personal views.  I am not a qualified brass teacher, but
am just drawing on my own experiences.  I have mailed my reply back to the
list in case anyone wants to comment on it.
The brass movement needs more committed new players!  If you are prepared
to work hard at it and have enough energy to battle on through the
difficult times that ALL players experience, then there really is no reason why
your age should be a problem.  Your previous musical experience will help too.
I hope it all works out well for you.

Go for it, and enjoy!

Craig.

----------------------------------------
Craig Gaskell
Principal Cornet, Carlton Main Frickley
E-mail: C.Gaskell@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    (or Craig@xxxxxxxxxxxx)


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