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As you may have read in other threads, I'm in a concert band - actually, the subsidiary band, filled with all ages, from beginners to advanced players. The main band seem a very snooty lot, when exiting for the evening (the main band has their practice after us), I say 'good evening' in my jovial way to the members, as they are arriving and not one of them answers. They look at you as if you have leprosy or your name is Seth Brundle (where did I put that ear?). I think there is animosity on their side, rather than ours, extending back a long time but as I haven't been in the band long, I'm learning this third and fourth hand.
Since returning after the Summer break, I think they've upped the ante, as every week, we are informed of a new complaint they have about our band. First week was that the subsidiary band 'don't pay their subs as fast as we do', then the next week it was 'there's not much room in the car park when we arrive, they should park somewhere else down the street' (not that there is anywhere) - meaning we don't leave fast enough after our practise session. Now I've noticed everyone in my band leaves quickly, with no time for any friendly chat, it's just in and out as fast as possible. Then the following practise, it was that they don't want any of our band joining in on some of their gigs we traditionally 'help out' on.
What do you think is their problem or shall I just let them get on with it and not get involved in their pettiness? Surely part of the purpose of a community, high school or concert band is for people to be able to play with other musicians, be sociable and make playing music fun…
Since returning after the Summer break, I think they've upped the ante, as every week, we are informed of a new complaint they have about our band. First week was that the subsidiary band 'don't pay their subs as fast as we do', then the next week it was 'there's not much room in the car park when we arrive, they should park somewhere else down the street' (not that there is anywhere) - meaning we don't leave fast enough after our practise session. Now I've noticed everyone in my band leaves quickly, with no time for any friendly chat, it's just in and out as fast as possible. Then the following practise, it was that they don't want any of our band joining in on some of their gigs we traditionally 'help out' on.
What do you think is their problem or shall I just let them get on with it and not get involved in their pettiness? Surely part of the purpose of a community, high school or concert band is for people to be able to play with other musicians, be sociable and make playing music fun…