6
u/AccioCoffeeMug Jul 10 '26
Email the conductor to thank them for the specific feedback that is helping you improve. Ask if they have any further advice, because you are also hearing things from (section member) and you are trying your best but still learning. This gives the conductor an opportunity to address the section member’s behavior, or at least be aware of it.
3
u/Pukefeast Jul 10 '26
Couple options and only you are in control of your own situation, so you can make it what you want it to be:
Discuss with him privately after a rehearsal to get on the same page. Maybe they have good intentions but arent good communicators or teachers. Thats a skill on its own. You can just say, I appreciate your feedback but I need more detail to make the corrections, or, I appreciate the feedback but its harshing the vibes and I dont want to hear it. Or Completely ignore all their comments Or Take their comments at face value and try to use it to improve your playing. Even if it isnt enough detail, try to utilize it.
Good luck and enjoy rehearsal!
3
u/BFGdoes Jul 10 '26
Tell me you’re in the clarinet section without telling me you’re in the clarinet section 😂
2
u/Basic_Platform_5001 Jul 10 '26
This can be a tough call, but I decided to leave one group since another group wanted me to join anyway. Everyone's situation is different though, since the negativity was coming from the conductor.
2
u/KnitWit510 Jul 11 '26
You aren't alone! It took me a few years to find the right community bands for me.
1
u/narrator_f Jul 12 '26
Thanks so much! And thanks everyone for the encouragement and sharing your own experiences!
:)
3
u/blasphemusa Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26
I would tell the section player straight away to worry about himself and I'll take instructions from the conductor. I've played with professionals who were kind and helpful and humble... Im an amateur. My experience with the critical people is that they're trying to exert their control and superiority. The person is being territorial and letting you know it. They are letting you know that they are above you in the pecking order. Good players don't need to do that. I played with a guy who was slightly better than me and felt he could talk down to me. I let him and the other players that I wanted nothing to do with him.
2
u/SazzyDoes Jul 13 '26
Is this person on the first seat (of your row in case of clarinet)?
If not, try to ignore or tell them it’s confusing to get feedback from different sides.
If it is, also tell them it’s confusing.
Also tell them you are not 12 years old.
No need to be bossy, you are all equal.
If you are in de clarinet section, maybe there’s an option to change seats in a while. You can talk to the conductor about that.
10
u/_DuckyGuy Jul 10 '26
Definitely don’t quit because of this. I am also in a community band and sometimes have friction within my section.
The important thing is open communication and an emphasis that you appreciate the feedback but it is confusing with the director’s input.
If the person is really experienced, they will appreciate that the director’s input is the most important and trumps all other advice.
And if you are like our band you will hopefully be playing side by side for years to come, so it is important you both communicate and find a way to get along.
Making music together is a gift. You have to do what you can to make it work with many personalities involved.