I told my son he was terrible at trombone. But please, let me explain myself.
He has only just started trombone this year. To choose it as his instrument he had to do a ‘blow test’. He received top marks so was allowed to choose whatever wind instrument he wanted. He chose trombone, but his arms aren’t yet long enough to play it properly. His band instructor still let him choose it on the assumption he would grow soon.
This wasn’t my idea. I suggested he choose the trumpet because he could already hold it and it came in a much smaller container, way more convenient for bringing home on the bus.
Unfortunately Philip decided the trombone was what he wanted. He does like to bite of more than he can chew and then chew like crazy. So I bought the ridiculously expensive and incredibly large instrument (thank goodness for the rent-to-by scheme). He’s been playing for exactly one term. They have band training for around an hour once a week and then he is meant to practice at home every single day.
On the day of my unfortunately direct assessment of his ability, Philip had not yet practised at home once. I was a bit annoyed because he chose the hardest and most expensive instrument possible. Where was his commitment?
He arrived home one Friday after band training and said, “Mum, I’m the worst trombone player in the whole of training band”. I said, “Yes you are a terrible trombone player but that’s because you never practice, so get it out and practice!”
