Klarinet Archive - Posting 000929.txt from 1998/12

From: "Carl Schexnayder" <carlsche@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Cynthia's Christmas Concert
Date: Fri, 25 Dec 1998 04:19:10 -0500

Reply:
I have never seen anything like that happen, but I would think that the
students should be taught that that's not proper so they can relay the
message to their parents...or a letter could be sent home in advance of the
concert. The conductor could point out correct edicate before the concert
begins or he/she could ask the parents to please be seated before beginning
the second portion of the concert.

I have very seldom found it necessary to say anything to the audience about
those kinds of things but, not too long ago, we were beginning a concert
with a piece which opened very quietly and I did turn around and mention
that the opening was very quiet and that it wouldn't be heard unless
everyone in the audience was very quiet. Noise can be a problem these days
when playing serious concert music or pieces that require much concentration
to be able to detect subtleties in the music.

Anyway, some kind of advance cautioning may be the answer, but never in a
demeaning, unkind or unfriendly way.

Carl Schexnayder

Original Message:

>The other night I had the opportunity to attend my daughters junior high
>Christmas concert (2nd year clarinet student). I have been a musician, in
one
>form or another, (student-pro-retired) since 1964, and never have I been
more
>embarrassed. After the beginning band finished their program, the
intermediate
>band had the opportunity to play. This unfortunately gave the chance for
>parents to come down and talk to their children in the beginning band. Not
>only did the parents come to talk, but also sisters, brothers and
>grandparents. This all happened during the remainder of the concert! After
>the intermediate band finished, one parent even brought a new-born down to
sit
>with the clarinet section for a few minutes.
> Does anyone out there have some way to teach a small town (15,000) about
the
>rudiments of concert etiquette?
> Please help!

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