On my first day at OSC, I was asked by our DP coordinator if I was interested in joining the band, as the band here was missing trumpet players. I immediately said yes as I wanted some form of familiarity with how life was back in Dhaka but also it gave me the opportunity to get to know some of the people in this school. I was excited to be a part of a band again. Moreover, I was happy to start integrating myself into the school community. 

My first practice was unlike any other practice I’ve been in. Firstly, the arrangement of the instruments was very different. The band I was in previously mainly focused on brass and percussion. There were no strings expect for a bass however the band at OSC had a balance between strings and brass. It was a new sound for me to hear in a band. Another interesting thing to me was that the director played the piano while conducting. This was something that really impressed me as all the other directors I’ve had before just stood at the center and conducted.

There were four songs that we practiced for the Spring Gala Concert and for graduation. Crown Imperial, Superstition, the Nightmare Before Christmas, and The Pirates of the Carrabian. I really enjoyed playing these songs and I looked forward to performing then at the Gala and at graduation. 

Unfortunately, we were not able to play these songs due to the COVID-19 outbreak canceling all events.  

An important lesson that I learned from my short time in the Concert band was to be open to changes. Even though the music wasn’t hard I still found it a bit difficult to be in a new band. The director and the layout were very different from the band that I played for six years. I realized that the more changes that I go through the more valuable experience I’ll have under my belt.

 

IB Learner Outcomes:

• Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
• Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
• Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively