Klarinet Archive - Posting 000121.txt from 1998/04

From: "Craig E. Countryman" <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: very young principal cl's
Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 15:12:26 -0500

I think that if a person deserves a job he should get it. Still being a high
school student, I don't have too much orchestral experience, but just from my
own personal experience in other ensembles I can tell you that it really irks
me when I am sitting behind someone simply because they are a more senior
member of the section, but are not necessarily the best player. If the older
member would like to apply for the position then he should, but if he gets
beaten by a younger player, the younger player should definitely take the
position. If he earns it I see no reason why not.

Should this cause tension in the section? No! No one has any cause for
concern because everyone is where they belong. However, whether it does or
not is another story. I think that we should appreciate other musicians for
their strengths rather than be jealous of them. All that jealousy amounts to
is immaturity.

Craig