Wow. Nothing will date a girl more than trying to pick up the old high school horn after 20+ years. After only a few years, I, like many of my poverty-stricken college classmates, sold my high school band instruments.
I’ve regretted it ever since…at least, I regret selling “the one.”
Over the years, I thought about playing, but never could afford a horn comparable to the beautiful silver-toned Yamaha YEP B-flat 4-valve Euphonium I had in high school (and sold for a song).
For normal folks, that’s the horn that’s just a little deeper than a trombone, but with valves rather than a slide…looks like a small tuba.
I guess it was worth the good karma. I got it used and fortuitously dirt-cheap from a former band member, and I passed it along just as cheap to the next group. I really shouldn’t regret selling it, but since I didn’t pursue music as a profession, or even as an amateur, I just can’t bring myself to even consider the prices on a new or used replacement for the YEP 321.
I did, however, on a nostalgic Christmas lark, scour ebay for classic (i.e. beat up, but still solidly playable) 3 valve Euphoniums a few years back. Since, coincidentally, hubby and I both primarily played Baritone/Euphonium in high school, I found and bought 2.
Don’t laugh. I know they look like someone scraped the lacquer off with a hammer in spots, but they’re both quality horns that play beautifully. Not that we ever have time to play, but every once in a while, it’s nice to pick one up and tinker.
Well, now I’ve committed myself. Hmmm. ..maybe in multiple senses of the word. I volunteered to play in the Alumni band at an upcoming “reunion” to honor our high school band director.
Boy, times have changed! I got the sheet music for the school fight song and alma mater in a pdf file via email. The first time I looked at the sheet music was on my cell phone. I could even get the Finale files that would allow the computer to play all the various parts for practice. Rehearsals via conference call have been suggested. Yikes!
Technology is a wonderful thing, but nothing has changed about physically playing a brass instrument. I’ve got to seriously “lip up” and practice a LOT before this public performance.
I’d forgotten about the conspicuous “ring” around the lips after truly practicing. LOL!!! Since it’s a low-brass mouthpiece, it’s about the same size as my eye-glasses lenses. I have not, however, forgotten to stock up on the brass musician’s best friend, Carmex lip goo. Now, if only my dog didn’t run in terror every time I pick up the horn…
I actually have made it through both songs without any truly terrible blats or wrong notes. I just need to practice and get that muscle memory back for each lip notch. …not too bad for 20+ years of rust. I’ve got about 9 weeks to practice, so I’ll let you know how it goes. In the meantime, continue the conversation.
Did you play an instrument in high school? Which one(s)? Do you still play? Would you play in an Alumni band? Will this blogger survive the commitment?
Rock on, readers!
