French Horn was my Mom's favorite instrument, so I asked if I could play that, but the teacher in my Elelemtary school said, "No, that's not a beginner's instrument. If you start on trumpet, you can switch to French horn later." Well, I didn't want to play trumpet, my big brother played (and still does) trumpet, and I wanted to be different! So no French Horn for me!

When, in 4th grade, they sent home the form for "What instrument do you want to play" I first checked off "Violin!"

Brought that to school, was told "No, we don't teach that, our town is too small for an orchestra. Pick a band instrument."

So I picked French Horn. The results were as above.

Next I decided, okay, how about trombone?

We went to the instrument rental place, and the lady told me "No, your arms are too short."

My sister played flute, so I didn't want that ...

Finally settled on Clarinet, the only one they had left was a silver metal one, so I started two weeks after everyone else, and with a very weird looking clarinet! And BOY was it cold for marching band practice! I was grateful when my parents bought me a normal black one a year later! Now that's the one my eldest niece has been playing ...

P.S. Bragging time - my (younger- she's 9) niece just called, and at the big competition this weekend, she got 2nd place for her whole age-group (Standard, age 9, she played a Schuman piece), and her brother got first-place for his! (15 + up, open Pop) So their Mom, my sister, is a good teacher! (We knew that, but still, it's fun!)