The cacphony is temporary
A video (forwarded by son#1) brought back memories. So many memories.
I’ll start by mentioning that beginning musicians are a special species. Not quite the “finished” product we think. As an analogy, consider someone learhing to ride a bicycle. The fluid motion isn’t there, in the beginning. The sonic crashes can be memorable. Now, multiply the show by forming a band. First year concert band, with a balanched mix of brassh, woodwind, percussion, tone deafness. That we don’ have a higher rate of self-destruction in the band teacher profession is actually odd. Or proof that good earplugs work.
I speak from experience. Years of junior band (I loved to fill in the empty chair at rehearsal, and the instrument didn’t matter). I’ve stood in front of a beginner recorder class, and come out the other side. I’ve helped a generation of tuba players to find their tone. Done it all. And so back to the video.
As near as I could hear, this was a communion of sectionals. Each group triained in isolation befor comung together. Tuning was forgotten, and I suspect the sheet music was also from different drawers in the music library. I don’t dare share the video with young parents, in fear that we divert all budgets to the art department.
Believe me, sonic disasters are not related to the quality of the instruments. In the birthing of a band, nothing sounds as expected. Give them time. Show patience. Wear those earplugs. Eventually, your group will astonish. Astound, even. Try not to blame the fellow waving that stick in front. Next year, it will all be better, as Junior evolves into Internediate.
