SO, I TOOK A CHANCE AND JOINED THE SCHOOL BAND

Trying something new can be scary, but it can also be exciting and rewarding. In this topic, we talk about making a decision to try something different — like joining a school band. We use the past simple to describe actions in the past and express personal choices and experiences.

Examples:

I joined the school band last year.
She took a chance and learned to play the trumpet.
They didn’t know how to play, but they practiced a lot.

1. GRAMMAR:

1.1 Past Simple (Regular and Irregular Verbs)

Use the past simple to talk about completed actions in the past.

Examples:

I joined the band. (regular verb)
He took a chance. (irregular verb)
We didn’t know the music. (negative form)
Did you enjoy the practice? (question form)

2. VOCABULARY:

Band – A group of people who play music together.
Instrument – A tool used to make music (like a guitar or flute).
Practice – To repeat something to get better at it.
Chance – A risk or opportunity to try something new.
Stage – A place where performances happen.
Nervous – Feeling worried or scared before something.
Excited – Very happy and full of energy.
Song – A piece of music with words.
Join – To become part of a group or activity.
Brave – Not afraid to do something new or hard.

3. USEFUL EXPRESSIONS:

I took a chance.
It was a big decision.
I didn’t know if I could do it.
I’m glad I joined.
We had so much fun.

4. SENTENCES:

4.1 Positive Sentences

I joined the school band.
She took a chance and loved it.
We practiced every day.

4.2 Negative Sentences

I didn’t know how to play an instrument.
He wasn’t sure about joining.
They didn’t perform last year.

4.3 Questions

Did you join the school band?
Was it fun to play music?
Did she learn a new instrument?

4.4 Answers

Yes, I joined the school band last month.
It was very fun and exciting.
She learned to play the drums.

5. CONVERSATION:

Emma: Hi Leo! I heard you joined the school band.

Leo: Yes, I took a chance and joined last term.

Emma: Wow! What do you play?

Leo: I play the guitar. At first, I was really nervous.

Emma: I understand. Trying new things can be scary.

Leo: Yes, but now I love it. We play every week and even perform on stage!

Emma: That sounds amazing. I wish I had the courage to do something like that.

Leo: You should try! It’s hard at first, but so fun.

6. READING:

Last year, Alex was a quiet student. He liked music but never played in front of others. One day, the music teacher asked him to join the school band. At first, Alex said no. He was afraid of making mistakes. But then he thought, "Maybe I can do it." So, Alex took a chance and said yes. He started practicing the drums. It was hard, but he didn’t give up. After a few months, he played in the school concert. Everyone clapped. Alex smiled and felt proud. He says, “Taking that chance changed my life.”