Gender and Music

           In high school, I participated in two ensembles in which I was the only female. The first was a saxophone quartet. I absolutely loved this ensemble because our personalities and playing styles blended very well. We played a lot of difficult music, but it did not feel like work during rehearsals because the boys were so funny. One of them would do something ridiculous, and we would take about five minutes to regain our composure so that we could continue playing. The second ensemble I played in was at All-State Jazz. This was an interesting experience because the boys were all very talented, but they did not seem competitive of one another. They were respectful to each other and the clinician. The boys made breaks enjoyable by wearing their plungers on their heads and trying to screech the highest note they can possibly play on their instruments. Both these ensembles contained mostly males because males predominantly play the instruments in these settings. Even though I was the only girl in these groups, I did not feel discriminated against at all. My suggestions were appreciated, and I was even asked to present the plaque to the clinician.    

            Playing in various ensembles during high school has shown me that I am much more competitive with females than males. The girls in my band constantly complained that either one of the members in their section was playing the music incorrectly or that they wanted to beat their rival in the next chairs test. I never wanted to play in front of the girls in my band because I figured they would judge my playing ability. I enjoyed practicing with the boys because they were supportive and would challenge me.  

            Music is not as enjoyable in an all women setting as it was in a co-ed setting because there lacks a family connection. Rehearsals are efficient and run in a professional manner. This is how it should be, as this is a college not a high school band class. There are cliques of people, but there is not a sense of community. I do not enjoy playing next to only girls because I worry that I am being judged when I mess up. This self-consciousness especially pertains to seminar because I get offended when people make negative comments. I realize that they are only offering advice or observations, but I still get upset. I have a suggestion to help the Converse Wind Ensemble become closer. My high school band’s flute section was the only section that consisted of only females. One of the ways that the girls bonded outside of band class was an event called “Flute Day.” The flute players got together and painted T-shirts. It seemed like a great idea, and it really helped the girls get along better. Men help create a fun, less competitive environment in a music ensemble, but there are ways to help make a women’s ensemble just as enjoyable.