Next semester, I probably would have liked to take five classes that meet in the K+ block (Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.). But I gave up all those interesting, requirement-fulfilling classes for something completely unnecessary and extracurricular: Tufts University Wind Ensemble. Given my history as a flute player, my membership in this group is actually fairly surprising.
Let me start by saying that my school district's music program back home is pretty weak. All we had for instrumental groups in high school were a minuscule concert band and a jazz band. The fact that my school has a mere 500 students was only a small part of the problem. Although high school band was neither serious nor challenging, I had fun. I did not play in any other higher-caliber ensembles or orchestras. Still, I decided to continue playing in college.
Come audition time last fall, I realized the harsh reality that the Tufts music program is not just the next level up from my high school program. Last year, I got rejected from just about every music group on campus, so I decided to spend the summer perfecting an audition for this year.
After working for the entire summer on one piece, I was thrilled that I got into the wind ensemble this year, until I realized the difficulty of the music that we play. The first couple of rehearsals were a wake-up call that the hard work does not end with the audition. I had gotten myself into something that was much more demanding than belonging to the band in high school.
Most of the other members of the group have been in marching bands or pit orchestras. They have had advanced teachers that show them techniques still unknown to me. Often, I feel like I am in a class for which I am the only one who has not taken the prerequisite. Still, I appreciate the opportunity to dust off my flute and exercise my musical abilities.
Of course, this article is not all about me. I have to give a great deal of credit to our band director, John McCann. Our concerts usually have a theme, so John is responsible for selecting appropriate music, which can be harder to find than it seems. In addition to fitting the theme, the selections have to also suit our instrumentation. The level of the pieces cannot be too easy or too difficult, and the arrangements should sound good.
Once we get the music, we practice and rehearse for weeks. At the beginning of rehearsal, we might warm up with a scale or two and tune. Then, we have an hour and a half of running through the music. We usually play through sections and work on areas where certain instruments have particularly difficult parts.
If we choose to practice on our own between rehearsals, we can either annoy all of our neighbors or we can utilize the newly refurbished practice rooms in the basement of Aidekman. The rooms are not soundproof, but they do have full-length mirrors (for checking your technique, although you could also use them to admire yourself).
Concerts can be hectic and stressful when they are scheduled close together. We performed during Parents' Weekend; then we played completely different music for our fall concert four days later.
In addition to the concerts that we play at Tufts, each year, the wind ensemble goes on a trip and performs. The trips are great, fun bonding experiences. Last year, the destination was Barcelona. This year, we will be going to New Orleans.
Three students make up the trip-planning committee, which is no easy job. They are responsible for finding the cheapest prices for flights and hotels and choosing exciting destinations that encourage maximum student participation.
While the music program at Tufts is very good, the instrumental groups are largely underappreciated. Instrumental music in general is less mainstream and less visually appealing than singing or dancing. However, we put in just as much work, if not more, than other performance groups. Instrumentalists cannot just pick up the skill; we have all spent years learning how to play an instrument and how to read music.
I think that every student at Tufts should reach beyond his comfort zone and discover a new aspect of the performing arts. Go to a performance by a random group about which you know nothing. Appreciate the work that we do even if you do not fully understand what we are doing.
Maybe wind ensemble conflicts with every class we want to take. Maybe the music can be frustratingly difficult at times. Maybe our concerts do not top everyone's must-see list. Still, in the end, being part of the wind ensemble is an amazing, fulfilling experience.
