For old guys and gals only... 8^)

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Be grateful for the gigs you get. I got a gig in an Air Force band and because it wasn't "at the level I aspired" I totally discounted its value and would do practically anything to have it back at this point.

Ditto. I'm still beating myself up for dismissing a gig that would have gotten my foot in the military door "because I can win a DC job." What an idiot (and, what a different direction my life might have taken if I had taken that job).

[sloan]

IThat and marry Ann Coulter while she was still nobody.

Ah, yes! I wonder how many hundreds of guys have this regret.

42

[TubaRay]

I have learned to love whatever is on my stand at that moment

I believe this is profoundly important. It helps one to have the proper attitude to bring to the rehearsal or gig. This leads to performing the music, virtually any music, at the highest level possible. And for those doubters out there, and you know who you are, this is possible.

[tubacrow]

Scooby,
I see what you are going for, but I was not sure I wanted to share until you reminded me one of the most important things we can do is help those who are crossing the same paths that we have.

What have I learned that would change my past. i think the biggest thing I have learned is to listen. I did not and do not have all the answers, and if I would of paid attention all those years ago, I would maybe have reached my goals sooner. Many people have offered lessons that if I were a wiserman, I would of took to heart. Many friends and professors have offered sound advice and tips to improve myself as a musician and a person.

I of course do not mean that we should listen without evaluation. Not every piece of advice is a gem, and just because someone has professional infront of their name does not mean they first, have the contextural understanding to offer their most sound advice, and second know you as a person well enough to be correct, but if you have a friend whom knows and understands completely, I would suggest giving their words consideration.

I also would like to stress how much first impressions will shape how others see you. I was a different person when I did my undergrad, and maybe not the best or most serious tubist. A fact that has come back to haunt me. Recently 2 people from my past were asked about me and they spoke very ill of my skills. Neither have heard me play in 12 years, and during that time, I became serious about my instrument and growth as a person, have took lessons from leading tubists, and have held minor position while working as a full time music educator. In short I am not that teenager they remember, but they remember who they met and have not allowed for growth. I must admit I did feel both of these people were friends and had my best intentions at heart, but it is clear now they will speak behind my back. This is result of the system and first impressions. So for the young please try to make a good first impression, for the older folks (those who sit in, near, and around the ivory towers) remember you are not who you were. Everyone changes as they pass through this world, but if you feel you must speak ill of people have the consideration, and courage to speak to these people personally and do not pretend to be their friend.

[PWtuba]

So, as a round up thus far...

Practice more, study some piano and theory, actually go to class, keep playing when possible, listen more, be brave.

Sounds like good stuff.

Also sounds like no brainers...

[WakinAZ]

I guess I should have stuck with music as a major. I bailed freshman year when I developed a confidence problem and started getting scared about 3 to 7 more years in the practice room followed by a hand-to-mouth existence as a "gigless wannabe". Being a young, stupid and arrogant performance major, I thought I was too good for education and did not see myself in the military.

As things turned out, I never made a huge amount of money anyway. Oh well, I have fun with it now that I don't to worry about earning my living with it.

I got lots of good advice, chiefly from one of the greatest tubists of all time, and I ignored it all. What doesn't a 19-year-old kid know about life? Pretty much everything. What can you tell a 19-year-old kid about life? Pretty much nothing.

So this is for all us folks looking back to reminisce over - would've, could've, should've... I try not to give in and try to live in the now, but I am weak sometimes.

I recently got laid off and am now looking for work. This experience has made me focus on my career goals and, more importantly, on the most important thing of all - family. I don't spend much time worrying about what-ifs, but it feels good to vent a little.

Oscar Wilde quote - "The only thing to do with good advice is pass it on. It is never any use to oneself."

Eric "who still finds playing the tuba to be very satisfying; it just took him a 17 year hiatus to realize it" L

[scottw]

There is no point in second-guessing your past decisions, true. Only hope that, if you see something happening that reminds you of a mistake you made long ago, you will have the wisdom and experience to make a better choice this time. I can't change the fact that I agreed to major in double bass instead of tuba [shortage of one, surplus of the other]. I can't change the fact that I spent 25 years playing the bass because it paid far better than did the tuba. Nor can I change having stopped playing altogether for over 20 years in my effort to provide for my family.
But, if I were a young guy asking me for advice [not too likely!]I would tell them to just play as much as they can and enjoy every moment of it! I know I am.

[tubatooter1940]

Every man has his story to tell. Most are worth a listen.
I pray everyday for the wisdom to keep my mouth shut and my ears and options open.
Music has been a good pursuit for me. Never being able to learn it all held my interest and always will.
Same thing with sailing...
Ann Coulter has the potential to make love hurt the way it probably should.
"Sink your teeth right through my bones, baby..."
John Cougar Mellencamp

[rocksanddirt]

Geeze, Scoob, you did not mention in the oldsters only bit that it was for youngsters! I was sharing how I felt personally about my past. I am where I am because of my brilliant moments as well as my F-ups. I was sharing how I feel. I would not have said the same things if you had said that you wanted us to share with the younger folks what to avoid doing in life. Very different.

Sorry I misunderstood.

my observation is that only a story like you shared provided the 'youth of america' the proper understanding of choices and how the effect the future. Life is full of what if's when you look back. Sharing what some of those are, and why you made some of the choices you did is what might help some of the youngsters who read it to be conscious when they make thier choices in life. And IMO it is knowing what your choices really are that makes for a happy and content life.