Klarinet Archive - Posting 000085.txt from 1999/06

From: mike.strickland@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Re: What The Boomers Will Bring
Date: Tue, 1 Jun 1999 16:37:48 -0400

Mario Wrote:
"In the coming decade we can look forward to the retiring boomers who need
to be entertained and stimulated. Music offers a return to youthful
pleasures that few other activities do. We must look to tap this large
reservoir of funds which will go to greens fees and the current
entertainment establishment if we don't take action soon. Any comments or
ideas are welcomed.
Cheers,
Mario Estrada
FL West Coast Symphony"

I agree completely. I am one of the boomers who starting back on my
clarinet after a long layoff and it is one of the most satisfying
activities that I do. To me it isn't just entertainment, it is a release
from the stresses of the day. I think there is a lot of interest and more
of us would participate if there were more opportunities. Since I'm in the
category of "been there done that", I can offer the following suggestions:

1) The greatest need is for people who have the talent and the interest to
direct these groups. Doing a good job directing such a group can take
quite a bit of time. A good director can make a huge difference in the
success of such a group.

2) There is a need to set up these groups so that they can accomodate the
player's schedules. You can't be overly strict about being present for
every practice because most of the potential musicians have to earn a
living as their top priority.

3) There needs to be a non-threatening environment for the potential
musicians. No formal auditions is a good idea. The Director or Section
leader can hear how a new member performs over a few weeks and place them
in the appropriate position without a lot of fanfare. Since no one is
(usually) getting paid, anyone who can't play well enough for the group
will stop wasting their time pretty soon and stop coming.

4) Churches are a good opportunity to start an orchestra. There are a lot
of arrangements for church orchestras of all sizes and abilities. Again,
the main requirement is someone to lead the group. Church services provide
plenty of "performance time" and the orchestra can meet for practice at the
same time as choir practice.

5) Allow all ages to participate. The orchestra I am in now (Roswell
Street Baprist Church in Marietta, GA) is a pretty good orchestra. We have
members as young as 10 up to retirement age. (We have three strings from
the same family that started on the Suzuki method and they play
beautifully. The oldest is about 13.)

There are a lot of people who would like to start back to playing but are
not sure of their abilities. I played in a small church group when I first
started back and when I started with the large church I am in now (10,000
members), I struggled for a while. Remember that any new orchestra member
may need some extra encouragement.

Mike Strickland

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