Klarinet Archive - Posting 001347.txt from 1998/04

From: C E Field <CEField@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Re: Boston Symphony Audition procedure
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 19:29:06 -0400

Jonathan, I was thinking that tapes were time-saving and that is certainly
true for the applicant, as you pointed out. "Convenient" might have been a
better term to use to describe the benefit to the orchestra's selection
committee. You can listen to the tapes whenever it suits you.

Although we know that a recorded tape isn't ideal sound-wise, the tape might
actually remove some distractions or prejudices from the selection process.
Imagine if the applicants' tapes were numbered and identified in no other way.
Committe members wouldn't have a clue as to the applicant's age, gender,
racial origin, teacher's identity, etc. The committee would be forced to
concentrate instead on tone and musicality. In short, I wonder what would
happen if the committee listened to the tapes BEFORE reading resumes...

Note that I am not a professional clarinetist nor would any tape of mine make
it past the orchestra's custodial staff. But as a member of the real world, I
know that politics and personal prejudice play a role in almost everything.

Cindy