Klarinet Archive - Posting 000298.txt from 1998/09

From: ROBERT ABRAHAM <rkabear@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Band chops vs. Orchestral chops
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 15:15:47 -0400

I think this could be attributed to the fact that you *do* play less. I find myself getting weary after long rehearsals that other sections are worked A LOT more than 5 or 10 minutes (which should have been done at a sectional, or at least at the end of rehearsal, so the rest of the people can go home.) I get in that "This is unproductive for me. I'm tired and want to go home." mode, because I find my mind wanders after a time of listening to other people "woodshed" the music's technical problems or pitch problems (even worse.)

I short instances, listening to other parts playing their parts without me playing can be beneficial. It's just that in orchestra, (especially amateur/high school/sometimes college orchestras) the people playing the most (and sometimes the weakest players because of less competition than wind players for orchestra seats) are the string sections. Not only do you, as a wind player, not play as much, but you tend to not rehearse as much in rehearsals.

...then there's that thing about strings just plain putting me to sleep. <grin>

Kelly Abraham
Woodwinds/Computer Geek
New York City

P.S. For all of the people about to flame me for that last comment, I meant that in a good way...lulling me to sleep. I have fallen asleep during two semi-professional performances of Brahms Trio (CL/Cello/Piano) because the cello player was so good, it took me away (much like Calgon.) <grin>
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> Anyone else notice that playing in orchestra for two hours is more
> demanding of your chops than playing in wind ensembles for about the same
> amount of time?
>
> Why is this? Am I making this up? You don't even tend to play as much in
> orch. as you might in a wind group. What is this?

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