Joining a Club at School

[HerrKaiser]

No problem. I'm a foilist as well and also like Yuki Ota's style but only fence recreationally now (well not at all since coming to Japan since I didn't bring any gear with me). Sadly, I think it will just come down to placement luck and the dreaded ESID that you will hear repeatedly in JET =/

Well Hysan, if you are planning on staying with JET for another year and everything works out for me. Mayhaps I can convince you to give me a bout or two If I bring all my stuff, which I plan to, I will have enough or two to fence (assuming you're not a lefty). Well... and assuming that we are not on opposite ends of Japan.

[susanne]

I've yet to join a school club other than English club, but I have recently started learning Taiko at a community centre and I love it! Practice is just once a week and the ladies in the group have been really nice to me.

It took me quite a while of telling everyone I knew that I wanted to learn Taiko before my friend found me the group I'm with now and introduced me to the sensei.

I'm keen to visit the school clubs, but wary of committing to an every single day activity.

[hysan]

Well Hysan, if you are planning on staying with JET for another year and everything works out for me. Mayhaps I can convince you to give me a bout or two If I bring all my stuff, which I plan to, I will have enough or two to fence (assuming you're not a lefty). Well... and assuming that we are not on opposite ends of Japan.

I'll be here another 1-2 years at least. If we do end up near each other (yeah, long shot haha), I'll take you up on your offer.

[Boogerghost]

2012 shortlister here . Sorry to revive, but I thought it made more sense than starting a new one.

I'd be very grateful to hear some more of you share your experiences with joining or trying to join or visiting brass band or choir clubs. In my perfect fantasy JET universe I get placed in a school with a brass band and a choir and each club graciously lets me participate, I'm magically able to attend enough rehearsals for both of them, I'm able to pick up the necessary Japanese musical vocabulary to be competent in rehearsals with minimal inconvenience to others, and I maybe even find a community group or two of musical expats, and also I find and purchase a reasonably priced home keyboard. Again, this is my fantasy; I expect absolutely nothing. I realize how tempting it is for some to respond with a "don't count on this, don't count on that, ESID, your school might not allow it, your school might be shocked you asked, your school might ask you to stand on your head and dance the Funky Chicken," etc., but if you'd spare us the lecture we all know by heart ( ) and provide whatever anecdotal input you cared to I'd be very much obliged. Thanks!

[coop52]

I've never heard of a school with a choir, but that doesn't mean they don't exist or that there isn't opportunity to sing. Schools sometimes have classes sing at culture festivals, and the PTA or teachers might sing a song there. If your school doesn't sing, there might be an area choir you could join.

I played very briefly with the brass band when I taught JHS. The issue I had was they wanted me to teach the new kids how to play flute (extremely difficult when you use only English) and they wanted me to come in on weekends as well as every day after school. My BOE wasn't terribly pleased with the idea of me being at school past my contract hours so much (insurance reasons). However, if you plan to be committed or have an understanding school, it can be done!

Sorry if I burst your bubble.

[Gizmotech]

Assuming you aren't a total noob at either event, and your school is not too "club focused" then this might happen. As teachers changed at the beginning of this month we have a new brass band teacher and he wants me to come play sax with the kids even though I haven't played in 10 years. I think the chorus teacher would love to have me in the club right now because then atleast she would have 1 member (they all graduated last year on her ). That being said, these would be to "have fun" and as soon as they really got down to business I'd have to bow out.

[Patryn]

most JHS and SHS have a brass band afaik, but you have to be pretty serious about it if you want to actually perform with them. Depends what instrument you play though. Most schools already have super amazing piano players and there's usually only spot for one piano player on the stage (if at all) and you wouldn't be taking that opportunity from a student.

As for a local band thingy, this is entirely doable if you can find them! hahahaha. I know a few people who have joined a small quartet or band or orchestra (i forget which) and practice with them regularly, but again, commitment and also japanese ability! Also, you might always be able to start up a band with other ALTs!

I say, just get in good with the music teacher and see where that takes you. *nods* I sometimes visit the brass band at my school, but I'm more of a distraction and just go watch them play in concerts every now and then when I hear about a performance (rarely). xD

[darlo]

Just thought I'd throw in one less positive posibility, there's a chance you could have a large number of schools and won't be able to commit to being there all the time. That being said, should that happen you can still support them at any concerts/events. Or find out if there's a local group that meets at weekends. I know I wouldn't mind getting involved club-wise.

[OdysseyOfNoises]

In my school days I'd experienced mountain climbing, and it was very cool.For me, I would like you to try that one.its awesome.