In fifth grade where all of us began to play in an actual band setting, I was last chair clarinet. I deserved it without a doubt. I had to be made to practice in the evenings and for some reason it just wasnt clicking with me. I could play what was written in front of me with some practice, but I never felt like I was really mastering the instrument. The only plus during our band period and concerts was that my music stand partner was a girl that I found to be rather funny and a joy to be around, Mary. We would be onstage ready to play our big numbers "Fidgets" and "The Blue Rock" when she would lean over to me with bug eyes and announce that she had to go to the bathroom. I couldnt help but giggle at that and we spent most of those two numbers in silent hysterics as she squirmed about on her chair. I still keep in touch with Mary fairly regularly. She helps started our high school Alumni Band of which I am a member and our families are pretty familiar with each other. She is one of the good ones out there.
Near the end of sixth grade, I was approached by my teacher who undoubtedly noticed my lack of ability on the clarinet during the past two years and asked if I was interested in switching instruments. I asked him what he had in mind and he mentioned that the way that the bands were set up, they were going to be needing a baritone saxophone player by the time I got to the high school. I must have grinned like the Chesire Cat at that point. I was going to get to play saxophone after all, and since this was an expensive horn, the school owned them so mom and dad wouldnt have to outlay anything additional. For those of you who are not familiar with the barritone saxophone this is what they look like:
I'm glad that even though I didnt particularly like the clarinet, it did ultimately enable me to end up doing what I wanted to all along. Too often people are looking for the quick fix, the immediate gratification in life. There is nothing wrong with that by any means. But personally, I think something is all the sweeter when its worked for and acheived in time. If things aren't quite where you want them to be right now, figure out how to get where you want to be and start taking the steps to end up there in time. Very few things in life are just handed to you. Dont give up on a dream just because it doesnt land at your feet initially. The journey to where you want to end up often times can be just as exhilerating as the finish line.