Klarinet Archive - Posting 000142.txt from 1998/01

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: women not allowed
Date: Tue, 6 Jan 1998 08:17:07 -0500

I'm sorry Starr, but as a professional clarinetist, a professional
orchestra musician, and a professional educator, I hope you don't mind if
I disagree. For me, it is both interesting and educational to read
people's responses on this subject on the clarinet listserv. It is one of
the reasons I am on (although some would say I just like to argue). I
haven't stepped into the discussion because others are doing such a good
job of discussing, it is better for me to read the responses. However, I
am reading all of them with great interest.

Roger Garrett
IWU

On Sun, 4 Jan 1998, David S. Naden wrote:

> Starr--
>
> I have kept silent about this whole Vienna Philharmonic thing because it is
> an IMPROPER topic for this list (it belong to Orchestralist, a list
> pertaining to conducting and orchestral topics in general. But here goes...
>
> I find it extremely frustrating that WE as Americans are arogant enough to
> assume that because another country or culture behaves or acts in a way that
> is contrary to the American way of doing things, or follows standards that
> are different that they are wrong.
>
> Personally, I agree that all orchestras should hold open auditions and
> select the best qualified musician -- man or woman. However, what Vienna
> (or Berlin for that matter) does is what they do, no matter what we believe
> is right. The Vienna Philharmonci has a long and rich tradition, and to
> correct what WE perceive as ills or deficits will take many years to come.
> Obviously, change must begin with the managing leadership, but that change
> must occur because either THEY want it, or because the Viennese public
> demands a change.
>
> So in the meantime, let's forget about the political correctness of OUR
> beliefs, and just enjoy those orchestras for their rich heritage and
> wonderful music-making.
>
> David S. Naden, Graduate Student
> Cal State University Los Angeles AND
> Administrative Analyst
> City of Carson Department of Public Safety
>
> maybe Starr,maybe John wrote:
>
> > I am amazed at the unwillingness of anyone on this list to come up to
> > the plate and respond to the following specific question:
> >
> > If you would be repulsed by, and hopefully boycott a world class
> > orchestra( that does not have 'men' or 'women' in the title), that was
> > found to have "not so hidden" discriminatory practices againt
> > african-americans, why then, would you be more understanding of an
> > orchestra that held these policies in regard to women?
> >
> > I think the 'silence' on the list, in respect to answering THIS
> > question, rather than going off onto some safer tangent, is because most
> > people's gut feeling is that, for some illogical reason, they aren't as
> > repulsed by disrimination against women as they are by discrimination
> > against african-americans and other racial minorities.
> >
> > Awaiting all responses,
> >
> > Starr
>
>
>
>