restarting an instrument passion?

janemac · 02-07-2008, 08:08 PM

My little sister wanted me to post this here. She is a freshman in high school right now and she played the cello since 4th grade. We moved when she was in 7th grade and she stopped playing.

She really misses it and realized this year that the orchestra at her highschool looks fun and enjoyable. Many of her friends are in it. It is not the best high school orchestra in the world, but it is a fun elective. A lot of them are serious about their music.

She was wondering if it would be a good idea to restart playing. Next year she will be a sophmore. This is an elective during school time which will be one of her two elective blocks. Is this a smart choice if she wants to do it?

Also, would this count as an EC? They perform outside of school at concerts as well.

corranged · 02-07-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Is this a smart choice if she wants to do it?

Absolutely! And it's definitely an EC.

lorelei2702 · 02-07-2008, 08:34 PM

She might want to start back under a teacher....the going can be rough when trying to remember how to do everything and progress. A teacher will help her pace her progress, and she might find a real talent which will serve her EC interests her whole life. It is an excellent team to join, the orchestra, no less a community than a sports team. Many of the smartest kids play stringed instruments. Good luck to her. Lorelei

mafool · 02-07-2008, 09:34 PM

Can she find a teacher to help over the summer? This is not absolutely necessary, as she hasn't been out of the game very long, but it may help to give her some confidence and allow her to catch up for the missing time.

Son played cello through HS, so I am biased, but I think this is a great choice for one who wants to make music.

(sorry-somehow missed the previous post.)

mathmom · 02-07-2008, 09:39 PM

If it's anything like our orchestra there are never enough cellos. It's a great thing to do either as and elective or an extra-curricular or both.

Zamzam · 02-07-2008, 09:47 PM

Cello is not exactly a common instrument, so colleges will be more likely to need cellists rather than trumpeters or flautists anyway.

I wish I could play the cello. String instruments are so awesome.

dragonmom · 02-07-2008, 09:58 PM

Another vote for picking it back up. Have her talk to the school director and tell him or her about past experience and present interest - ask about recommending a summer teacher to brush up. There are usually always places for cellos, string basses, bassoons, euphoniums, ets. Our HS music program is pretty competitive but always on the lookout for those less popular instruments.

CurrySpice · 02-07-2008, 10:04 PM

Why not?

And I agree with Zamzam, I wish I played an uncommon instrument. I'm going to have to work my butt off this spring/summer to be able to play my flute in the college band (nationally ranked as one of the best... great, but impossible to get into!)

violadad · 02-07-2008, 10:16 PM

Another yes vote. While not a specific reason to consider further instrument beyond personal enjoyment, many colleges will even offer small music scholarships to talented students for a committment to continuing playing in college ensembles.

She doesn't need to be conservatory level, or necessarily major in music either. Many quality schools with solid (although not necessarily stellar) music departments welcome capable musicians.

starbright · 02-08-2008, 12:12 AM

Definitely go for it! Why not? ECs should be things you find interesting and fun.

great lakes mom · 02-08-2008, 12:35 AM

A vote for playing a bit just to get the feel again, and then taking up with a reputable teacher before her sophomore year starts. Her friends have probably improved over the years, and she'll feel far better about her playing with solid technique. Cello is a great, always in demand, lifelong pursuit.

BassDad · 02-08-2008, 01:00 AM

Definitely start again if the interest is there. Does she own her instrument or would she be be renting one? It is possible that the cello she once used would now be too small for her, depending on what she had back then and how much she has grown since. Unless she already has a 4/4 size, she may want to get a larger instrument before getting too used to the fingerings on one that is on the small side.

paying3tuitions · 02-08-2008, 01:50 AM

There's a famous story that when Yo Yo Ma was to play at Carnegie Hall in New York City, he left his cello in the taxicab and away it went into the night. So that's another guy who was really missing his cello.

Fortunately, the cab driver saw it (I guess it was in the back seat), brought it right to the concert hall, and refused the reward money.

MidwestMom2Kids_ · 02-08-2008, 02:59 PM

She should do it because she will enjoy it, but I would add that I think that playing cello in the orchestra in grades 10-11-12 is a very nice extracurricular activity to add to a college application.

janemac · 02-08-2008, 04:11 PM

Thanks for all the replies. She said that she plans on e-mailing the orchestra teacher today. At this point, she might be able to make plans for some lessons. I think the women who does the orchestra program does lessons herself so we will just have to see how it all comes into play. Thanks again for the thoughtful replies. She read them enthusiastically knowing that this was a good idea.