A band I gig with had a player who technically was very good, a fine improviser. However, he couldn't be bothered to attend rehearsals, & even on the bandstand he showed no interest in what his fellow players were doing. He got disinvited from the band, & he's not much missed.
On the other hand, if you're in 7th grade... those around you can cut you a little slack. You're still finding out who you are as a person!
In junior high school Band class, I used to quickly memorize my section's charts & get bored playing 'em. Then I'd trade parts with players from other sections... & get bored playing those too. When I started making up new parts, the Band teacher would catch me & give me hell. So I figured out how to improvise parts that would blend in & not get me into trouble.
50+ years later, my ability to improvise internal parts that fit in well with what other players are playing... makes them glad to join me on a bandstand.
On the other hand, if you're in 7th grade... those around you can cut you a little slack. You're still finding out who you are as a person!
In junior high school Band class, I used to quickly memorize my section's charts & get bored playing 'em. Then I'd trade parts with players from other sections... & get bored playing those too. When I started making up new parts, the Band teacher would catch me & give me hell. So I figured out how to improvise parts that would blend in & not get me into trouble.
50+ years later, my ability to improvise internal parts that fit in well with what other players are playing... makes them glad to join me on a bandstand.
