High School Front Ensemble: Did she play better than me?

[port753]

recently found out I wouldn't be the section leader for next year. Crushed, but I only got shut out because they're the better leader, in my opinion. I've always been the better percussionist since we were freshman. I never really had a problem with her. She was the manager for our track team (which I was in), secretary for our Tri-M Society, and secretary for our class. I do admit she's a better leader, but I just want to make sure that I do still have a technical edge over her.

On the list of positions this year, we have 2 marimbas, 2 vibes, etc. Our instructor organized each instrument by rank. In the pit, its marimba, vibes, glock, aux, timp in that order. She was put on marimba and I was on vibes. Both of us also got paired with an underclassman. So, is my instrument degrading for me? Note: Our pit has always been set up with the vibes in the middle tho, so maybe I'm on vibes to be the center for the pit, but don't marimba(s) have the best player?

Perhaps I am ranting, but the announcement of all this was yesterday, and I'm still mixed with conflicting emotions. The person is a good leader, but because of this I am questioning if I'm still the better player. She's also been in honors orchestra for the non marching band time, and I've been in honors band.
by the question: I mean am I the second best player, not the second best overall. Cuz it's apparent that she is better.

[PataflaflaJr]

Playing marimba doesn't say someone is a better player than someone that plays vibes. They both have their own difficulties, so I wouldn't say one is harder than the other. And both should be equality important.
You don't need to be questioning who is the better player. It shouldn't really matter. You should ALWAYS have the "there is someone is better than me" mindset because that is how you push yourself to get better.

[port753]

well, being on a 2nd trumpet part and 1st trumpet part are for different players. I wasn't sure about that. More importantly, for me atleast, this was my chance to be deemed SL. It's unlikely that our instructor will change his decision to make co-leaders.

And also, it's embarrassing to be shut out by someone who's been playing for 3 less years, and spends more time playing a completely different instrument. A tenor didn't get SL because of a trumpet player who plays on a set, and joined drumline last year... I mean, that is messed up and is a more drastic measure of my situation.

I tried to equal seniors of my honors band in freshman year and have played the harder mallet parts on the pieces I've played since they left. What does that all mean if I was deemed second best player? People look down upon you then. I don't intend on moving on w performing after HS, but I still wanted to make the best around during HS. It's also about reputation and impression: people look at the list of section leaders and they think, "They must be good". Especially freshmen: the only people they care and look up to within the first few weeks are people who have conditioned purpose. A child sees a president: they think that person is the greatest. They don't care about the loser candidate or the VP (as much) right away UNLESS they are important. Now the new freshman will realize that I got better chops, but still. The other seniors will know that that I lost my 4-year competition with her.

Basically, I just wanted the recognition, and if we were placed as if she was the best player, then that makes me look like chopped liver to everyone else. It's the fameless title I now hold as Pit Equipment Manager

[port753]

Ftw: I will do what I can to be the best second in command I've been for the past 2 years, and won't plot against her, but its still a sinking feeling being kicked aside of one thing, especially if you're supposed to be the best around (referring to playing capability, again)


Ah, forget it...there's no point in ranting what's already done.

[billc36]

It's a pointless title, dude. You're getting VERY bent out of shape about something that is painfully inconsequential.

Section leaders aren't necessarily the best player, they are the best leader. You said it yourself in the first post that she has more leadership experience than you. Your posts have been "I did this", "I did that." Never once did you say "I worked with a new member of the pit last year to help them master a tough lick of the show."

[hurt-a]

Dear lord. People your age get so hung up over titles and fake placements that are thought out very carefully.

[TheKingofNone]

Classic example was a few years ago at southern. Percussion captain wasn't the snare section leader but was the best leader and instructor.

[Spirit Snare 80]

You're in for a long and tiring road if you compare yourself to others.
Be the best "you" and enjoy making music. Life's way too short.

[PataflaflaJr]

You don't need to have some kind of title or a high position for people to look up to you! People will look up to you if you act as a good leader and role model. Being second best does NOT make people look down on you either.

[Spiritsnare80]

Which begs the question "Why do you NEED people to look up to you?"

If you see evidence of bad FRUIT, you need to find the ROOT.

[VoteLobster]

Dear lord. People your age get so hung up over titles and fake placements that are thought out very carefully.

You should see my band's leadership team holy hell

OP, you're thinking too hard. Leaders aren't necessarily the best players. They're the best leaders, and sure, part of leading is having technical skill. But don't get hung up over this.

[waffley]

As a FE instructor, if you asked me this, I would tell you that knowing that you would be bent up over not being picked section leader would make me less likely to put you in as a section leader.

Always work to be better than yourself, never just better than anyone else.