Klarinet Archive - Posting 000475.txt from 1997/08

From: agrenci@-----.net (Andrew Grenci)
Subj: Re: Musician's Ear Plugs
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 1997 20:57:31 -0400

Hi,

Just a note to comment on a misconception that various posters seem to have
that bands are somehow louder than orchestras. I play in a military band at
present and seldom require earplugs, perhaps because I sit far enough away
from the brass and percussion. On the other hand I routinely wear earplugs
at orchestra gigs. I have never heard anything in my military band which is
as loud as an orchestral brass section playing a Mahler symphony. (Almost
never.)

It is true that earplugs can't be used for everything in a symphony or
orchestral work. Often one of my main goals at a first rehearsal is to make
note of the loudest passages an write things like "plugs in" and "plugs
out" in my part. It is not a perfect way to make music, but I would like to
hear music when I am 75. No symphony concert is important enough to risk my
hearing.

AG

Andrew Grenci
New London, CT
agrenci@-----.net