Klarinet Archive - Posting 000248.txt from 1998/01

From: "Steven Gordon, M.D. 729 X3151" <GORDONST@-----.org>
Subj: Musicians for Social Responsibility
Date: Tue, 6 Jan 1998 08:18:52 -0500

It is interesting to me that people became so uncomfortable with the VPO
discussion. Many of us are not on an orchestra list so this is the only
forum we might have to here about/discuss this topic.

To me it is much more interesting than many other topics, concerning
mouthpieces, where to find a music store, etc.

We cannot use "tradition" or culture as an excuse to condone hiring or
discrimation practices (or much worse crimes against humanity)
in orchestras in other countries. To hell with the traditional sound of
the apparently highly inbred VPO. Most of us know that it is their
loss, but it is appropriate for those of us with a conscience to support
women in their struggle in the VPO and other orchestras and
opportunities around the world.

This is very relevant to women clarinetists on this list. Especially
those who are just starting out pursuing a career in music.

I will pursue a course which is most comfortable for me -
I have known about the VPO hiring practices for some time and am
currently avoiding the purchase of recordings by it. I have not had
the time to pursue a larger list of orchestras worthy of boycott.

I have not yet figured out who to send a letter of disapproval to -
perhaps the U.S. distributors of their recordings.

It would be gratifying to use this list to create social change, eg., a
letter could be created and distributed for people to copy and edit and
send as they see fit.

Steve Gordon, M.D.
Beaverton, OR