At 14, I picked up the clarinet during my time at a state high school. While it didn’t propel me to the state symphony orchestra, the experience brought lasting rewards from tackling this quirky instrument. I even took the stage at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Beginning the Clarinet Journey
I didn’t choose the clarinet just to skip maths class—though it helped. I had a genuine passion for music and sought to build a new skill. My primary school offered little in music beyond occasional group singalongs, so the free lessons at high school felt like an exciting opportunity. My parents supported the idea, purchasing a used clarinet even though neither had played an instrument themselves.
Instrumental music was emerging at the school. By year 8, a small concert band formed, blending pop tunes and classical selections. Lessons came from skilled musicians, often during class time, though participation remained optional and somewhat unconventional among peers. Few classmates played instruments, but one boy excelled on trombone from his Salvation Army background, and his younger brother mastered the trumpet early on.
I aimed to broaden my horizons and immersed myself in radio music constantly. Yet, after two years, I struggled as a clarinetist. The instrument assembled easily, but the reeds in the mouthpiece frequently became waterlogged and broke. Still, I grasped reading music, understanding bars, sharps, flats, and basic rhythms in 3/4 or 4/4 time. The challenge lay in translating notes from page to fingers swiftly—I wasn’t destined for fame like Acker Bilk.
Forming Bonds and Joining Bigger Bands
Despite my limitations, the effort paid off in friendships. I connected with Lisa over our shared enthusiasm for the Chess musical soundtrack. We performed in the school band and attended band camps, including one in the Yarra Valley with students from nearby schools. The teachers faced quite the lively group.
One day, an advertisement caught our eye for the State Youth Concert Band. We auditioned and joined, playing third clarinet—far from the melodies, with simpler parts and no rapid passages. It suited us perfectly. Rehearsals occurred at a well-equipped private school, involving around 100 young musicians, some wielding exotic instruments like the oboe and bassoon.
The band tackled pop songs, classical works, and film scores. Our conductor commanded with a powerful voice, enforcing discipline like a military drill sergeant. Brass sections shone in iconic John Williams pieces, such as the Star Wars theme, filling me with wonder as I listened.
Performing on a Legendary Stage
For our big show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, we donned white windcheaters emblazoned with Victoria’s 150th birthday logo—it was 1985. We even sang Barbra Streisand’s Evergreen instead of playing, an awkward moment amid the excitement. Show business has its cringeworthy sides.
The venue appeared stark—concrete and steel—from onstage, but the sloped design brought the audience remarkably close. Reflecting now, it’s remarkable to have shared a platform with legends like The Seekers, Paul McCartney and Wings, ABBA, Midnight Oil, and AC/DC.
That same year, Lisa performed with the band for Prince Charles and Princess Diana at Port Melbourne, though I missed it for reasons long forgotten. These events highlight the unexpected paths music can open.
Lasting Impacts Today
Decades later, in 2026, Lisa attends classical concerts and maintains ties with three band friends. “It was a great experience,” she shared. She still plays clarinet now and then.
I quit after a few school years, selling the instrument to another novice. I haven’t touched one since, with no regrets. Those early lessons exposed me to instrumental music, notation, ensemble playing, and lasting companionship.
The knowledge endures: Radio songs now reveal layers—I discern harmonies and isolate instruments. Conversations with musicians feel more informed, even if I occasionally drop my State Youth Concert Band credential. When parents inquire about instruments for their children—clarinet, flute, trumpet, or drums—I encourage them. They might not become virtuosos, but it enriches their perspective just the same.
