Klarinet Archive - Posting 000638.txt from 1999/01

From: "Brent Eresman" <Beresman@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Non-professionals
Date: Thu, 14 Jan 1999 16:33:50 -0500

Noah A. Smith pisat:

> Speaking of which, I'm interested to know if there are many
> subscribers who don't count themselves among professional
> musicians or music students, and what kinds of opportunities
> exist after college for music-makers de facto but not by
> trade.

I am, by trade, an engineer. It's a lot easier to support my family
this way, since i'm not of the Combs/Drucker caliber, and never will
be (darn! That's hard to admit. For me, that is. Anyone else'd be
only too glad to concur. It's too easy to wonder what could do if i
had the four hours a day to practice...and impossible to answer).

Anyway, i have had opportunity in this area (Dayton/Springfield,
Ohio--a medium sized metro area) to play in musical shows (many
requiring doubling, but not all of them) for community theater and
church groups. I play in a concert band associated with the Dayton
Philharmonic Orchestra--mostly summer concerts in the park. I
started a woodwind quintet which plays in churches and occasionally
in businesses. There is a community orchestra which is very good,
but of which i am not a member. There are several wind ensembles in
local colleges, some of which are very good and take local residents
(You'll have better luck if they don't have a well-known music
program). There are some community bands; some are better than
others.

Mostly, you have to look, ask, and get to know folks who are involved
in musical affairs in your community. Sooner or later something will
open up and you will have an opportunity. However, if you have to
decline for some reason, be prepared to wait for some time before you
are asked again. Some (not all) folks who put together musical
groups (especially those contracting paid gigs) put you at the bottom
of their list if you are unable to play something for them.

And keep in mind that there are others who are in the same position
you are in. That's how i was able to put together the quintet. Not
everybody in it has the same aspirations as i do--i doubt we'll ever
play some of the really tough stuff as a result. Still, we do play
some good music and have fun (even make a little money occasionally)
doing it. You have to ask around, but there are a lot of musicians
out there!

I wish you the best in your search for an outlet for your talent!

Brent Eresman
beresman@-----.com

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