Should I stay or should I go?

[jianantonic]

You guys.  Holy shit

Comments

[jkpolk]

I say if you anticipate all the work you'll have to put in turning out to be fun, then go for it. But if it's not going to be fun, if it's not going to be rewarding for you and instead just a source of stress and hassle, don't do it. We're really good at overcommitting ourselves to things that don't bring us joy in the end.

I personally wouldn't. But I have a lot less go-get-'em-ness than you. I'd find it constantly overwhelming and anxiety-causing to be playing catchup indefinitely and it would take all the fun out of music for me.

[jianantonic]

Well, see, that's the thing. I have that go-get-'em-ness when it comes to things I KNOW I can do. Like bridge or WW or even running, sort of. (I know I'll never be a great runner, but it is the sort of thing where I know that I can improve if I put in the work.) With clarinet, I MIGHT be able to do it, and it MIGHT be fun, but it could also totally take any fun out of it for me. It all depends on whether or not I'm able to improve at an acceptable rate...

[dredog03]

Sounds like you need more practice on your own to get closer to their level before that is a fun endeavor. But you can do it! It's so hard to become competent enough for a community band - maybe good high school level rather than middle school level.

[anonymous]

Try it fir a while -- set aside the practice time you are willing to give, and practice faithfully for that time. After a fortnight or less, you will know whether you are practicing because it's fun and challenging and you will be close enough to adequate for the first Clackamas Community Band performance, or whether you can afford to cut backl on p[ractice time and master your Beatles songbook. Don't be too surprised if you are better than you fear!

-- Kevin

[deepseasiren]

I'll be my usual blunt self. Without struggle, there is no progress, as Frederick Douglass once said after he tried to get a job at a shipyard and a bunch of white workers beat the shit out of him. People told Einstein he'd amount to nothing. They told me because I was Asian, I'd do poorly as a dancer, and I made six figures for years in a row. So fuck what others think. Do your own thing, and I say, do not admit defeat. Get back there to the band, says me :)

[pinkhorizons]

Oh dude, you should totally go back! I mean, as long as it seems like it will be enjoyable