Klarinet Archive - Posting 000963.txt from 1998/04

From: Jonathan Cohler <cohler@-----.net>
Subj: Orchestra auditions
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 19:19:27 -0400

First, I'd like to thank Larry Liberson for giving us his insider
description of the process at the DSO. The values of NOT excluding by
resume alone are made abundantly clear in your message.

My reason for bringing this subject to the list is that it is clearly of
critical concern to all professional clarinetists. Contrary to the
ad-hominem attacks of one individual on this list, who obviously has some
axe to grind, I am interested in an open and fact-based discussion/debate
of the merits and demerits of the audition systems now in place in the U.S.

This has nothing to do with my students other than that the situation was
first brought to my attention by a student. It was only in that context
that I mentioned my student.

The issue is what is a fair audition system, and how we can as clarinetists
in the real world promote and ensure fair audition practices by the small
number of full-time orchestras in the United States.

Obviously, this is a sensitive issue for many. The typical response of
"Well, I've been rejected by resume at some auditions too, so just deal
with it!" skirts the entire issue, unless of course you were happy about
being excluded.

Given the financial analysis that I presented, and the insider testimony of
Larry Liberson, it seems clear that there is no financial impediment to
auditioning all comers for these few clarinet openings in full-time
orchestras.

Therefore, I would be interested to know if anybody actually LIKEs the fact
that some orchestras exclude based on resume alone. If someone does LIKE
this practice, pray tell why?

If noone likes it, then don't we have an obligation to try to get it
changed? Collectively, we represent a pretty potent force in the clarinet
world.

------------------------
Jonathan Cohler
cohler@-----.net

   
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