I tried, I really tried to enjoy practicing with the MIT Concert Band (I'm sure Sonny will have a field day with this one), but alas, I cannot go back.

I got nervous to walk into the room full of geeky musicians, but after seeing a 65+ year old oboist with his son, another oboist (two in one family!! scary) directing band member traffic, I felt like I'd be okay.

The clarinet player next to me looked like Brian Krakow from My So Called Life. He hails from LA and is a first year grad student in chemistry or hell, I dunno. After practice, he patiently polished every key on his clarinet as a hauled ass out of the room.

The bassoon player made it widely known that she is NO LONGER a band officer - she was past president but in no way is a band officer now. Though she spoke up at every moment possible to give her opinion.

I asked my fellow clarinet players how we should break down the section into 1st, 2nd and 3rd parts. I volunteered to play 3rd. When I questioned Ms. Fancy Pants girl in first chair, she said "What?? Do you want to play 1st or something? Cuz whatever, you can play 1st if you want, I guess." Um, no, I was trying to clarify something. If we're gonna act like we're in middle school, then, okay - I'll add that this same girl had a solo at one point made up of quarter and half notes - she barely got them out. [evil laugh]

Then the 2nd clarinet asked if I was a Freshman. I said, Super Duper Senior and told him my round about age to which he gasped!

The main band director had no control. And the assistant director knew nothing about any instrument except Trombone. He individually tuned the clarinets to the oboe player mentioned above...I was the only one in tune with him and the director told me I really needed to work on my intonation, that playing in tune is a good skill to hone. Loser. So I out-of-tuned myself to match with my section.

I'm not going back. I'm going to find another group to join. Sigh.