I REALLY want to play snare!!!?!
Question:
I REALLY want to play snare!!!?
I think my band teacher wants me to play quads, but I think they would be really hard. and I really want to play snare in marching band, but I'm not trying to be greedy because last year, all I played were the stinkin bells!! I'm sorry to ppl who like the bells, but I hate them. Anyway, how can I ask my band teacher, in a nice way, to let me play snare? We have 2 spots open for snare!
Answers:
Tenors (quads) are arguably harder than snare... slightly less rudimental, but more melodic. Here's my hunch:
1. you read notes...
2. band director respects your musical abilities...
3. band director knows you don't like bells.
4. band needs a tenor player
5. your read notes, and could be successful at reading tenor music (which is not that hard, but someone that never read notes would have a bit of a challenge...)
6. band director asks you since he/ she respects your musicainship and figures you can do it.
7. you flip out since you really want to play snare (after all, that's where the "glory" is, right?)
So what do you do?
Remember, the band does not exist merely to please you and give you everything your little heart desires... ultimately you should do what is best for the group, if you really respect the band (and your director) and want it to do its best. But you should have a shot at it, and maybe your band director is not seeing some possible options that exist. A drum line (like a basketball team) needs players to fill various positions... not everyone can play center, after all! You need defense...
1. ask respectfully to audition for a snare spot... just an audition... ask if you can show your abilities so he/ she can make an informed decision.
2. try to convince some other drummer to play tenors to take your "spot" offer him/ her some candy, Vic Firth stickers or something shiny. Drummers like shiny things... and stickers...
3. practice the heck out of your rudiments, so you play the crap out of your audition.
4. hand-deliver your tenor replacement to the band director and earn a snare spot.
Happy Band Director, happy drummer.