I am a sophomore and the girl who is the first chair for the flute is graduating. My friend wants to be first chair and so do I. I am not sure if my band has ranking like that but I still want to get the first chair. I would hate for my friend to get mad if I do sit in the first chair but, I want to continue music in college and she doesn't. What should I do?
It's the director's decision. It's not something for you and your friend to decide.
Hi! I'm currently a first chair flautist in an orchestra and I'll be giving up my position next year :( When I auditioned, our conductor asked me to play a piece ( I played grade 8 standard) and he asked me why I want to sit in first chair. First chair is an honour, but it doesn't mean you're the best player. It doesn't matter which seat you're sitting in. In the youth orchestra I'm in, the first chair takes care of the other chairs, eg tuning before playing, sorting music, seating arrangements etc. There's little kids about 12 always whining saying I wanna play in the first flutes!!! But I have a policy. First flute = grade 6 and above, since I let a couple of them play first flute and they couldn't play the music.. So think about it. Do you just want first chair because you want to be known as the first chair flautist and beat your friend out, or do you consider yourself a skilled enough player.. do you think you really deserve it, too?
I remember competing for 1st chair well it obviously it seems like you want it more and she might be a little resentful but shell get over it and thats life youll be competing for jobs and your not gonna let your friend take it just because its your friend go for it and in the end its whoever is the best
Practice, practice, practice! Figure out a song to play, and practice it until you think it is as close to perfect as you can get it. If you really want first chair, go for it. I'm sure that your band instructor will make sure that you and your friend both get a fair chance. If you don't get first chair, it doesn't mean that you won't be able to continue music in college. Most music schools base their decisions more on what students get in by how well they play their instrument, not what chair hey had in high school. Good luck!
