(01-08-2018 10:48 PM)Deez Nuts Wrote:  My mom made me take music lessons as a kid. It basically was something I didn't have a choice in. At some point I think I "got out" of multiple music lessons by promising to focus on one instrument. By focus I mean focus as a high school kid, not a professional... actually practice once in a while, progress through lesson books in school, etc. My high school band wasn't amazing, but they were pretty large and decent in competition. I didn't know anything about football or marching band, again it was something I 'had to do'. I didn't "like" band until late in high school. I had never heard of or seen the Marching Royal Dukes (or anything JMU) until I applied and toured. I figured I'd give it a try for something to be involved in at college. I didn't "love" band until my first year in the MRDs. That's when it hit me about what it meant to be small part of that big picture.

I don't have advice here I guess... but I'd say keep on him, positive reinforcement, when he's ready to give up remind him that it's ok but keep after that horn. And have fun. You have to have fun or you'll hate it. Don't be so serious. Be glad he's not the next Bach. The guys who thought they were the next Bach were pretty much tools. Don't push too hard, but keep on him. If he enjoys the MRDs, you've got hope. But MRDs are a long way from 6th grade.

I'm not Arturo Sandoval, but give me a trumpet and some whiskey and by God I'll act like I am.

"GIVE ME A TRUMPET!!" Hahaha!

Agreed with Deez on this, but I did actually really enjoy middle school band, I think because I was not an athlete and it was something I could practice and excel in, and participating in the all county bands and (trying) to make the all-state bands were awesome. I loved marching band in high school since we were a competition band, and really geared my college applications toward schools with bands so I could watch all the home games (and some away) for free.

Just keep up with positive reinforcement and don't push too hard, band isn't for everyone, but I agree that the MRDs were definitely the best and my favorite experience in college because of the opportunities it presented and friendships I made (including meeting my wife)!!