I’m actually surprised that I’m blogging about something that sort of matters. Well, here’s the background story. As some of you may know, I’ve been playing cello - the somewhat big string instrument- ever since I was seven years old. Why did I start? I honestly don’t know myself, but I suppose one of the main reasons includes the fact that all the other Asian kids were starting a musical instrument, and mum started to panic. If I had a say in it back then, I would have chosen to play a wind instrument, more specifically flute or clarinet, but since there was a cello teacher living right below us in our apartment complex, I ended up starting my first lesson without much enthusiasm.
After years of practice, reprimands for not practicing enough, and a few meager awards, I’ve come to my first major decision concerning this matter. To say it frankly, I want to quit. But, when someone has done something for more than half her life, it is hard to let go. The main reasons I want to quit now are because of my fears of the schoolwork load for next year, the lessons that usually take away 2-3 hours of that precious time, and my overrun schedule that doesn’t allow a class I really want to take, yearbook. From the way I see things, there is really no point in taking orchestra anymore. Sure, I will miss the friends I have in there, but I know I don’t really belong. If I want to be harsh on myself, I know that I’ve never been musically talented. All of the results that my various teachers have produced are due to the countless hours forced to practice. Yearbook on the other hand, incorporates the many things I love to do. For instance, the graphics aspect of it, the interviewing, the writing, and all of that which is creative.
So last night, I made the final decision that’s been put way too far into motion to stop now. I emailed my former multimedia teacher, asking if there was still a space on the staff. Thankfully, she welcomed me with open arms and is even going to help me change my schedule. And also, I’m going to write a letter to my current cello teacher, telling her of my decision. I’m a such a chicken when it comes to confrontations. So I think I’m going to go pack up all my musical things in my room this afternoon, which isn’t going to be that great of a reminder of what I’m doing. Maybe I’ll replace that empty area with a desk… that would be nice.
Sitewise
Sorry that there hasn’t been any updates here recently. The reason of that is because I’ve been putting all of my time and effort into Roodesigns, which is going swimmingly. So if you haven’t already, please go check it out! I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! (Also, if you want some social networking, you should join the new forum.)

emma
Visit emma's sitewow… the cello? that sounds really fun. im sorry to hear about your situation but i wish you luck in confronting your teacher. im always scared to do stuff like that… i always try and avoid it but eventually having to after several nags by my mum. haha. ive been having to make big decisions like that lately as well, due to a big and busy school year coming up. great idea with roodesigns though! it really helps the really talented webdesigners get noticed.
2:26 pm on 8/22/08Carson
Visit Carson's sitewell, im glad you acknowledged this and made a decision about it.
2:42 pm on 8/22/08although frankly i wouldnt worry too much about your school workload next year. i always managed to survive with time to spare
and im sure all manners of skills like this require a certain frustrating level of practice and commitment (ha i remember in brinker hearing how chern would practice 2 hours of violin and 2 hours of piano every day or maybe 1 of each or something)
however, if youre time can be better spent, more wisely or more enjoyably, then youre obviously making the right decision. and im sure youll still see plenty of your orch dork friends lol. you can come with me to all the chamber concerts.
and i know what you mean about the confrontation part whenever i quit something i put 5+ years into (3 times now) i just….kinda disappeared haha no letter or anything. so yea thats impressive, good luck with the awkward letter and im sure youll have tons of fun in yearbook
Anthony
Visit Anthony's sitethe first thing i saw was “i want to quit” and i thought you meant the site.
4:11 pm on 8/22/08*almost died*
Starr
Visit Starr's siteI’m sorry about your situation. I know how you feel kind of. I’m glad you made a decision though.

4:11 pm on 8/22/08I chicken out a little when it comes to confrontations too.
Man, it seems so dramatic… xD
Andrea
Visit Andrea's siteFirst time posting! I felt a need to comment, lol. Before freshman year I did the exact opposite and dropped yearbook (something I wanted to do since elementary) for chamber. I have no regrets now though it was the hardest thing dropping something I wanted to do for years. Anyway, good luck with yearbook and I hope you find it worth the change
5:21 pm on 8/22/08Ella
Visit Ella's siteOh honey, I know just how you feel. I’mma have to make that same decision next year… sort of. I’ll have to quit either choir or band, and I love both of them… I don’t have to quit either instrument (if voice counts as an instrument), but you know. It’s pretty much the same.
7:44 pm on 8/22/08Well my dear, that sucks, and since I haven’t seen you since like 5th grade, I couldn’t tell you whether you’re making the right decision or not, but I doubt that you’re aspiring to be a professional cello player when you grow up. So basically, I say do what you want. If you’re gonna feel terrible about this later, you’d know by know.
<333
Ham
Visit Ham's site:[
7:46 pm on 8/22/08Well, I’ll definitely miss you in orchestra and all the good times we could have had, but I guess and suppose it is for the better. However, if you are going to ditch us for yearbook, you’d better promise me to actually produce a GOOD and GOOD-LOOKING yearbook, mkay??
Rennie
Visit Rennie's siteYou’re musically talented and don’t think otherwise.. cause I’ve seen and heard you play the cello and you are amazing! But, if it’s not something that you want to pursue, then you’re better off doing something that you love. I heard Yearbook’s a realllyy fun class. And I love the fact that this year, our yearbooks will look absolutely amazing with your help.
5:11 pm on 8/24/08Panda
Visit Panda's siteTT_______________________TT
WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?????
-start selfish ramble(you may skip over if you’d like, actually please do ><;;)-
OMGGG I can’t believe you’re quitting cello!..***…But really this is just my selfishness talking, what I want. Which, honestly, doesn’t matter xDD
-End selfish ramble-
I still understand where you’re coming from, though. You shouldn’t waste your time on it if it’s not something that you’re really dedicated to. It’s great that you’re starting Yearbook - something you’re actually interested, and also talented in. I hope you don’t regret it! As long as you’re happy, I’m happy too ^^
***yes I deleted like 80% of the selfish ramble. You don’t need that right now, and i’m sure many ppl have already harped on you for quitting.
5:44 pm on 9/1/08Roo
Visit Roo's sitehahahahahahhahahahhahahaa not really o-o;; Mr. T didn’t even try to stop me from quitting- now that really shows you how much I was wanted…
7:41 pm on 9/1/08