Joining an Orchestra and getting back into music
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Not a lot of people know this but I am a brass player. That's right, a tiny person plays in the loudest part of an orchestra.
I have been playing the Cornet since I was in primary school, for those who don't know (like my boyfriend), it's pretty much the same thing as a Trumpet, just a bit smaller and slightly higher in pitch.
Playing in an orchestra has always been one of my favourite things. There's nothing better than being involved in something so spectacular as playing a John Williams collection and knowing you're the leading role (erm, Imperial March anyone?). My dad still has a CD of one of my first orchestral performances because it's just so damn good and my neighbours growing up used to come out and listen whenever I sat in the garden practicing.
Since I moved to London, I have fallen completely out of practice. Living in student halls followed by flats in converted houses is a nightmare for any musician, let alone a brass player. Having neighbours on the other side of a very thin wall makes playing a VERY loud instrument difficult. I'd hate to be inconsiderate and as a result I'm so out of practice that I'm not at the standard I used to be. I have been so paranoid about being awful despite numerous reassurances from my boyfriend.
Yesterday I had an email from someone I met at the East Finchley Christmas festival about a local orchestra so a sent an email about places and rehearsals expecting it to be full and being put on a waiting list. I was completely wrong, they were conveniently looking for a Cornet player and had the first rehearsal of term that night. I realised 'bugger, I have been completely put on the spot' and agreed to go.
You know what, it was fantastic. I was extremely nervous and paranoid about being around so many great musicians that I felt like a child again but once I got into it I started to feel 'at home' again. Obviously I wasn't fantastic and I still have a lot of practice to do but it feels so good to be back.
I have been playing the Cornet since I was in primary school, for those who don't know (like my boyfriend), it's pretty much the same thing as a Trumpet, just a bit smaller and slightly higher in pitch.
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| Cornelius - My beautiful Cornet |
Playing in an orchestra has always been one of my favourite things. There's nothing better than being involved in something so spectacular as playing a John Williams collection and knowing you're the leading role (erm, Imperial March anyone?). My dad still has a CD of one of my first orchestral performances because it's just so damn good and my neighbours growing up used to come out and listen whenever I sat in the garden practicing.
Since I moved to London, I have fallen completely out of practice. Living in student halls followed by flats in converted houses is a nightmare for any musician, let alone a brass player. Having neighbours on the other side of a very thin wall makes playing a VERY loud instrument difficult. I'd hate to be inconsiderate and as a result I'm so out of practice that I'm not at the standard I used to be. I have been so paranoid about being awful despite numerous reassurances from my boyfriend.
Yesterday I had an email from someone I met at the East Finchley Christmas festival about a local orchestra so a sent an email about places and rehearsals expecting it to be full and being put on a waiting list. I was completely wrong, they were conveniently looking for a Cornet player and had the first rehearsal of term that night. I realised 'bugger, I have been completely put on the spot' and agreed to go.
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| My new orchestra: Image source |
You know what, it was fantastic. I was extremely nervous and paranoid about being around so many great musicians that I felt like a child again but once I got into it I started to feel 'at home' again. Obviously I wasn't fantastic and I still have a lot of practice to do but it feels so good to be back.
Do you play any instruments?
