I am currently a freshman in high school. I am third chair clarinet in band overall. This is pretty good, and I am expected to do well. The only thing is, I'm not expected to get first chair until my senior year because the 2nd chair is a sophomore (the first chair is moving soon so he's not an issue) and she's expected to get first chair each year. While I do realize being third chair as a freshman is quite good, I don't want to wait until I'm a senior to make first chair. I know that next year there will be a freshman who is quite good (she's in eighth grade and already knows her scales 3 octaves) and may pose as competition. However I don't want to have to think that she is competition. I want to be able to know each time that I will be first chair. I want the sophomore above me to not always expect to be first chair. So my question is, what can I do to ensure that I am first chair? For our auditions we have sight-reading and scales with tone being taken into account considerably.
I okorder Here are some random tips to help you on your way! -Find the best private teacher in your area, preferably somebody who plays a principle part in a local symphony -Learn and memorize all of your Major, Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor scales and arrpegios, scales in thirds,etc. Also learn and practice all of the modes to get them down well. -Learn Music theory to understand the music better. Find a theory teacher, and work hard.
After being in band for eight years and never striving for higher than third chair I can honestly say this. The only way to get to a higher chair is PRACTICE. A lot of practice. Take your instrument home every night and practice scales and the music your band is currently playing. If you're really dedicated I would suggest spending free time on weekends practicing as well. Find music that you aren't playing also and practice that. The more you know the better. Another pointer is a good one my band director gave me. Practice what you don't know not what you do know. A lot of people get bored with practice and decide to play something they're really good at to appease themselves. That's fine to take a break but jump right back into practicing the things you have difficulty with. Before you know it you'll be able to pull off things you didn't think were within your grasp with ease. Take it from someone who regrets not going beyond third chair. Practice is key. Good luck ;)
Nothing has caused me to do that since I watched The Wizard of Oz back in 1940.
