How do I get the Clarinets to listen and to care about what they are doing?

Question

I am the clarinet section leader for my highschool marching band for the 08-09 season. I have only been playing clarinet for one year, but I kicked my butt in gear and now I am 1st chair. Some of the clarinets dont like that fact tho, and they refuse to listen. I would like to know how to get them to lisiten to me and enjoy what they are doing despite the fact that they have played longer than I have. SO i need ideas of how to help the section as a whole, to make it fun, and get the work done. Tips about being section leader are helpful as well! =)

Answer 1

ask your teacher 4 help

Answer 2

Listen to people.  Show them how hard you work.  If you prove that you can do the work, then they will respect you.  Help them if they need it.  I'm just going by things past section leaders have done that have worked.

Answer 3

I know how that feels. I was 1st chair alto sax for 2 1/2 years til I moved schools. I have this idea. Let them play anything they want to play for a bit as a warm up. And you show off the piece of music you are playing. Show them how its like. Be nice and just play with them. Try one-on-one pactice. Oooh I just thought of something. If you have an extra $20, make like a little competition for your section. That will get them to get better and practice. It may sound like bribery to practice but I liked it lol. =)

Answer 4

High school is a tough phase.  You're seeking independence and respect, but none of your peers want to give it to you because you are just that: their peer.  Now you're their peer who has shot past them because you're willing to work for what you really want.

My experience in high school was that 10% of the people in band really cared, and the rest either worked to get through it, or were in it for the easy A.  Like one of the other answerers said, use "we" instead of "you" because it makes the section feel more connectivity and less like you're trying to reign above them.

It's hard to fix things in full rehearsals, but if you have sectionals, the best way to make progress would be to help them learn HOW to practice and how to fix things on their own.  If you can teach them that, they may start working out the bugs before rehearsals.  Ex, the best way to learn a piece quickly is to practice it slowly and build up.  If they practice a piece in a tempo that they aren't ready for, they'll end up doing more damage than good.  Also, mark mistakes as they make them so they won't likely happen again.

If they care, they'll work at it.  I couldn't really make progress with my section because many didn't care, and no one can make them.  You may begin to earn their respect, but they will likely never respect you as much as your conductor (sorry for being a downer).

If you're willing to work as hard as you have, I hope you continue playing.  Best of luck!

Answer 5

I'm in the same situation as you.  The clarinets in my section  don't like the fact that I'm younger than them but seated higher.  It works better to say "we" instead of "you" when talking about what needs to be improved.  Encourage sectionals, and ask them to practice more.