I was 12 years old in junior high and in band at school. I played the clarinet. I wanted to play drums but my parents wouldn't let me because they said drums are for boys. Of course my younger brother got to play drums so I taught myself on his set!
Our school got a new band director. He was young, very nice and handsome. Blond, blue eyes, tall and slender.
He told us we were going to do something different with our music. We would of course learn all the John Philip Sousa marches for when we were in parades, but we were going to learn other music too.
We put on concerts all the time for the school. All the parents came.
We performed 'West Side Story', 'My Fair Lady' and other musicals. We got really good. We went around the state competing and winning!
But then came Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony. I was blown away!
I haven't played the clarinet in thirty five years but when I listen to this symphony, I still know my part and where my fingers go on the keys!
Since I was a kid of 12, naturally I listened to and loved rock and roll, but being exposed to Dvořák changed everything.
I bought records and listened to Vivaldi, Chopin, Brahms and Andres Segovia. Then finally I bought all of Beethoven's Symphonies. I think his Ninth is one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard and is probably my favorite still.
My friends (those that weren't in band with me) thought I was weird!
BTW, as an adult, I DID end up being a drummer in a rock band for about five years after all!
Thanks for the memories!
Maybe I'll go buy a clarinet and see what I remember!
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