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Notes from an Accidental Band Geek
From the author of Models Don’t Eat Chocolate Cookies comes a middle grade novel hailed by Linda Urban as “A perfect blend of laugh out loud funny and real-world heart.”
Elsie Wyatt wants to be an orchestra superstar, like her dad and grandfather. The first step? Get into a super-selective summer music camp. In order to qualify, Elsie must “expand her musical horizons” by joining her high school’s marching band. Not only does this mean wearing a plumed hat and polyester pants, but it also means she can’t play her own instrument, can’t sit down, and can’t seem to say the right thing to anyone…let alone Jake, the cute trumpet player she meets on the first day. Plus, everything she does seems to cause a disaster. Surviving marching band is going to be way harder than Elsie thought.
For fans of funny, realistic, every-girl novels like Wendy Mass’s 13 Gifts and Lisa Greenwald’s My Life in Pink & Green.
Elsie Wyatt wants to be an orchestra superstar, like her dad and grandfather. The first step? Get into a super-selective summer music camp. In order to qualify, Elsie must “expand her musical horizons” by joining her high school’s marching band. Not only does this mean wearing a plumed hat and polyester pants, but it also means she can’t play her own instrument, can’t sit down, and can’t seem to say the right thing to anyone…let alone Jake, the cute trumpet player she meets on the first day. Plus, everything she does seems to cause a disaster. Surviving marching band is going to be way harder than Elsie thought.
For fans of funny, realistic, every-girl novels like Wendy Mass’s 13 Gifts and Lisa Greenwald’s My Life in Pink & Green.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 12, 2011
35 people are currently reading
1078 people want to read
About the author
Erin Dionne
22 books339 followersI write books for tweens, teens, and anyone who survived junior high.
Please note: I have changed my review policy. I'll no longer be using the star rating system--I'm an author, not a reviewer or editor, and I'd rather support other authors by not ranking their books. I write honest (brief) reviews for each book I read, so please look to those to find out what I loved.
Please note: I have changed my review policy. I'll no longer be using the star rating system--I'm an author, not a reviewer or editor, and I'd rather support other authors by not ranking their books. I write honest (brief) reviews for each book I read, so please look to those to find out what I loved.
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October 16, 2012
To see full review click here: http://yalbookbriefs.blogspot.com/201...
Confession: When I was in high school I was in band. Actually, I've mentioned that before. What I didn't mention was marching band.
Honestly, some of my worse memories are from marching band. I was a double alternate (i.e. they gave up trying to teach me how to march in step). The ironic thing is, despite this I actually excelled at actually playing my instrument. I was the only one in my school to qualify for the All-State band and that lead to better and grander things in my life. So I guess in a way, I got the last laugh (evil laughs).
That's besides the point though. I have to say that despite my utter hatred for marching, I always thought a book about marching band would be a pretty cool YA book. In fact, my friends and I often joked about how we were one day going to write a YA book calledUnder the Shako. What is a shako you might ask? Well, it's the ugly ass hat they make you wear to march just to add to the humiliation of wearing a hideous polyester uniform. That aside though, I was excited to see an actual book involving marching band at my library. However, it was one of those relationships that was too good to be true.
It's not going to be pretty guys. First of all, I'll tell you I'm probably a little biased. As I said before, I was in band. But to be honest, I've really spent all my life around music. All of my family has musical degrees. My aunt and uncles bands have won several awards for marching and concert work. My mom herself is a fantastic teacher. My sister is an orchestral musician. My dad was a jazz musician. A lot of my friends are musicians. So, when it comes to fact checking in this book any mistake isn't going to get past me. Rather, it's going to annoy me. And boy there were a lot of mistakes in this book.
Let's talk about what's good about this book. It a nice easy read. Yes, the main character was insufferable and the dialogue sounded really fake--both things I'll get into more detail in a minute--but it was an easy read. And the concept was cute too. A little out there given all the factual discrepancies but it worked. Enough I guess. And there was a plot and an actual attempt to develop character. It really didn't work though, but there was effort.
Alright, let's talk about the problems because I'm probably going to spend quite a bit about the review talking about them. This book is cringe worthy people. Even if you know nothing about music or the music industry, there are things about it that will get you groaning. I'll discuss those things first before I get technical.
Everything in this book just comes off a little fake. First there's are main character who is a bitch. There's no other way to describe her. As I discuss in the Worst Feature section, I thought maybe it was because she suffered from a social disorder, but nope. She had no excuse for her behavior. She's just insults people for the heck of it. Likewise, I think her friends (if you could call them that) were a bit over sensitive as well. They just wanted her to be a doormat. To succumb to mediocrity. And the love interest he was pretty bland until he got mad out of her in a fit of petty jealousy because of a guy named Punk (yes, there was actually a character named Punk who dressed like a punk). Her father was pretty awful too there was this ridiculous temper tantrum that went on between him and Elsie and I honestly thought....ugh, you don't want to know. Basically, the point I'm getting at is that there was no happy medium when it came to characterization in this book. No wonder the dialogue felt so slanted. Also, can I say that I hated how this book would put in pop culture references but not outright say them, i.e. there are Twilight references but instead of calling it Twilight Dionne refers to it as Dusk. Not to mention a dozen or so Star Wars references that were put in, in an obvious attempt to be hip (seriously, there was a character whose whole purpose was to quote lines from the movies).
A lot of things about this book just didn't make sense there were a glob of plot holes and plots that I just couldn't make sense of. And to having plot holes in a contemporary is a pretty big deal. At least with a paranormal, you sort of have the excuse of another world but here there are no excuses. None at all.
Okay, guys here's the technical music related stuff. A lot of this might bore you to death, but I feel like when you're writing a novel proper research is a must and with the age of the internet it's not that difficult to do. Here are just a few of the things that bothered me about how Dionne handled the subject matter:
1) Transcribing a piccolo solo to mellophone can't be done. A piccolo is the highest pitched instrument on the field a mellophone plays a lot lower. You play in treble cliff on piccolo you play in bass cliff on mellophone. And furthermore you're bastardizing Sousa's Stars and Stripes when you use a mellophone.
2) Marching Band isn't so much about the music than it is about the drill. Quite honestly people aren't going to hear you in the stadium they'll mostly hear the percussion if anything else. What makes or breaks a show is the actual drill. Many schools have shows written just for them in interesting themes. It's all about the show not the musical quality which is why novice players are often allowed on the field because they don't have to actually play.
3) Rehearsals aren't just three days a week they're almost every day a week in Texas we have an eight hour rule. Which means bands can rehears up to eight hours per week. Usually though this rule in broken. Band directors are better than lawyers at finding loopholes.
4) If a student passes out there's no way in hell they'll be allowed to stay at practice that day. It's hello emergency room. There's just too big of a liability with more and more kids suffering from heat strokes and other health disorders in recent years.
5) Expecting a job in a Big Five Orchestra is like expecting to be Angelina Jolie. It's hard, guys. It's really hard. Elsie acted like it would be a piece of cake if she got into her camp and got into the right school. Well, it doesn't exactly work that way. There are a limited amount of jobs out there and there are so many factors in who chosen for what job. To be blunt about it, the best player often doesn't get the job. They might not even advance. Yes, advance there are multiple stages to audition for a job. Sometimes, you have to get invited to an audition Each group has their own criteria in who they hire. Many musicians get upper degrees so that they can teach at a university while looking for a job that actually pays and this process takes multiple years. Not to mention the student loans for these schools are just awful and that if you decide to quit depending on your degree you might have a difficult time getting a job in another industry. Furthermore, it takes some musicians up to a hundred or auditions before they find a job. Finally, it should also be mentioned that playing music in a symphony isn't at all glamorous. Many orchestras have gone on strike in recent years. Notably, the Atlanta and Chicago symphonies with the musicians often taking a pay cut.
6) Private lessons are a necessity. Most schools have their own private lessons teachers. If they don't the music program is probably lacking in funding. These teachers often provide the only individual instruction students get.
7) There is no parade competition in marching band. You run your drill usually there are three acts so to speak.
8)You perform at every football game, not just homecoming and always in full dress. There is never half dress. I remember wearing wool when it was a hundred degrees outside. It sucked and I couldn't stand the fact Elsie was complaining about it being hot in freaking Massachusetts obvious she has not spent a day outside when it's 106 degrees outside in Texas in July.
9) You don't learn music by route. You count the piece, subdivide it. Learn it measure by measure. But not by rote.
10) Getting into a big parade like the Macy's Darcy's Thanksgiving Parade or the Rose Bowl isn't accomplished in just a few weeks it takes years. And usually when you do get invited it's the whole district not just one school (I would know my uncle's school district got invited to march for the Rose Bowl a couple of years back).
Best Feature: The Subject Matter. I like books about band. Music played an important role in my life and I think it's important for kids to realize that it's out there and this book does it. Grant it, it gets a lot of things wrong. But I like it's intentions..
Worst Feature: Suffering from Sheldon Cooper Syndrome: Okay, Elsie. Girlfriend, you're not getting a b.f.f. charm from me anytime soon. In fact, I'm almost tempted to throw you in the dungeon of doom. However, you aren't the typical Sue I'll give you that. You're just mean. And don't know how to deal with people. I actually wondered if you suffered from a social disorder like Aspergers or something and if that was the case you know more power to you. I feel like YA protagonist should be more diversified since the world itself has a wide array of people. And I have to admit it would be sort of cool reading a book in the POV from someone who views the world differently than I do. But you, my friend, you don't have a social disorder and you have no excuse for being such a bitch to everyone. Yes, I get your instrument is your life. But let me tell you, being from a family of musicians you're going to get nowhere. You think you need a night off of practicing before a marching band contest. A marching band contest where quite honestly no one is going to hear you over the crowd....let me just put it this way, my sister who is actually a symphony musician practices at bare minimum of three hours day. Usually it's six plus. When I was in high school, I practiced at least ninety minutes a day and it wasn't music that was fun for the most part. I did fundamentals like scales and stuff. Also, don't act like you're so much better than your peers. It's not your place to correct them unless you're the section leader or whatever. Your band director or private lesson teacher (oh, right I forgot your school doesn't have private teachers) will be more than happy to point out their faults, they don't need to be told how much they suck from a wannabe like you. I will say as insufferable as Elsie is--seriously, she's like an mean version of Sheldon Cooper of the band world-I did think her friends were a bit overly sensitive and rude themselves. So what if she doesn't want to eat ice cream with you guys? Get over it. She's been with you all day long at the field and really who wants to be with a person 24/7. Seriously, this book lacked balance when it comes to social interaction. You're either an ass or a doormat. No in between.
Appropriateness: This book seems pretty clean. I mean, after meeting Elsie you sort of understand why. There's not going to be any happy times for her romantically until she loses that chip on her shoulder plus I think her dad would hit someone with his French Horn or whatever if they even got close to second base which I don't think she'll get to with the love interest in this book. However, what bothered me about this book for young readers was the fact that it preached for mediocrity. Seriously, Elsie was shunned because she was practicing. Like practicing is a sin. Some of the stuff she said was offensive, but her practicing that shouldn't be judged. But seriously, in the end she realizes that her goals aren't important just as long as she's having fun in a group and gives up a great opportunity. Well, Elsie tell me how you feel ten years from now when all the French Horn playing you're doing is for your community band?
Confession: When I was in high school I was in band. Actually, I've mentioned that before. What I didn't mention was marching band.
Honestly, some of my worse memories are from marching band. I was a double alternate (i.e. they gave up trying to teach me how to march in step). The ironic thing is, despite this I actually excelled at actually playing my instrument. I was the only one in my school to qualify for the All-State band and that lead to better and grander things in my life. So I guess in a way, I got the last laugh (evil laughs).
That's besides the point though. I have to say that despite my utter hatred for marching, I always thought a book about marching band would be a pretty cool YA book. In fact, my friends and I often joked about how we were one day going to write a YA book calledUnder the Shako. What is a shako you might ask? Well, it's the ugly ass hat they make you wear to march just to add to the humiliation of wearing a hideous polyester uniform. That aside though, I was excited to see an actual book involving marching band at my library. However, it was one of those relationships that was too good to be true.
It's not going to be pretty guys. First of all, I'll tell you I'm probably a little biased. As I said before, I was in band. But to be honest, I've really spent all my life around music. All of my family has musical degrees. My aunt and uncles bands have won several awards for marching and concert work. My mom herself is a fantastic teacher. My sister is an orchestral musician. My dad was a jazz musician. A lot of my friends are musicians. So, when it comes to fact checking in this book any mistake isn't going to get past me. Rather, it's going to annoy me. And boy there were a lot of mistakes in this book.
Let's talk about what's good about this book. It a nice easy read. Yes, the main character was insufferable and the dialogue sounded really fake--both things I'll get into more detail in a minute--but it was an easy read. And the concept was cute too. A little out there given all the factual discrepancies but it worked. Enough I guess. And there was a plot and an actual attempt to develop character. It really didn't work though, but there was effort.
Alright, let's talk about the problems because I'm probably going to spend quite a bit about the review talking about them. This book is cringe worthy people. Even if you know nothing about music or the music industry, there are things about it that will get you groaning. I'll discuss those things first before I get technical.
Everything in this book just comes off a little fake. First there's are main character who is a bitch. There's no other way to describe her. As I discuss in the Worst Feature section, I thought maybe it was because she suffered from a social disorder, but nope. She had no excuse for her behavior. She's just insults people for the heck of it. Likewise, I think her friends (if you could call them that) were a bit over sensitive as well. They just wanted her to be a doormat. To succumb to mediocrity. And the love interest he was pretty bland until he got mad out of her in a fit of petty jealousy because of a guy named Punk (yes, there was actually a character named Punk who dressed like a punk). Her father was pretty awful too there was this ridiculous temper tantrum that went on between him and Elsie and I honestly thought....ugh, you don't want to know. Basically, the point I'm getting at is that there was no happy medium when it came to characterization in this book. No wonder the dialogue felt so slanted. Also, can I say that I hated how this book would put in pop culture references but not outright say them, i.e. there are Twilight references but instead of calling it Twilight Dionne refers to it as Dusk. Not to mention a dozen or so Star Wars references that were put in, in an obvious attempt to be hip (seriously, there was a character whose whole purpose was to quote lines from the movies).
A lot of things about this book just didn't make sense there were a glob of plot holes and plots that I just couldn't make sense of. And to having plot holes in a contemporary is a pretty big deal. At least with a paranormal, you sort of have the excuse of another world but here there are no excuses. None at all.
Okay, guys here's the technical music related stuff. A lot of this might bore you to death, but I feel like when you're writing a novel proper research is a must and with the age of the internet it's not that difficult to do. Here are just a few of the things that bothered me about how Dionne handled the subject matter:
1) Transcribing a piccolo solo to mellophone can't be done. A piccolo is the highest pitched instrument on the field a mellophone plays a lot lower. You play in treble cliff on piccolo you play in bass cliff on mellophone. And furthermore you're bastardizing Sousa's Stars and Stripes when you use a mellophone.
2) Marching Band isn't so much about the music than it is about the drill. Quite honestly people aren't going to hear you in the stadium they'll mostly hear the percussion if anything else. What makes or breaks a show is the actual drill. Many schools have shows written just for them in interesting themes. It's all about the show not the musical quality which is why novice players are often allowed on the field because they don't have to actually play.
3) Rehearsals aren't just three days a week they're almost every day a week in Texas we have an eight hour rule. Which means bands can rehears up to eight hours per week. Usually though this rule in broken. Band directors are better than lawyers at finding loopholes.
4) If a student passes out there's no way in hell they'll be allowed to stay at practice that day. It's hello emergency room. There's just too big of a liability with more and more kids suffering from heat strokes and other health disorders in recent years.
5) Expecting a job in a Big Five Orchestra is like expecting to be Angelina Jolie. It's hard, guys. It's really hard. Elsie acted like it would be a piece of cake if she got into her camp and got into the right school. Well, it doesn't exactly work that way. There are a limited amount of jobs out there and there are so many factors in who chosen for what job. To be blunt about it, the best player often doesn't get the job. They might not even advance. Yes, advance there are multiple stages to audition for a job. Sometimes, you have to get invited to an audition Each group has their own criteria in who they hire. Many musicians get upper degrees so that they can teach at a university while looking for a job that actually pays and this process takes multiple years. Not to mention the student loans for these schools are just awful and that if you decide to quit depending on your degree you might have a difficult time getting a job in another industry. Furthermore, it takes some musicians up to a hundred or auditions before they find a job. Finally, it should also be mentioned that playing music in a symphony isn't at all glamorous. Many orchestras have gone on strike in recent years. Notably, the Atlanta and Chicago symphonies with the musicians often taking a pay cut.
6) Private lessons are a necessity. Most schools have their own private lessons teachers. If they don't the music program is probably lacking in funding. These teachers often provide the only individual instruction students get.
7) There is no parade competition in marching band. You run your drill usually there are three acts so to speak.
8)You perform at every football game, not just homecoming and always in full dress. There is never half dress. I remember wearing wool when it was a hundred degrees outside. It sucked and I couldn't stand the fact Elsie was complaining about it being hot in freaking Massachusetts obvious she has not spent a day outside when it's 106 degrees outside in Texas in July.
9) You don't learn music by route. You count the piece, subdivide it. Learn it measure by measure. But not by rote.
10) Getting into a big parade like the Macy's Darcy's Thanksgiving Parade or the Rose Bowl isn't accomplished in just a few weeks it takes years. And usually when you do get invited it's the whole district not just one school (I would know my uncle's school district got invited to march for the Rose Bowl a couple of years back).
Best Feature: The Subject Matter. I like books about band. Music played an important role in my life and I think it's important for kids to realize that it's out there and this book does it. Grant it, it gets a lot of things wrong. But I like it's intentions..
Worst Feature: Suffering from Sheldon Cooper Syndrome: Okay, Elsie. Girlfriend, you're not getting a b.f.f. charm from me anytime soon. In fact, I'm almost tempted to throw you in the dungeon of doom. However, you aren't the typical Sue I'll give you that. You're just mean. And don't know how to deal with people. I actually wondered if you suffered from a social disorder like Aspergers or something and if that was the case you know more power to you. I feel like YA protagonist should be more diversified since the world itself has a wide array of people. And I have to admit it would be sort of cool reading a book in the POV from someone who views the world differently than I do. But you, my friend, you don't have a social disorder and you have no excuse for being such a bitch to everyone. Yes, I get your instrument is your life. But let me tell you, being from a family of musicians you're going to get nowhere. You think you need a night off of practicing before a marching band contest. A marching band contest where quite honestly no one is going to hear you over the crowd....let me just put it this way, my sister who is actually a symphony musician practices at bare minimum of three hours day. Usually it's six plus. When I was in high school, I practiced at least ninety minutes a day and it wasn't music that was fun for the most part. I did fundamentals like scales and stuff. Also, don't act like you're so much better than your peers. It's not your place to correct them unless you're the section leader or whatever. Your band director or private lesson teacher (oh, right I forgot your school doesn't have private teachers) will be more than happy to point out their faults, they don't need to be told how much they suck from a wannabe like you. I will say as insufferable as Elsie is--seriously, she's like an mean version of Sheldon Cooper of the band world-I did think her friends were a bit overly sensitive and rude themselves. So what if she doesn't want to eat ice cream with you guys? Get over it. She's been with you all day long at the field and really who wants to be with a person 24/7. Seriously, this book lacked balance when it comes to social interaction. You're either an ass or a doormat. No in between.
Appropriateness: This book seems pretty clean. I mean, after meeting Elsie you sort of understand why. There's not going to be any happy times for her romantically until she loses that chip on her shoulder plus I think her dad would hit someone with his French Horn or whatever if they even got close to second base which I don't think she'll get to with the love interest in this book. However, what bothered me about this book for young readers was the fact that it preached for mediocrity. Seriously, Elsie was shunned because she was practicing. Like practicing is a sin. Some of the stuff she said was offensive, but her practicing that shouldn't be judged. But seriously, in the end she realizes that her goals aren't important just as long as she's having fun in a group and gives up a great opportunity. Well, Elsie tell me how you feel ten years from now when all the French Horn playing you're doing is for your community band?
April 16, 2012
So anyone who has read any of my reviews knows that I'm a sucker for a book about a talented kid whether they be a dancer, singer, soap maker, etc but this is my first one about a marching band member and it kind of made me wish I hadn't quit the clarinet in 8th grade (though it was probably for the best for all concerned, especially those who had to hear me play).
Elsie, a 9th grade French horn player, has only joined marching band so that she can have a required extracurricular to get into an exclusive summer music camp. Her best friend has primarily been her horn, but marching band helps her meet some of her first real friends and find another way to love music. Now if only she didn't risk wrecking everything every time she opened her mouth!
One of the things that I love about this book is that it's a real honest look at a main character who is truly socially awkward, not just socially awkward the way it appears on TV, if that makes any sense. Elsie has no problem telling everyone what she thinks (i.e telling a bandmate that her articulation was sloppy)and has to truly learn how to be nice to people and how to be a friend.
One of my favorite books of the year (though full disclosure -- Erin Dionne was a professor of mine in college and is an awesome instructor as well as writer). Great for middle grade readers who want to read something a little more mature, as well as real life band geeks (and truly awkward children like me). ;)
Elsie, a 9th grade French horn player, has only joined marching band so that she can have a required extracurricular to get into an exclusive summer music camp. Her best friend has primarily been her horn, but marching band helps her meet some of her first real friends and find another way to love music. Now if only she didn't risk wrecking everything every time she opened her mouth!
One of the things that I love about this book is that it's a real honest look at a main character who is truly socially awkward, not just socially awkward the way it appears on TV, if that makes any sense. Elsie has no problem telling everyone what she thinks (i.e telling a bandmate that her articulation was sloppy)and has to truly learn how to be nice to people and how to be a friend.
One of my favorite books of the year (though full disclosure -- Erin Dionne was a professor of mine in college and is an awesome instructor as well as writer). Great for middle grade readers who want to read something a little more mature, as well as real life band geeks (and truly awkward children like me). ;)
October 21, 2011
Confession: I will always be a band geek at heart. My junior high and high school years were spent marching around fields and up and down neighborhood streets in parade formation in my small town, riding the band bus, and ogling the boys in the trumpet section. So really...was there any way I was NOT going to like this book? Probably not... but I didn't just like it - I loved it.
Elsie Wyatt is a great twist on the classic fish-out-of-water story, a classic orchestra kid who's forced to join marching band to show "ensemble diversity" for her elite music camp application. Her marching band life is a story of baptism by fire (On the first day, she drops her hat with the big fluffy plume, inspiring the entire band to chant "Chicken down" song at her until she starts clucking.) Things don't get any more dignified from there.
This is a hilarious book that celebrates the best of marching band life in ways that had me both laughing out loud and getting goosebumps, remembering what it was like to be part of something so big and loud and awesome for all those years. And on top of all that, it's a tender, sweet, and funny story about family dynamics (Elsie's dad is a symphony horn player), making friends, first crushes, and figuring out who you really are.
Elsie Wyatt is a great twist on the classic fish-out-of-water story, a classic orchestra kid who's forced to join marching band to show "ensemble diversity" for her elite music camp application. Her marching band life is a story of baptism by fire (On the first day, she drops her hat with the big fluffy plume, inspiring the entire band to chant "Chicken down" song at her until she starts clucking.) Things don't get any more dignified from there.
This is a hilarious book that celebrates the best of marching band life in ways that had me both laughing out loud and getting goosebumps, remembering what it was like to be part of something so big and loud and awesome for all those years. And on top of all that, it's a tender, sweet, and funny story about family dynamics (Elsie's dad is a symphony horn player), making friends, first crushes, and figuring out who you really are.
July 10, 2020
I will fully acknowledge this book has problems:
(1) Too many exclamation points
(2) Mediocre/juvenile writing
(3) A super bratty main character
(4) Etc.
BUT I actually don't care because this book was about marching written by someone who has obviously done marching band. It brought back all the nostalgia and feels of my marching band days. I seriously related to the main character as I too was somebody who got stuck in marching band, had a terrible attitude for a while, and finally loved marching band and stayed forever. I too was an accidental band geek.
(1) Too many exclamation points
(2) Mediocre/juvenile writing
(3) A super bratty main character
(4) Etc.
BUT I actually don't care because this book was about marching written by someone who has obviously done marching band. It brought back all the nostalgia and feels of my marching band days. I seriously related to the main character as I too was somebody who got stuck in marching band, had a terrible attitude for a while, and finally loved marching band and stayed forever. I too was an accidental band geek.
August 29, 2011
4.5 stars
This book was not at all what I was excepting it to be, it was so much better! Talk about a fun, enjoyable read with a main character who's sarcasm, awkward social challenges and desire to enjoy her own life and relish in the moment, made for a story that was both entraining and relatable.
I played band for one year in middle, but have no idea what it's like to be in band in high school, let alone the marching band, but reading Elise's story gave me more of an insight to what they do. Erin Donnie's has created such a realistic portrayal of what it's like to be apart of this club. You don't have to be a band member to appreciate Elise's story. She's a character who's fun to get to know as she struggles with wanting to step outside of her parent's goals and aspirations for her, and discover her own goals and want she wants to do. Along the way she learns a lot more about herself and what it means to be a true friend.
Elise is a bright, highly intelligent character who has an amazing talent as a french horn/mellophone player, but she seriously lacks people skills. I admired how disciplined she is with her band practice, but until now, this poor girl did not know to how fun. Her story brought back a lot memories of high school and I liked the way Erin did a fabulous job at incorporating what it's like to start high school. The meeting of new friends, making a good impression, not messing up when it's your first performance with the marching band (which I have never done), trying to find your niche in life and at school as well as learning how to deal with the on going struggle with your parents who seem want to still see you as a little and not as an adult. I adore Elise's Marching Band friends. They are funny, and such a great support for Elise. I also like they're all able to relate to each other in so many ways, especially with how hard each of their parents are on them.
Erin's writing is fabulous! She grabbed my attention from the get go and I really enjoyed reading this book. This is truly one of those fun, quick reads that left me feeling like I truly missed out on all the fun of Marching Band in high school. Oh, I can't forget to mention the sweet little romance that happens in the story. This is one of those realistic, clean cut and dare I say it, charming books that middle graders, teens and older YA fans will like. I highly recommend picking up this book!
This book was not at all what I was excepting it to be, it was so much better! Talk about a fun, enjoyable read with a main character who's sarcasm, awkward social challenges and desire to enjoy her own life and relish in the moment, made for a story that was both entraining and relatable.
I played band for one year in middle, but have no idea what it's like to be in band in high school, let alone the marching band, but reading Elise's story gave me more of an insight to what they do. Erin Donnie's has created such a realistic portrayal of what it's like to be apart of this club. You don't have to be a band member to appreciate Elise's story. She's a character who's fun to get to know as she struggles with wanting to step outside of her parent's goals and aspirations for her, and discover her own goals and want she wants to do. Along the way she learns a lot more about herself and what it means to be a true friend.
Elise is a bright, highly intelligent character who has an amazing talent as a french horn/mellophone player, but she seriously lacks people skills. I admired how disciplined she is with her band practice, but until now, this poor girl did not know to how fun. Her story brought back a lot memories of high school and I liked the way Erin did a fabulous job at incorporating what it's like to start high school. The meeting of new friends, making a good impression, not messing up when it's your first performance with the marching band (which I have never done), trying to find your niche in life and at school as well as learning how to deal with the on going struggle with your parents who seem want to still see you as a little and not as an adult. I adore Elise's Marching Band friends. They are funny, and such a great support for Elise. I also like they're all able to relate to each other in so many ways, especially with how hard each of their parents are on them.
Erin's writing is fabulous! She grabbed my attention from the get go and I really enjoyed reading this book. This is truly one of those fun, quick reads that left me feeling like I truly missed out on all the fun of Marching Band in high school. Oh, I can't forget to mention the sweet little romance that happens in the story. This is one of those realistic, clean cut and dare I say it, charming books that middle graders, teens and older YA fans will like. I highly recommend picking up this book!
January 14, 2021
Honestly, the only reason this isn't 3 stars is because it didn't trigger my headaches.
// i've been reading books aimed at a younger age group due to major headaches that i've had every day for the past couple of weeks //
This story is less about the band, more about a young teenage girl learning to adapt to a new environment.
I liked that the main character, Elsie, had a realistic personality (not that it's a great one). She is selfish and arrogant but it made sense because she didn't care about socialising with others and only focused on music.
This book could do without the romance. There wasn't any connection, it was just lame.
// i've been reading books aimed at a younger age group due to major headaches that i've had every day for the past couple of weeks //
This story is less about the band, more about a young teenage girl learning to adapt to a new environment.
I liked that the main character, Elsie, had a realistic personality (not that it's a great one). She is selfish and arrogant but it made sense because she didn't care about socialising with others and only focused on music.
This book could do without the romance. There wasn't any connection, it was just lame.
December 31, 2023
My childhood self would have given this book five stars every time I read it...which was at least three or four times in middle school. As a horn player myself, I loved to see someone along a similar life path to me represented in a book, and while Elsie and I were quite different, I loved this story and related to her in many ways. I loved watching her experience marching band despite not wanting to be involved in an ensemble where she had to play a new instrument or step outside of the orchestral realm. I enjoyed the experiences and emotions that the band went through, individually and collectively, throughout the season. And I loved the themes of friendship and growth that bloomed in this coming-of-age story. When I read this as a middle schooler, I had no experience in marching band but knew the joy that playing in a concert group could bring. Now, after playing in concert groups for over 10 years and experiencing two years of college marching band, I can appreciate this middle grade book in a new way and think back to some of my memories as a band kid, both as a concert player and as the new kid in a college marching band as one of very few players with no experience on mellophone or marching drill. I appreciate what marching band gave me in terms of section bonding and forming lifelong relationships with my band mates, and some of those memories came flooding back while reading this book. It may be a middle grade book intended for a much younger audience than a master's student long done with marching band, but I enjoyed it just as much as I did as I did as a teenager - just with a new perspective and some incredible memories. I love this book so much and am glad that I was able to enjoy it again after all these years.
October 13, 2017
What the heck is a mellophone?! Literally, what the heck?! Elsie is joining a marching band and she has to play a mellophone?! Wait, a close cousin?! Elsie is having problems right on the first day of school, already?!
Elsie was quirky and at a point I found her personality too self-centered. Who could blame, right? Her dad and her both play the french horn and her dad has played because of his dad! Elsie can't audition for Shining Birches because of vacation. So getting into marching band won't be different, will it. WRONG! First day and they cluck? She meets a guy named Punk with green hair but explain that down. She skipped kindergarten. Her parents, I thought were a little too how should I say this? A little too worrisome and tells her not to do something and they expect her to listen to them. Turns out, they actually are pretty normal. Sorry to upset you, people, no ax murders present in this book. They begin to understand her more too as well as Elsie begins to understand herself.
This book was laugh-out-loud!!!! TOTALLY HILARIOUS!!!!! This books MAKES you wan to join the nearest marching band and having that much fun!!!! SERIOUSLY!!! I thought Punk was charming! He changes his hair from GREEN to PINK to GREEN to BLUE to ORANGE and BLACK!!! And from his name, he is quite a punk alright. He has piercings and helps Elsie and you'll understand later why, though. There is a romance and I was wondering since from the reviews who Elsie was going to kiss. No surprise there!!!! I was rooting for when Punk was going to come on. He is awesome character!!!!! I wish I saw him in the story more!!!!!! D: He also is very funny!!!! (I kept flipping back to when he comes! XD)
I really liked how her friends took a while until they forgave for something... And usually you see a book and when they got a fight they immediately forgive them. I liked how Elsie started realizing that she was self-centered and tried to fix herself but didn't know how. She was left stranded!!! I was so ANXIOUS for all the people she had to forgive to to forgive her too. I thought that her quirky comebacks where funny and most of the time the support character didn't like it very much and looked hurt which I didn't get but some I did get.
My FAVORITE part was at the end when she gets stuck in the restroom. I was, LITERALLY, rolling on the ground, holding my stomach laughing. I think my sister was staring at me strangely. I think I finally know what a mellophone and a french horn difference. I had to google a lot. As much as I do know music and what pit is and what a timpani because of my Drumline, I found I am very clueless to things like horn this horn that. Man, people should read this!!!! And the end made me burst out laughing again!!!!!!! I mean, come on, the title is even funny too!!!!
Elsie was quirky and at a point I found her personality too self-centered. Who could blame, right? Her dad and her both play the french horn and her dad has played because of his dad! Elsie can't audition for Shining Birches because of vacation. So getting into marching band won't be different, will it. WRONG! First day and they cluck? She meets a guy named Punk with green hair but explain that down. She skipped kindergarten. Her parents, I thought were a little too how should I say this? A little too worrisome and tells her not to do something and they expect her to listen to them. Turns out, they actually are pretty normal. Sorry to upset you, people, no ax murders present in this book. They begin to understand her more too as well as Elsie begins to understand herself.
This book was laugh-out-loud!!!! TOTALLY HILARIOUS!!!!! This books MAKES you wan to join the nearest marching band and having that much fun!!!! SERIOUSLY!!! I thought Punk was charming! He changes his hair from GREEN to PINK to GREEN to BLUE to ORANGE and BLACK!!! And from his name, he is quite a punk alright. He has piercings and helps Elsie and you'll understand later why, though. There is a romance and I was wondering since from the reviews who Elsie was going to kiss. No surprise there!!!! I was rooting for when Punk was going to come on. He is awesome character!!!!! I wish I saw him in the story more!!!!!! D: He also is very funny!!!! (I kept flipping back to when he comes! XD)
I really liked how her friends took a while until they forgave for something... And usually you see a book and when they got a fight they immediately forgive them. I liked how Elsie started realizing that she was self-centered and tried to fix herself but didn't know how. She was left stranded!!! I was so ANXIOUS for all the people she had to forgive to to forgive her too. I thought that her quirky comebacks where funny and most of the time the support character didn't like it very much and looked hurt which I didn't get but some I did get.
My FAVORITE part was at the end when she gets stuck in the restroom. I was, LITERALLY, rolling on the ground, holding my stomach laughing. I think my sister was staring at me strangely. I think I finally know what a mellophone and a french horn difference. I had to google a lot. As much as I do know music and what pit is and what a timpani because of my Drumline, I found I am very clueless to things like horn this horn that. Man, people should read this!!!! And the end made me burst out laughing again!!!!!!! I mean, come on, the title is even funny too!!!!
December 28, 2012
I am a band geek. So I was expecting this book to be something I could relate to. What I got was a cutesy kids book that did not impress me. Some parts had the potential to be good, but, when combined with the rest of the book, just seemed out of place. It tries to be funny at moments that should be serious. Even more than that, though, I had a problem with the characters. Especially Elsie.
Throughout the book, freshman Elsie develops as an egotistical, over-emotional know-it-all who thinks that the world should bend to fit her. I found myself cheering on the rest of the band whenever she would embarrass herself, thinking "maybe this will knock some sense into her." Buuuuut...nothing ever did.
After 200 pages of confused emotions centering around her boyfriend-who-never-really-becomes-her-boyfriend, teenage friends who say they aren't mad at her but they are and they keep saying Elsie's hurt them but I don't even remember why anymore, being waay too good for the band director and her friends and basically both people and rules in general, Elsie decides to make a change to her attitude and become the perfect friend/girlfriend.
Elsie repeats over and over her epiphanies that band is important. This was nice for the first 100 pages. She also realizes that she can be her own person and doesn't have to be exactly like her dad, which could be a good message, depending on how you look at it.
The last page made me smile and - for me - was the only page worth reading.
Good idea, cliche messages, boring story, bad characters. Recommended to early middle school kids - probably those who don't plan to join band.
Throughout the book, freshman Elsie develops as an egotistical, over-emotional know-it-all who thinks that the world should bend to fit her. I found myself cheering on the rest of the band whenever she would embarrass herself, thinking "maybe this will knock some sense into her." Buuuuut...nothing ever did.
After 200 pages of confused emotions centering around her boyfriend-who-never-really-becomes-her-boyfriend, teenage friends who say they aren't mad at her but they are and they keep saying Elsie's hurt them but I don't even remember why anymore, being waay too good for the band director and her friends and basically both people and rules in general, Elsie decides to make a change to her attitude and become the perfect friend/girlfriend.
Elsie repeats over and over her epiphanies that band is important. This was nice for the first 100 pages. She also realizes that she can be her own person and doesn't have to be exactly like her dad, which could be a good message, depending on how you look at it.
The last page made me smile and - for me - was the only page worth reading.
Good idea, cliche messages, boring story, bad characters. Recommended to early middle school kids - probably those who don't plan to join band.
Want to read
October 20, 2011School Library Journal (October 1, 2011)
Gr 6-9-Elsie has her career path all mapped out: she will become the principal French horn player for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, just like her father and grandfather. The 13-year-old's life has revolved around this single focus for years. It hasn't left much time or space for learning to read people or navigate social situations. All that changes when she grudgingly joins marching band and, against all odds, falls in love with it. This self-absorbed, socially awkward narrator who celebrates a good day by cranking out Beethoven on the stereo will present a few hurdles for many readers. The best potential audience will be kids who have at least a passing knowledge of music. Those who get past Elsie's obsession with the French horn and the fact that she turns snappish under pressure will be sure to identify with the scenes of mortal embarrassment that are the hallmarks of young teen life. Who wouldn't want to die on the spot if dubbed "Zombie Chicken" by a whole group of people you just met and with whom you'll be spending the next nine months? While this novel isn't for everyone, it has humor, heart, and a touch of romance that will provide ample fodder for booktalks.-Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin, IL
Gr 6-9-Elsie has her career path all mapped out: she will become the principal French horn player for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, just like her father and grandfather. The 13-year-old's life has revolved around this single focus for years. It hasn't left much time or space for learning to read people or navigate social situations. All that changes when she grudgingly joins marching band and, against all odds, falls in love with it. This self-absorbed, socially awkward narrator who celebrates a good day by cranking out Beethoven on the stereo will present a few hurdles for many readers. The best potential audience will be kids who have at least a passing knowledge of music. Those who get past Elsie's obsession with the French horn and the fact that she turns snappish under pressure will be sure to identify with the scenes of mortal embarrassment that are the hallmarks of young teen life. Who wouldn't want to die on the spot if dubbed "Zombie Chicken" by a whole group of people you just met and with whom you'll be spending the next nine months? While this novel isn't for everyone, it has humor, heart, and a touch of romance that will provide ample fodder for booktalks.-Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin, IL
October 1, 2011
Notes From an Accidental Band Geek is by Erin Dionne. Elsie Wyatt is a high-schooler with high ambitions, to get into Shining Birches (A very prestigious orchestra thingy,) and nothing can get in her way. Even if that means joining marching band to fit the requirements. But this place-filler turns out to be much harder and--more fun?--than anticipated. Elsie must use her new experiences to learn much more about life than just how to play the mellophone. This book was overall lame. Yes, she does learn a good lesson but it was SO unrealistic! One: Elsie has about as much empathy as a rock. Two: her friends are incredibly sensitive—she snaps at then once and they completely freak out. It wasn't a horrible book but just rather annoying to read. One and a half stars.
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http://taletraveler.blogspot.com/
May 26, 2016
Elsie was almost too hard for me to handle. I understand that this was a book about growth, and that she's socially awkward and under a lot of pressure, but she was mean, insensitive, and not a particularly engaging narrator. (That's not to say she's not a realistic high school student, but it does mean it's hard to care about her.) I was also irritated by the author's weird name switches for things, such as the "Darcy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" and the popular vampire movie, Dusk. I'm not sure why that irritated me so much, other than maybe I didn't see the point--if she doesn't want to refer to pop culture, then leave it out. If she does, then call them what they're really called. Anyway, it was an okay book but not spectacular.
April 1, 2013
Freshly disappointed by the sequel to Band Geek Love and searching out all of Goodreads' alternate suggestions for "girls who live for band" stories, I recognized this author and added it to my queue. This is SO much better than either of the aforementioned books! Even though the main character is much younger and therefore a bit less "that's so me!", that really just means it's cuter and more positive overall. I started out giving serious side-eye to these marching band idiots acting like a fratty sports team, but by the end, I was swept away with love for the chummy band community-ness of it all.
December 9, 2012
This book is about a teenage girl named Elsie, but her friends call her chicken! All Elsie wants is to get into a band called the Shining Birches, but to do that she has to join her schools band to become "more experienced" Elsie reluctantly joins, and she turns out to start liking band, the only band part is that she has to play a mellophone instead of a French Horn. She makes many friends along the way. But what will happen when she has to choose between her school band and her dream, The Shining Birches. You'll just have to read to find out ;)
August 7, 2011
Speaking as a french horn/mellophone player who has been a lifelong band geek, I kept turning the pages of is book thinking "This is my life! Did I know this woman in high school"? I have never read a more realistic description of the world of marching band and of the difficulties that "serious" musicians face in trying to straddle their two worlds. Anyone who has ever been in marching band will recognize and identify with the perfectly drawn characters in this book.
June 18, 2013
This was a fun summer read. Whenever I go to the library, I always peruse the YA shelf, and this caught my eye. Brought back lots of memories about my days as a band geek, although we were called Band Heads. I appreciated the fact that the main character at times isn't all that easy to like. And she eventually comes to realize this and struggles with what to do about that.
February 17, 2012
I loved this book. The main character, affectionately referred to as Chicken, experiences tremendous personal growth throughout the story. For those Bank Geeks out there, it will bring back fond memories of high school marching band. It was an easy, realistic, believable and enjoyable read.
July 18, 2014
Angsty teen with career goals, over protective parents who don't seem to know how she feels, winds up finding life isn't so bad. Typical teen fare.
March 6, 2022
Is it the most well-written book? No. Do I love the main character? No. Does it give me major nostalgia and feelings of happiness for band? Yes.
February 21, 2017
NO NO NO NO
If you read my "The Fault in Our Stars" review then you know that I said that I had asked for a shitty book. THIS was the shitty book.
I was 11, turning 12 in April of 2013. I had always loved books, even writting them came naturally to me at a young age! I had gotten The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by the same author that Easter so obviosuly I thought "this is going to be awesome!"
Oh honey, if only I knew.
I got it May 18, 2013 (my 12th birthday) and I started reaidng it almost right away.
For starters, I started reading in May, read in June, stopped reading in July and August, and finally finished it in September. When I finally finished the book I asked my mom if I could make a review on Amazon. Since it's been awhile since I read the book I'll just copy and paste the plot I wrote for that review in this review
Elsie Wyatt is 13 and starting band camp, she wants to beat her dad and her grandfather and get into this really good music school called Shining Birches at 13 instead of her early 20s-late 20s like her family did. Elsie feels like an outcast because her parents put her in first grade when she was five making her the youngest girl for the rest of her school life. So she goes to band camp and because she dropped her hat as soon she got it she is now forever called "Chicken" (all from a hat? Real mature guys). There she meets Sarah, Hector, and Jake. So after an intense practice, we skip to September and it's Elsie's first day of high school (seven chapters in and she's already picking on her parents). As soon as she steps through the door of Hehe (because for some reason, these kids never call it by it's real name, Henry Herbert) things go downhill. She can't find her first class and this kid named Punk (poor kid) has to help her. So then we find out the real nature of Elsie's friends, Hector is always asking about a movie's soundtrack, Sarah's always obsessing over fashion, and Jake's just...there. So they're first show is coming up and they can wear half of their uniforms (I'm not sure if that's allowed in marching bands) and it goes fine. Seeing as Halloween is coming up, the gang decides to go as the Muppets, Elsie is stuck with going as Miss Piggy. Right before the Halloween dance there's a football game and the band goes. The Minutemen (a band from another high school) is getting their pictures taken and the bleacher collapses. Everybody is going into hysterics but the show must go on. After words when everybody is about to go on the bus Elsie's parents decide to drive her home. This then causes Elsie to have a temper tantrum like a two year old, and get this, her parents don't ground her! What kind of parents are they? If I ever did that I would be in SO much trouble. Anyway, her mom is like "Oh give her a chance, she's just a kid..." and her dad's like "You are everything I thought you wouldn't be!" and Elsie just gets away with acting like a total brat. A few days before the Halloween dance, Elsie goes to Sarah's to decorate their costumes and she and Jake accidentally touch fingers making her go into this psychotic mode saying that it causes "sparks" or whatever (with a guy as bland as Jake, I would have felt skin not "sparks"). So finally the Halloween dance starts and Elsie is not in the best of moods because of the whole bus situation from earlier in the story. During a song Punk pulls Elsie to the dance floor and they do this weird fisherman/fish dance. After the song's over instead of having fun for once Elsie gets angry at Punk and throws yet another temper tantrum. Punk gets offended (if he didn't he would be weird) and gives her the cold shoulder. This then makes her friends realize that Elsie's not a good person (after like, what? 98 pages?) and stop talking to her. During a practice AJ (their leader) announces that the Hellcats have taken the Minutemen's spot in the Darcy's (instead of Macy's) Thanksgiving parade. Everyone is excited, but poor Elsie doesn't have her friends anymore. She finally gets to talk to Punk and he forgives her (that was easy). But with Hector, Sarah, and Jake? Not much luck (because they're smart). Meanwhile, Elsie and her dad get into a fight and they stop talking to each other. After talking to her friends again they forgive her (and I actually had hope for this story). Since the Thanksgiving parade is coming up, the band practices a lot. Finally the day comes and Elsie is nervous for two reasons
1. Her Shining Birches audition is in less than three days
2. She has a solo.
During the ride she gets stuck in the bathroom thanks to Punk and Steve, and she has to crawl out through a window. That night they go to a hotel in New Jersey and they sleep until 3 AM (filming for the parade). During the bus ride Elsie and Jake share their first kiss (insert the "sparks") and then kiss again. Once they arrive in New York everyone does their thing and Elsie does fine during her solo until the last four notes when she notices the Shining Birches guy sitting smack dab in the middle of the review stand. She feels bad but then cheers up when her friends and boyfriend (once again, they only kissed TWICE) tell her she did fine. Elsie goes home and clears everything up with her dad. Yay, happy ending, we didn't see that coming at all! So in the coda, Elsie decides not to go (which totally defeats the purpose of the book) and decides to stay with the band for as long as she can. In the very back of the book we find out that Erin Dionne was a band geek herself
I so hope she didn't base Elsie off of herself.
And I still do hope Elsie is not a teenage Erin.
So let's start talking about Elsie
Elsie, oh honey, what went wrong? You seemed so nice in the first paragraph but then things started going down hill. When I read the (for some reason) incredible reviews on Amazon I was expecting
But instead I got
Elsie in my original review I called you a brat. But now that I think about it you're a BITCH. Nobody would act like!
EVER
Not even Sheldon Cooper, and you know that once you make Sheldon Cooper look sane you have gone too far
You're the hero. Yeah, HERO MY ASS. Even those jerks from school we all hate somehow end up better than Elsie Wyatt
Oh and can we talk about that kiss? I'm still bugging out about this. Elsie and Jake were kind of not needed in the first place but now there's a romace? Oh barf out, gag with a spoon
And then AFTER TWO KISSES she's like "He's my boyfriend now."
NO!
NO!
NONONONONONONO!
NO!
And her friends, her friends are those boring people who think they're fun but aren't fun. Jake could have suffered from Pretty Boy Syndrome like Lucas from Girl Meets World and Hunter Wallace Hamilton III from My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody but instead Jake has Bland Boy Syndrome. Now, you see, Bland Boy Syndrome is so rare that no other book character has it. Why? Because no self respecting author would turn in that version of the manuscript. No comment on Hector. I get it, Sarah, you like fashion and desigining but this is not okay. Like look at Mallory from Family Ties. She loved fashion, but that wasn't her character. She was ditzy, and clumsy, but she had a good heart. Sarah's fondness for fashion is her character. In fact I'm going to show you the how the characters gimicks made them only their gimick
Sarah: Fashion
Hector: Soundtrack
Punk: A kid with an unfortunate name
Elsie: EVIL! EVIL!
Jake: bland (I put that in all small letters because he's too boring for all caps)
Like I said earlier I have The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet and my expectations were WAY too high the reason why I loved Tragedy so much was not just because Hamlet had a soul (which Elsie clearly doesn't have)but because the characters were real. The story was witty, and funny, and the pig letters thing was so cute. But nothing that charming and endering was in this story.
I ended up giving this book away to a Goodwill, I just didn't want it in my bookshelf. 1/5 mainly because I'm obligated to rate this.
If you read my "The Fault in Our Stars" review then you know that I said that I had asked for a shitty book. THIS was the shitty book.
I was 11, turning 12 in April of 2013. I had always loved books, even writting them came naturally to me at a young age! I had gotten The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet by the same author that Easter so obviosuly I thought "this is going to be awesome!"
Oh honey, if only I knew.
I got it May 18, 2013 (my 12th birthday) and I started reaidng it almost right away.
For starters, I started reading in May, read in June, stopped reading in July and August, and finally finished it in September. When I finally finished the book I asked my mom if I could make a review on Amazon. Since it's been awhile since I read the book I'll just copy and paste the plot I wrote for that review in this review
Elsie Wyatt is 13 and starting band camp, she wants to beat her dad and her grandfather and get into this really good music school called Shining Birches at 13 instead of her early 20s-late 20s like her family did. Elsie feels like an outcast because her parents put her in first grade when she was five making her the youngest girl for the rest of her school life. So she goes to band camp and because she dropped her hat as soon she got it she is now forever called "Chicken" (all from a hat? Real mature guys). There she meets Sarah, Hector, and Jake. So after an intense practice, we skip to September and it's Elsie's first day of high school (seven chapters in and she's already picking on her parents). As soon as she steps through the door of Hehe (because for some reason, these kids never call it by it's real name, Henry Herbert) things go downhill. She can't find her first class and this kid named Punk (poor kid) has to help her. So then we find out the real nature of Elsie's friends, Hector is always asking about a movie's soundtrack, Sarah's always obsessing over fashion, and Jake's just...there. So they're first show is coming up and they can wear half of their uniforms (I'm not sure if that's allowed in marching bands) and it goes fine. Seeing as Halloween is coming up, the gang decides to go as the Muppets, Elsie is stuck with going as Miss Piggy. Right before the Halloween dance there's a football game and the band goes. The Minutemen (a band from another high school) is getting their pictures taken and the bleacher collapses. Everybody is going into hysterics but the show must go on. After words when everybody is about to go on the bus Elsie's parents decide to drive her home. This then causes Elsie to have a temper tantrum like a two year old, and get this, her parents don't ground her! What kind of parents are they? If I ever did that I would be in SO much trouble. Anyway, her mom is like "Oh give her a chance, she's just a kid..." and her dad's like "You are everything I thought you wouldn't be!" and Elsie just gets away with acting like a total brat. A few days before the Halloween dance, Elsie goes to Sarah's to decorate their costumes and she and Jake accidentally touch fingers making her go into this psychotic mode saying that it causes "sparks" or whatever (with a guy as bland as Jake, I would have felt skin not "sparks"). So finally the Halloween dance starts and Elsie is not in the best of moods because of the whole bus situation from earlier in the story. During a song Punk pulls Elsie to the dance floor and they do this weird fisherman/fish dance. After the song's over instead of having fun for once Elsie gets angry at Punk and throws yet another temper tantrum. Punk gets offended (if he didn't he would be weird) and gives her the cold shoulder. This then makes her friends realize that Elsie's not a good person (after like, what? 98 pages?) and stop talking to her. During a practice AJ (their leader) announces that the Hellcats have taken the Minutemen's spot in the Darcy's (instead of Macy's) Thanksgiving parade. Everyone is excited, but poor Elsie doesn't have her friends anymore. She finally gets to talk to Punk and he forgives her (that was easy). But with Hector, Sarah, and Jake? Not much luck (because they're smart). Meanwhile, Elsie and her dad get into a fight and they stop talking to each other. After talking to her friends again they forgive her (and I actually had hope for this story). Since the Thanksgiving parade is coming up, the band practices a lot. Finally the day comes and Elsie is nervous for two reasons
1. Her Shining Birches audition is in less than three days
2. She has a solo.
During the ride she gets stuck in the bathroom thanks to Punk and Steve, and she has to crawl out through a window. That night they go to a hotel in New Jersey and they sleep until 3 AM (filming for the parade). During the bus ride Elsie and Jake share their first kiss (insert the "sparks") and then kiss again. Once they arrive in New York everyone does their thing and Elsie does fine during her solo until the last four notes when she notices the Shining Birches guy sitting smack dab in the middle of the review stand. She feels bad but then cheers up when her friends and boyfriend (once again, they only kissed TWICE) tell her she did fine. Elsie goes home and clears everything up with her dad. Yay, happy ending, we didn't see that coming at all! So in the coda, Elsie decides not to go (which totally defeats the purpose of the book) and decides to stay with the band for as long as she can. In the very back of the book we find out that Erin Dionne was a band geek herself
I so hope she didn't base Elsie off of herself.
And I still do hope Elsie is not a teenage Erin.
So let's start talking about Elsie
Elsie, oh honey, what went wrong? You seemed so nice in the first paragraph but then things started going down hill. When I read the (for some reason) incredible reviews on Amazon I was expecting
But instead I got
Elsie in my original review I called you a brat. But now that I think about it you're a BITCH. Nobody would act like!
EVER
Not even Sheldon Cooper, and you know that once you make Sheldon Cooper look sane you have gone too far
You're the hero. Yeah, HERO MY ASS. Even those jerks from school we all hate somehow end up better than Elsie Wyatt
Oh and can we talk about that kiss? I'm still bugging out about this. Elsie and Jake were kind of not needed in the first place but now there's a romace? Oh barf out, gag with a spoon
And then AFTER TWO KISSES she's like "He's my boyfriend now."
NO!
NO!
NONONONONONONO!
NO!
And her friends, her friends are those boring people who think they're fun but aren't fun. Jake could have suffered from Pretty Boy Syndrome like Lucas from Girl Meets World and Hunter Wallace Hamilton III from My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody but instead Jake has Bland Boy Syndrome. Now, you see, Bland Boy Syndrome is so rare that no other book character has it. Why? Because no self respecting author would turn in that version of the manuscript. No comment on Hector. I get it, Sarah, you like fashion and desigining but this is not okay. Like look at Mallory from Family Ties. She loved fashion, but that wasn't her character. She was ditzy, and clumsy, but she had a good heart. Sarah's fondness for fashion is her character. In fact I'm going to show you the how the characters gimicks made them only their gimick
Sarah: Fashion
Hector: Soundtrack
Punk: A kid with an unfortunate name
Elsie: EVIL! EVIL!
Jake: bland (I put that in all small letters because he's too boring for all caps)
Like I said earlier I have The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet and my expectations were WAY too high the reason why I loved Tragedy so much was not just because Hamlet had a soul (which Elsie clearly doesn't have)but because the characters were real. The story was witty, and funny, and the pig letters thing was so cute. But nothing that charming and endering was in this story.
I ended up giving this book away to a Goodwill, I just didn't want it in my bookshelf. 1/5 mainly because I'm obligated to rate this.
March 2, 2024
"Notes from an Accidental Band Geek" is a book written by Erin Dionne. Erin Dionne's "Notes from an Accidental Band Geek" is a witty and heartwarming memoir that chronicles her transformative experience as a reluctant band member in high school. Initially drawn to the saxophone's sleek appearance, Dionne soon discovers the unexpected joys and challenges that come with being a part of the marching band. Throughout the book, Dionne vividly portrays the camaraderie, rivalry, and absurdity that define band life. From enduring grueling practices to performing in front of massive crowds, she shares her adventures with infectious enthusiasm. Her self-deprecating humor and keen eye for detail bring the band room and its eccentric characters to life. Beyond the musical experiences, "Notes from an Accidental Band Geek" also explores themes of friendship and self-discovery. Dionne forms an unbreakable bond with her fellow bandmates, a diverse group of individuals who support and inspire her throughout her journey. Through their shared experiences, she learns the importance of embracing her individuality and stepping outside of her comfort zone. The author's writing style is both engaging and relatable. She seamlessly blends humor and reflection, providing readers with a captivating and thought-provoking narrative. Her ability to capture the highs and lows of teenage life is particularly impressive, as she evokes both the excitement and anxiety that accompany this pivotal period. In conclusion, Erin Dionne's "Notes from an Accidental Band Geek" is a highly recommended read for anyone who has ever been a part of a performing arts group or simply enjoys a well-written memoir. Its charming humor, heartwarming characters, and insightful reflections make it a truly memorable and rewarding experience.
March 12, 2018
I loved this book!! I had a feeling I would even before I started reading it, but now that I've read it and finished it, I love it even more!! I randomly found this book on Overdrive and mentioned it to my English teacher, and a few days later she handed me the book to read. I could barely put it down. As a band geek, I knew what some of the terminology used in the book about marching band. So, that helped with the enjoyment of this book. There were multiple moments where the band in this book did something that automatically made me think of my band. From all the funny jokes and traditions, to the love and support and hard work put into everything that makes a band. I strongly recommend this book to anyone, even if you're not in band or music. This book is about more than just marching band, its about friends, family, memories, love, and so much more. This book will be going on my shelf of all time favorites, so I hope you enjoy. Happy reading!!!
February 20, 2020
Super arrogant freshman French horn player joins marching band with a chip on her shoulder...
As much as I disliked the main character at first, I have to admit I was just like her. Except I'm pretty sure I knew about the existence of mellophones.
But as the book went on and she started making friends in marching band, my heart melted. As the responsibilities and stress kept piling on, I kept expecting something tragic to happen any minute for it all to fall apart.
This book left me thinking I really missed out with my marching band experience. It mostly just sucked for me, and I quit as soon as the first season was over. All this time, I've assumed it was because the director and my section-mates were so mean and horrible. Maybe it was partly me? But then again, when I joined orchestra, I had none of these problems. Maybe it was all them.
As much as I disliked the main character at first, I have to admit I was just like her. Except I'm pretty sure I knew about the existence of mellophones.
But as the book went on and she started making friends in marching band, my heart melted. As the responsibilities and stress kept piling on, I kept expecting something tragic to happen any minute for it all to fall apart.
This book left me thinking I really missed out with my marching band experience. It mostly just sucked for me, and I quit as soon as the first season was over. All this time, I've assumed it was because the director and my section-mates were so mean and horrible. Maybe it was partly me? But then again, when I joined orchestra, I had none of these problems. Maybe it was all them.
January 7, 2018
Even though I'm middle aged and this is a book meant for junior high students (my daughters recomended it),I had so much fun reading it! Perhaps that's because I too was a band geek and it brought back so many great memories. It's amazing how so many of the same things happened, everthing from drill andmusic, to the bus rides with first biyfriends and even students (not me having to climb out windows and be caught due to various disasters)
In addution to the memories, tge book provides insights into student feelings and development. I recommend this book to everyone.
In addution to the memories, tge book provides insights into student feelings and development. I recommend this book to everyone.
July 15, 2024
There are so many YA books with more depth than this one. The main character, Elsie, was just a bitch. She's mean to people for no reason, other than the fact that she is weirdly attached to her French horn. Elsie constantly wants to out-do her father, but goes about it in the most bratty, Veruca Salt way imaginable. While reading this book, I also noticed the author did not always have proper grammar. Multiple places needed commas, Erin.
Marching band isn't that serious. Let's all just calm down.
Marching band isn't that serious. Let's all just calm down.
June 14, 2018
I loved this book! It was well-written and it doesn’t hurt that it was about my greatest love, music. I appreciated that the musical terms were correct, and I loved the thought processes and growth that the main character went through. It had just a little romance which was perfect for the age of the main character, and I loved that the hard times experienced by her were also what a normal 9th grader would go through. Great book!
May 9, 2017
Finally, a book about marching band! But I really didn't like the portrayal of color guard as the cheerleaders to the band's jocks. Elsie was annoying for most of the book if I'm being honest, but her friends were kind of oversensitive. But I can definitely relate to her devotion to music, and the portrayals of band itself was pretty accurate.
April 25, 2020
This book spoke to the inner band geek that hasn't shown through in 15 yrs. I reminisced over the story, the terms, and the connection only bank geeks will understand. My only glitch with the story is the way Elise's friends suddenly joined together at being turned off by her attitude. Almost forced in order to bring that change to the storyline. Overall this is a book I will read again.
April 27, 2020
There's nothing like an early 2010s middle grade fiction novel. A spunky narrator, a conflict driven by lack of communication and unmet expectations, thinly veiled references to pop culture phenomenons...all of it. Even though the protagonist is in high school, she seemed like she would appeal more to a younger reader.
July 21, 2020
Loved the book! Got really unhealthy expectations for my actual experience in marching band, but that didn't make it less fun. Sadly didn't get the dorky boyfriend of my dreams like the mc did though. There were a lot of things in there that were definitely relatable albeit kind of overexaggerated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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