a youtube comment that escalated quickly · 9:03am Mar 5th, 2022
the one thing i wish i took more advantage of...
at the start you get into music because you hear it and something clicks inside of you and makes you want to do it too.
of course at the beginning it makes sense to always play what someone else tells you to because you know nothing, and everything is helpful at that level. its designed to be.
as time goes on, you realize that while you cant play the things you originally wanted to because they are too hard, you can still find enjoyment in playing music in a concert band setting.
still more time goes on, perhaps you reach the top level of your band program, perhaps you are introduced to parade style, drum corp, pit orchestra, jazz, not to mention solo and ensemble etc... each providing a new and unique challenge. at this point you could probably play all of those songs that got you into music no problem, but somehow it becomes more important to play the things the directors/conductors pick rather than what you want.
more time passes, either you drop out after high school, realize you dont have what it takes to make it but still want to have fun in college, or you decide to take it seriously and let music theory/private lessons/practicing consume you. if you have ever tried taking music theory then you know what im talking about. if you havent, ive seen fully healthy people look like walking corpses after a year.
this is where i bowed out as i realized i didnt have what it took to be a musician. but i imagine that had i continued on, what awaited was either a teacher who was restricted by the educational system, or a performer which would struggle to make ends meet. constantly on edge knowing that, as a performer, you are only ever as good as your next note.
if you got this far congratulations. you made it. :) point being, that i wish i took more advantage of those free times between concerts to play the things i actually wanted to play. i think it would have been fun. of course i could always go back and do it for fun on my own time, but knowing how much work is needed it wouldnt be impossible just very difficult. too much effort for an "adequate at best" musician.
if you made it this far, welcome back from the void. please, exit the ride out the left side and be sure to visit our gift shop on the way out.
If you never find a way to may music "pay" financially, don't let go of it.
There is nothing more cathartic than breaking out the old sticks and drumming on anything at all - since I don't have a kit anymore.
Never lose that passion for music, creativity, or an art form you enjoy.