Ok, say if you also knew how to play... some other instrument, but you always practice and give 100% on percussion, but not on the other, would you want to give 100% on percussion. If you made mistake of switching from percussion to the other instrument, just for 1 year, wouldn't you want to go back after that one year, since that was what you planned? If the director didn't let you, wouldn't you be more demoralized than you already were?

That is what happened to me,I was on percussion for 3 months, then I decided, for just the rest of the year, go trombone. I was ok with it, then came band camp the next year, still on trombone. It has almost bbeen 2 years since I switched. It sucks having to play an instrument last played in 1984, before I played it.

No, I'd still give my 100% because it should be about playing music. I was a drummer all my life and then my junior year, the director said "We need a trombone for jazz band... and you're it." I picked it up and had a great time. Similiar situation with tuba in concert band.

The director wouldn't let me switch band to percussion, because I was good at what I did - and I realized that and was happy with what I was doing. I would rather have a cohesive ensemble that sounds good than appease myself with percussion.

So, if speaking to him doesn't work you have two options... suck it up and play trombone or quit.

Hmmm...I started on piano when I was 5 and percussion when I was 10. I am primarily a percussionist, however I still practice piano every day and give it 100% every time that I do. I can also play cello if needed though I am not good at it. When called upon however, I give go at it 1005. What fun is learning an instrument if you aren't going to give 100% to learning?

I'm with Chris on this one, if you aren't giving 100% on something, I wouldn't let you switch either.

What is best for the band is what you need to be asking yourself. If there are a lot of incoming freshman in percussion, then let them play percussion and you stay on trombone since there are fewer and a band without a low brass section sounds really thin. THAT is for the better of the band.

Is your uncle telling you that he's going to take back the trombone? You hint at that, but never say that.

I've spent far more than a few hundred dollars for an instrument that I rarely play so the not renting something because it's not what you want to play argument holds no water. And for the record, I bought my cello while I was in HS.

Talk to your director, I think he or she can give you an honest answer. When I was in band many moons ago, we had a drummer who also played trombone. He wanted on the line really bad, but the director saw fit to keep him in brass. I would say whatever playing trombone or percussion, just be the best you can where you are needed & you will be successful. Trust your band leadership. Here is a suggestion if you really want to play drums and can't play in the drumline, you have a couple of options. There are some community drumlines out there that will let you audition as a high schooler. Also, possibly get a set of drums and focus on drumset on your own time. That's what our trombone friend did, & he still plays drumset to this day. Best wishes & good luck to ya.

There is no community drumline and I have played drumset since I was 2 years old. i already asked him

See what your BD is really seeing is, what if you decide there's a certain part of the show you don't like and so you don't give 100% learning it? or you're not feeling 'up' to performing at a game? You said you play trombone well when you 'feel like it'. Having somebody on the line who did that would be excruciating at the least.

And trust me, there are times when the last thing you want to do is strap on a heavy drum and do brutal, boring, run through after run through. Or to practice paradiddles when you could be out with your friends. You're enthusiastic now, and that's great, but it takes commitment to be a part of the band.

Your BD isn't going to be doing you any big favors without you showing some sacrifice and dedication to the greater good. And from what you've described, putting you in percussion would be a HUGE gift ahead of the rest of the band. And if you put in a really great year of trombone, who knows what next season will bring. =)

So, you basically shot yourself in the foot with the entire "I dont put up 100% on trombone"

I have a feeling what the band director is thinking, hes thinking about the band as a team, and it truley is, he wants you to benefit the entire band, not just try and benefit yourself

Telling your BD that you dont try on trombone, but you might on drums wasnt smart, in his mind, hes thinking why should he move you, when your not even trying in the first place, its doing you a big favor, that you havnt worked for at all

Just practice your drums to yourself, and start giving 100% to your BD, your only a freshman, you have 3 years left, People mature, your BD might notice that youve matured and are willing to work as a team player for the band, then you might be able to try and switch

don't worry... i quit anyways.... or i was going to, but then i found out to get a scholarship i had to have 4 years of band.

as someone above said u pretty much blew yourself saying you'd give 100% for percussion and not trombone and u have two options suck it up or quit...

i wanna play tenors on my school's line right? tryouts are this upcoming wednesday. plus u gotta think about whats best for the band etc. ok? so lets say i don't make tenors like i plan and he puts me on like idk snare.

i could either suck it up and play snare or quit. but this being me, i would suck it up and still give it 110%. i wanna play tenors more than anything..pretty much what i've dreamed of doin since i joined band. but still i'd rather play and enjoy playing music on an instrument that i don't wanna play..rather than not playin music at all..

... I regret to inform the DLO community that I quit band...

our band sucks anyways