Klarinet Archive - Posting 001081.txt from 2000/05

From: Phil Shapiro <pshapiro@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] South Dakota/out of tune...
Date: Tue, 23 May 2000 20:10:42 -0400

Andrea,

No, it is not something you can go to prison for. In fact, in most of
the US it is merely a minor offense. In most cases you are just given a
warning the first time. After that, you are fined $25 for each
vibration per second out of tune. For example, playing A=443 would
cost you $75.

Most of the musician's unions here are not strong enough to enforce the
fines, as they are still trying to get the waiting period for baton
purchases made into law. However, where unions are stronger, such as
New York and Chicago, there is a black market developing for correct
pitch. I have heard stories of phantom oboists sneaking backstage and
offering orchestras proper tuning for a substantial fee. Of course,
these are rumors. I personally don't know any conductors who can tell
the difference. And even if they could, how do you get the violas in
tune??

No, unfortunately we have to live with the tremendous fines incurred
during performance. In many cities it's the only thing keeping the
unions in business, in fact. And we need the unions desperately as they
control the flow of pencils throughout the American musical world. And
with conductors being what and who they are, we're constantly re-editing
our music as they, through their spiritual connections to Von Karajan,
search for the "perfect interpretation" of the masterworks of Von Suppe,
et al.

Hope this helps.

-Phil Shapiro
Principal Clarinet
Miami Symphony Orchestra

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