Klarinet Archive - Posting 000630.txt from 1998/02

From: "Elliot Oki" <eoki@-----.org>
Subj: Re: "Professional" vs. "amateur"
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 16:42:11 -0500

I must admit, the only instrument I play is the Bb clarinet. I think the
author of this original article that sparked off this whole debate knew what
she was getting into, as she hinted she knew this was either going to lead
to a clear-cut answer or spark off an international debate. This article
has lead to points being made on all sides, e.g. money-making, the whole
union issue, or just not use labels like "professional" at all. I think the
whole question is moot as professional is not a legal status (or is it?) and
that the original author was not concerned about legal status but social
status. However, the debate was interesting.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gary L Smith <garylsmith@-----.com>
Date: Monday, February 16, 1998 10:44 AM
Subject: Re: "Professional" vs. "amateur"

>I think our hapless original questioner was less interested in an
>interpretation of what words would mean in a perfect world where everyone
>knew what you were talking about, and more interested in how you describe
>yourself to people who are usually really trying to ask:
>
>"So - can you play, or is my hiring you going to (retard my child's
>progress/embarass me at my wedding reception/make me liable for damages
>at the club when you crack the plaster)"
>
>If the *dictionary* defination of the word meant anything to most people,
>this would be an open-and-shut thing: a professional is one who does
>something for money, as Bill Hausmann has pointed out, period.
>*Competency,* on the other hand, is only determined (on the part of the
>would-be customer) by references, auditions, or similar means. Where
>practical, I often provide demo tapes to prospects, ostensibly to show
>the style of music I play, but I know they're evaluating competence as
>well.
>
>>
>>If some friend is better at it but only does it as a hobby, is he more
>>professional? I think most people see the logic behind this analogy.
>>Therefore, the Saxophone example above means nothing in terms of
>>professional STATUS.
>
>I can tell you which one I'd rather frame up my house.
>
>>Labels may not be important to you...and your interpretation of them
>>may
>>be quite sound....but, in reality, it makes no difference...labels
>>make a
>>difference!
>
>Yes, Roger, labels, and people who are big on applying them, have made a
>difference throughout history. Can you think of a few historical
>examples?
>
>
>>Larry Combs is a professional musician (obviously)....but you can call
>>him
>>anything you like! If humility is part of a label.....let's rewrite
>>the
>>word professional!
>
>Very well - let's.
>
>"A professional is someone who is secure enough in his/her abilities and
>satisfied enough with his/her career to not worry what labels are applied
>to him/her by people who have enough time on their hands to worry about
>it."
>
>I don't know Mr. Combs personally, but I bet he fits this definition in
>spades.
>