A Reminder about the Kids in the Back Row

"Challenge Precedes Development"

- Arnold Jacobs

All musicians need to be constantly challenged to experience continuous development. This goes for everyone from professional musicians to middle school band students.

Some players, such as tuba players like me, don’t always have challenging parts all the way in the back of the band. This is why many low brass players don’t develop the same proficiency on their instrument as some of their fellow students.

Whether it be through chamber music, duets, lessons, or some other outlet, every player in the band must be challenged in order to grow. Many experience a challenge right in their band parts but that doesn’t go for everyone. I know. I’ve counted an awful lot of rests in my day.