Spring Musical Observation
"I like this instrument because the reeds taste like peanuts," I said as I plastered the sliver of wood to the clarinet mouthpiece.
"Ew, gross!" the young music shop owner replied.
Ever since I stopped playing the piano, I yearned to learn a new instrument. After testing out a wide range of instruments from the trombone to the guitar, I finally found one that fit my personality: the clarinet. Then over the years, I started to learn the different techniques to better my playing, all while performing with the Kansas City Youth Symphony, school band programs, and the spring musicals. But as the curtain fell for the last time on the musical my freshman year, the District Music Festival was looming just around the corner. Through my preparation for Districts, I learned that everybody can have a different …show more content…
"I want you to find a piece that really speaks to you," my clarinet instructor, Emil, told me, his Middle-Eastern accent twisting the sound of each word which complemented his dark hair and sharp features. "Don't pick one just because it looks difficult or easy. Choose a piece that really lets you express yourself."
After he left, I raced up to my room, grabbed the countless music books littering my music stand, and began to flip through them. After what seemed like hours, I started to file through the Concert and Contest Collection. After noticing that I had already played or looked at a few songs in that book, I came across a new song, Fantasy Piece, which had been heavily marked by a previous musician. This looks too easy, I thought. I want something that is at least a little challenging. I sat that book aside and decided to show Emil the next time we met.
"I love that song!" Emil told me excitedly. "It also fits you
"Ew, gross!" the young music shop owner replied.
Ever since I stopped playing the piano, I yearned to learn a new instrument. After testing out a wide range of instruments from the trombone to the guitar, I finally found one that fit my personality: the clarinet. Then over the years, I started to learn the different techniques to better my playing, all while performing with the Kansas City Youth Symphony, school band programs, and the spring musicals. But as the curtain fell for the last time on the musical my freshman year, the District Music Festival was looming just around the corner. Through my preparation for Districts, I learned that everybody can have a different …show more content…
"I want you to find a piece that really speaks to you," my clarinet instructor, Emil, told me, his Middle-Eastern accent twisting the sound of each word which complemented his dark hair and sharp features. "Don't pick one just because it looks difficult or easy. Choose a piece that really lets you express yourself."
After he left, I raced up to my room, grabbed the countless music books littering my music stand, and began to flip through them. After what seemed like hours, I started to file through the Concert and Contest Collection. After noticing that I had already played or looked at a few songs in that book, I came across a new song, Fantasy Piece, which had been heavily marked by a previous musician. This looks too easy, I thought. I want something that is at least a little challenging. I sat that book aside and decided to show Emil the next time we met.
"I love that song!" Emil told me excitedly. "It also fits you