Klarinet Archive - Posting 001337.txt from 1998/03

From: Neil Leupold <nleupold@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: Av Galper and Neil Leupold
Date: Sat, 28 Mar 1998 19:22:13 -0500

On Sat, 28 Mar 1998, Dan Leeson: LEESON@-----.edu wrote:

> Neil's very cogent letter could be summarized by saying "Don't offend
> the entrance committee." Good advice. He was concerned about what
> the committee might think if someone showed up with a C clarinet. Or,
> in the extreme, the case he used was that if someone showed up with
> a B-flat and A bass clarinet (fat chance), then the committee might
> think that that person could not transpose.

I wrote absolutely nothing with regard to offending anybody.
I suggest you read more carefully when replying to others'
submissions, Dan. My commentary was with regard to the
manner in which auditions are conducted at most universities
and conservatories in America, in deference to the common
practice of orchestras across the country. Schools are
interested in having students who will succeed as performers
in America's orchestras. Thus, they are looking for candidates
who show potential to perform well in such an environment, and
their curricula are geared toward preparing students to enter
those ensembles. One must get his/her foot in the door before
he can remodel the house. I'm all for making changes and
spawning growth in our music-making culture, but outsiders
typically stay outside. Doing what's necessary to gain entrance
into a good school is not tantamount to playing the lemming.
If a person is unusual and of pioneering spirit, these traits
will assert themselves in the manner that they conduct them-
selves and the manner in which they make their music.

Neil