Klarinet Archive - Posting 001361.txt from 1998/04

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: AFM, ICSOM & ROPA position on auditions for orchestras
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 19:39:48 -0400

On Thu, 23 Apr 1998, Jonathan Cohler wrote:

> 1. In 1987, AFM, ICSOM and ROPA all adopted a resolution
> encouraging all orchestras ***not to deny anyone a live
> audition based either upon a written resume or a tape.***

It will be interesting to see if it is adopted. There is nothing from a
legal standpoint that forces and orchestra to do this. And the Union(s)
stand to benefit.....still.....if it becomes a uniform policy, than people
do not have to stick their necks out individually.....we hope.

> 2. If you are having trouble getting into an audition, Nathan
> mans a HOTLINE at 719-520-3288 and he is happy to help you.
> He has helped hundreds of musicians get into auditions. He
> suggests that you first try to be aggressive yourself, speak
> with the personnel manager, have your teacher call etc...,
> but he will gladly add his voice to your team. And most of
> the personnel managers in the country know him on a first-
> name basis!

This is what has already been happening for years.....but, I though
Jonathan was extremely upset at having to call? I recall being chastised
for suggesting he call in my very first post.....hmmmm.....

> 4. Nathan has had conversations with management folk at the Chicago
> Symphony and they relate that allowing all comers to audition is
> critical to maintaining their artistic quality. This sounds
> very similar to what Larry Liberson was saying.

This is the second orchestra that has come forth with such information
through a secondary source. Bravo for finally finding some other facts to
support your wish that they all should.

> 5. Nathan encourages players to complain and complain loudly if
> they are excluded from an audition.

Do you agree with this Jonathan.....would you encourage your student to
complain loudly if they hadn't given her an audition? Or, do you believe
this would place the student at risk....perhaps destroy an opportunity for
a fair hearing even if she was heard?

> 7. I asked him to explain to me the Boston Symphony procedure, and
> it is a bit different from what the BSO personnel manager
> related to
> me on the phone. First, you send in a resume. If they are suspect
> of your resume, they will ask for a tape. If they are still
> suspect of your tape, they will ask for letters of recommendation.
> Once these are recieved, they will grant you a live audition.

One would think that the personnel manager of a symphony would understand
his own procedures better than a non-orchestra affiliate. How would one
confirm the information?

> 8. Nathan agreed that there was no financial impediment to hearing
> all comers. He said the problem was the attitudes of certain
> Music Directors, and certain orchestra members who think they
> can find the best players without listening to all comers.

This is good news.....except that it does not necessarily mean that the
orchestras have budgeted to hear all newcomers. Beyond that, it is an
orchestra's perogative....legally........to choose if it wants to hear all
newcomers or not. That's the bottom line.......and one no one should
forget. This could lead to an entirely new (but related thread) regarding
the purpose and helpfulness of unions. While I am a supporter of unions,
I have watched Caterpillar INC thrive for the past 6-8 years while
avoiding the Local that serves employees. The problems, for the most
part, rested with the union.

Roger Garrett
IWU