It started with Junior High … Twice!
Starting Band
I remember going to my older brother’s first Junior High School band concert. I don’t remember anything about his band, but I definitely remember the Jazz Band. Specifically, the drums! I don’t know if I ever saw someone play a drum set live before. It was captivating and so freaking cool.
I knew I wanted to play the drums.
But, for good reason, my mom wanted us to learn to play an instrument with notes. (We took piano lessons growing up).
When I was in junior high the next year, I joined the school band playing the French Horn. But I had in mind that I could take drum lessons and play drums in jazz band. Fortunately, my parents were on board with that plan and I did it.
I enjoyed playing the French Horn but I enjoyed playing drums in the jazz band even more.
In high school, I switched away from the French Horn entirely, but mostly by accident. I wanted to play drums in marching band, but then switch back to French Horn for symphonic band. But I was too scared to talk to the teacher about it, so I never made the switch. And while I loved playing drums in jazz band, pep band, and marching band. Playing percussion in symphonic band was not that great.
Due to too many run-ins with the band teacher, I left band after my sophomore year of high school and joined the choir.
Throughout junior high and high school, I very much enjoyed being part of a performing group (marching band was my favorite overall).
After high school, I was not part of any performing group.
Starting band again
Fast forward about 22 years. My third child (and second son) started junior high and decided to join the band playing trumpet. I was excited for him.
About a month before school started, we purchased a trumpet online from Amazon. Since it was just sitting around, I thought I would play it. After all, I used to play French Horn which was fairly similar. So I did.
I was having a lot of fun with it.
Then I just randomly decided to google to see if there was a local band I could audition for. What I found was even better: There was a local community band (the Puyallup Valley Community Band) that accepts members without an audition! You just had to be able to keep up with intermediate-level music.
I hooked up with the band fall of 2023 and played in my first ensemble Christmas Concert since singing in my high school choir in 2001.
And let me tell you, it’s a blast. So here is my rating.
My Rating for Community Band
Using my Hobby Rater System, I came up with these results:
Creative Expression — Score: 10
How satisfying is this activity as a creative outlet?
In some ways, playing in a concert band is not actually that creative. You just play the notes that are given to you on the page and play them in a way that the conductor instructs you to play them. It would be frowned upon to “get creative” with your part.
But what I find amazing about this form of expression is that you are working with others to create a work of art that is bigger than any one person or part. For instance, when I practice and get my part down at home, it is very satisfying. But then when I play it with all the other parts in the band, it can be mesmerizing. And, candidly, we’re not going to be the best concert band to ever play.
It’s so rewarding to be a part of something like that.
Cost of Participation — Score: 9
How satisfied are you with the costs of the hobby?
The one downside is that instruments can be expensive. One reason I went with the trumpet is because you can find a pretty cheap trumpet. I got mine on Amazon for about $100. And you know what? It’s held up quite nicely for my purposes.
There are also other things you need to buy like a music stand, a bag, mutes, valve oil, slide grease, towels, etc.
My community band does not happen to require membership dues, but some do.
Still, things can add up and the more you get into it, the more stuff you want to buy. For example, I just got a Yamaha Silent Brass System, which is an electric practice mute that muffles the sound for everyone at home and sends it to some earbuds.
Now I can practice while people are watching TV without bothering too many people, but my wallet is now lighter by about $200.
It’s money I’ve been happy to spend though.
Intellectually Interesting — Score 10
Learning new things or stretching the mind.
Yes. Love it.
Challenging/Learning Curve — Score: 10
Are you satisfied with the level of challenge this hobby brings?
Learning an instrument is very challenging. But it’s also so fun and rewarding.
Stress Level — Score: 10
Is this hobby adding or taking away stress?
I look forward to band practice every week. It’s great.
Time Commitment — Score: 10
Are you satisfied with the time required for this hobby?
When band is in session, I spend at least half and hour every day practicing my parts — often more. I need it because I’m still new to the trumpet. But I enjoy it pretty much the whole time so I’m very happy with the time I get to spend playing the trumpet.
Fun — Score 10
Are you having fun doing this hobby?
It’s way fun!
Escapism/Recharge — Score: 10
Does this hobby help you recharge or escape so you feel more ready to take on life’s challenges?
Yes. I feel accomplishes when I get a part down that I couldn’t play before. It’s very satisfying.
Then seeing everything come together in rehearsals in also energizing.
And, of course, meeting like-minded people who want the band to succeed is inspirational. It’s all been great.
Sociality — Score: 10
Are you happy with the amount of socialization that comes with the hobby?
It’s been great to meet new people. I recognize that any time you get into a group situation, there are bound to be some ruffled feathers. But, so far, the group has been very friendly and many people have been participating for years.
Being part of a band helps you meet people, get out into the community, and share your talents. What’s not to like?
Payoff — Score: 10
When you are done with the hobby, do you step away admiring your accomplishment?
Yes. Playing in the 2023 Christmas Concert was one of the highlights of my year. I also told my kids it is probably one of the highlights of their own years as well, but they seemed less enthusiastic about that.
Overall Score for Community Band: 9.9
Here is how a 9.9 fits on the Hobby Rater scale:
1 – Terrible fit
2 – Not a good fit
3 – Probably not good for you
4 – It’s alright, I guess
5 – Very mixed feelings
6 – It’s pretty okay
7 – You like it!
8 – You really like it!
9 – You love this hobby!
10 – Bruh, you know this is the best hobby ever!
Based on this scale, community band is “Bruh, you know this is the best hobby ever!”
And this is an accurate score.
I’ve enjoyed it so much that I’ve volunteered to serve as webmaster and attend the Board meetings to review website items. I’m looking forward to 2024, which will be my first full year of concerts. If you want to see the concert schedule, visit https://puyallupvalleycommunityband.org/ and subscribe to the newsletter.
