Necessary when you get close to the big birthday??
Not so much into the competitive stuff, this is our groups first one & I've been with them for 4 years. We mainly do community & school stuff (recitals). It's a hobby (there are 5 part time teachers & the director/owner of the school), but it's quite a commitment. I teach one or two classes a week, perform with 2 groups , moderate our tribe on tribe.net, travel to seminars & shows (plus I have a f/t job & family - jeesh!). It's going to have to die down a bit, I'm going back to school in September & can't do everything!