Welcome to Gaia! ::

I used to live very far away from where I do now. 6th through 8th grade I was in band. My Father got a job halfway across the state and I had to bid my home goodbye. In my new school, there was no band whatsoever. It wasn't so bad...there was no reminder. I decided to change schools after I finished my sophomore year. My new school DID have band. We have pep rallies every week and every time I heard the music, I just fell in love all over again. I resisted and held it off. But, by the end of the year, I talked to the head director and he seemed to be happy to welcome me to band. I was so excited! I was told I would get someone to teach me to play what I missed, but my 'teacher' never showed up for a single practice. This year started and I was so nervous. I went in, and the people were wonderful, the music was enchanting, and I was learning to march with others. I soon realized, though, that I didn't know any of my notes. My first band teacher never really checked our music at all, so whenever I got new music I would immediately write my positions on the music. So, in truth, I never really did learn to read the music. I had to quit. It was so hard to do so. I couldn't find the words and I didn't know I would actually cry. But...I believe band is a unit. I would have brought so many down with me. It still saddens me, but I believe one day I'll look back and think it was either the best thing I could sacrifice or look at myself as a quitter. My best suggestion is to continue listening and practicing and if you love it enough, you can go back someday. Good luck.