I sat first chair in the trumpet section in sixth through eighth grade. Then in ninth grade I got sent to high school band and sat third chair. It eeked at me. I hated it, but it was really the same as ever. Same parts, same everything, but no solos. That’s OK. Solos made me nervous anyway.
Here’s the real secret: I actually want to play the french horn again. At one point our band didn’t have enough french horn players, so the director asked me to switch for a few months. I loved it… just loved it. I eventually switched back, but my desire to play the french horn continues. The problem? My dad bought me a professional trumpet (it’s gorgeous) and is so proud of it. I can’t bring myself to tell him I’d rather play the french horn. (See “be fearless” entry).
Sigh.
