Well, we have our new WAV today: The Happy Tree Friends Theme Song (I cheated…it’s actually an mp3)!! We’d like to thank Giggles and all the other Happy Tree Friends for letting us use their song. We’d also like to thank this dancing baby:
But anyway, on to the topic at hand. I’m afraid that what I’m about to say is very unoriginal indeed, as you will find it very similair to Thomas’ post. I’m sorry if it seems like I’m copying him, but I’ve been thinking about this since 3:00 during Choir…
I have felt that, all the way back through my freshman year of high school, I have been slighted when it comes to the music department. I finally made Madrigals in my Junior year, and I’ve despised few things more. I didn’t even make it in clean: I was an “extra” baritone. I’ll try not to be prideful, but I feel that I have a natural talent when it comes to music, but by the way I’ve been treated the past four years you wouldn’t think that. I still don’t really get noticed in Madrigals. I’ve been left behind for gigs, you name it, it has happened. I’ve decided that there’s not really a niche for me there anywhere. But the social aspect isn’t what really bugs me.
Before our current music teacher (oh so vague) arrived, I was always in the MAACS enesmbles. Always. Since she’s arrived? Never. Even this year, as a senior. The small ensemble? Three seniors and…a junior. It’s ok. Shane and I knew we wouldn’t ever even be considered. The large ensemble? Everybody (in Madrigals) and their mother, except me and Brittany and Shane (and a couple underclassmen). Why we get the shaft EVERY SINGLE YEAR I don’t know. But it’s angering. Brittany has even talked to her about it and still nothing changes. And when our student conductor isn’t there and we need a backup, who does it? A junior. I’m not mad at him as much as I am mad at the people who make the decisions. He’s a great musician. But I have at least as much talent as he does. Then there are solos. I’ve had one solo before, and that was when no one else tried out. We almost dropped the song, but in the end she let me do it. But my name didn’t even make it into the program. As for all the other countless solos? It’s always the same people. Always. Some people have multiple solos per concert! There’s always a few people who try out for almost every solo and still never get one. And I feel for them. I’m just a loser, because I quit trying a long time ago.
Then there are those solo songs. Anyone else notice that it is the same person, every single time? Maybe it’s just me…but doesn’t this seem just a little unfair? I’m not saying that he’s not good. He’s amazing. But why the same person every time? THERE ARE OTHER CAPABLE PEOPLE!!!!!!! This year we even had a piano solo for a concert. And it’s not like there were tryouts or anything. You just magically get to do it I guess. I certainly never got asked. And I’m sorry if it sounds like bragging, but I can play the piano at least as well if not better than any other person in the school (don’t worry, there’s plenty of other things I’m no good at). Just because I don’t manipulate the teacher and because I don’t go show off by pounding on the keyboard before choir everyday doesn’t mean I’m no good. But no, we wouldn’t let the person with seniority do it.
I mean really. I find it ironic that when people heard me sing at the retreat this year they told me, “Wow Ansen! I didn’t know you sang!” I have no idea what the heck our teacher is going to say about me during the senior concert this spring. I can picture it now…
“Ansen Bayer [waits for applause]. Ansen has been a madrigal since his Junior year. He has…um…been a madrigal…those two years. He’s been in choir for four years too. He…sang…um…things with us. He has a great voice, but I just have never felt like using it. I honestly don’t pay him much attention. Anyway…ladies and gentlemen, Ansen Bayer.”
Oh…and just to clear up any confusion here – I’m not moping. I’m just really mad.
Wow.
way better than that scary voice. and by the way, happy tree friends=amazing
I think that i am smarter than you, not because i have more brains, or more talent, or better hair, or a cool cat, or a sister, or contacts, or a house with a purple door. No, i am smarter because i didnt even try to be a madrigal. Mediocrity is so much more satisfying than failure. “i like being unimpressive, it helps me sleep better.” I offer the same advice as i did to Thomas, DLTBGYD.
Ansen, nice venting. I thought i could make some clarifications and observations on the situation. First off, Mrs. Greene doesn’t make the ensembles, whoever wants to can put one together, just uaully no one bothers, so that isn’t her fault. And i really think she gets less credit than she deserves. I mean the lady is raising two kids; she and her husband work crazy hours for not a whole lot of money. I was only in choir my Freshman year, and i admit, i didn’t feel like i knew her, but i don;t think that is her fault. As you realize from being in Mads, we spend a TON of time with her, so naturally she knows us better and stuff (also she knows musical people better).
As for solos, i have learned to laugh about the whole situation. i still enjoy making Griff jokes every time one opens up. i kind of understand that she wants to put the “best foot” forward at concerts because there is such great pressure on her, and that ca ncome off as unfair.
Also, i definitely wouldn;t see you as the “extra” Baritone. We actually cut two spots from Madrigals this year, there were always 5 people in the bass section.
Do you think Mrs. G. is biased in auditions? i obviously know teachers screw up in picking parts (see my blog), but i guess i would submit that these “better” people in choir either didn;t try out, or tried out poorly, or Mrs. Greene is mean. As i don;t believe the last option to be true (that is pretty much why i am posting this), i would encourage you to consider the first two. And if you want to do something solo or in a small group for spring concert, tell her. She is usually pretty open to it
This isn’t against what you said because i understand the view you take, i just hope i clarified a few facts.
(why aren’t you taking a piano piece to MAACS this year?) That’s all i got.
After reading what you said and re-reading what I said last night, I realize that I did come off as making it sound like Mrs. Green was very mean. I’d like to clarify my position as well.
I honestly didn’t mean to make it sound like I thought Mrs. Green was mean or that she was doing a bad job. I like her alot. And I think the does get a lot less credit than she deserves. She works very hard. On the other hand, I know she’s under a lot of pressure, but I still think she allows herself to be manipulated a little too much.
As for seeing myself as not fitting in with the rest of the Madrigals, I’d stand by that…but maybe I’m over-reacting. For the last two years.
Finally, I was very very well aware of the fact that Mrs. Green does not choose the ensembles. I’m sorry if it sounded differently. My opinion is still that the reason others don’t take the time to form an ensemble is that they wouldn’t be able to beat out the other one. I’m still sad that the person who makes the ensembles has such a low opionion of me…but I suppose I can’t change that.
Anyway…I apologize again for making Mrs. Green sound mean and unfair. I didn’t mean to do that at all. I’m just relaying the way I’ve felt through my experience with the music program.
P.S. – Anonymous, I’m sorry that I deleted your comment, but I would like to keep my blog clean of any offensive or “french” words as you called it. I don’t mind people disagreeing or arguing with me, but try to do it without the language next time.
poor anonymous…