Klarinet Archive - Posting 000947.txt from 1998/05

From: Dee Hays <deerich@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Loud community bands (was intonation)
Date: Sat, 16 May 1998 23:13:26 -0400

Bill Hausmann wrote:

> The good thing, or the bad thing (depending upon who you are) about
> community bands is that you are not auditioned. You get to play pretty
> much regardless of your ability. The purpose is at least as much social as
> musical. You do have to take what you get as far as players are concerned.
> Some of the nicest people in our group are the worst players, but you
> learn to deal with it, and do what you can to improve them without boring
> the rest of the group.
>
> Professional groups, and even school groups with auditions, are a different
> story. If you can't hack it, or WON'T hack it, you get fired. Musically
> this is a far superior arrangement, but socially not so hot. Which group
> you prefer to play in depends upon your skill, musical aspirations, ability
> to withstand pressure, and availability of other choices in your area.

I did belong to one community band where you did have to audition. The basic
purpose was to ascertain your relative ability. However not all band members
were allowed to play every concert. For performances, the clarinet section was
limited to eight. Also one clarinettist was politely "asked" to leave the band
due to attitude. Even in social situations, you need to cooperate with the
group.

Dee Hays
Canton, SD

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