I’ve never had an oboe or bassoon. I’ve never taken a tuba or a horn. I’ve taken as few as two percussion. I’m about to take two flutes.

I ride the line between 1C and 2C. I’ve never made sweepstakes, but we’ve made improvements and been proud of ourselves. I’m in the same region as some very affluent and prestigious programs and it can be a real struggle to remember that judges are human.

I’ve had feedback that was unwarranted and feedback that I had to own as my Own weaknesses, but it was rarely because of instrumentation. Take the band you’re comfortable with.

Of course, I’m over here fretting about my own upcoming instrumentation right now, so I know it’s easier said than done.