Klarinet Archive - Posting 000119.txt from 2001/10
From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl] Re:quotes and other stuff......
Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 04:20:17 -0400
At 10:06 PM 10/05/2001 +0100, you wrote:
I think Tony's words speak very well for his intentions and his
feelings. I wouldn't attempt to interpret anything he has said without
knowing with certainty what his intent is - so I for one appreciate him
having said what he has said. No one has to guess at what he might mean
and how he has come to say what he has said.
Thanks for presenting all of that Tony.
In our country - free speech is a great thing - and we always hope it will
be used in the most wise and careful way possible. Some people might
believe that if we don't say something that we are hiding something, that
we are distrustful, or some other scandalous thing. These kinds of
"fishing expeditions" happen all the time in the world of politics - and
they happen because people want their interpretations confirmed. They
happen when people want to be elected, or to gain a measure of trust or
control. They happen when someone wants the limelight. Attention is
important to this kind of person - and they thrive on it. Even more sad
than the fishing expedition though is when a person has based conclusions
all on one or two faulty ideas or speculations. Then, when it all falls
apart - they attack. This happens all to often for Tony Pay. I appreciate
the kind of posts he makes when he discusses music, musical ideas, and,
especially, information that is related to ancient clarinets, performance
practice, etc. In my mind, he is an expert in these areas - and the list
needs this kind of information. But, as Tony Pay has complimented me on
the limited worth I bring to the list, I feel his conclusions about me and
others goes beyond any mission he may have.
So, while I don't dislike Tony Pay (as he clearly states he doesn't like
me), I do feel genuinely sorry for him. I am very sincere when I say that
I hope that he succeeds in his mission of presenting his musical views of
himself, his ideals, and everyone else. He is entitled to that as a human
being. I hope he can do that without continuing to tear down other people
in the process. Sarcasm, bold statements, and "humor" laced with poison
does not seem to be the most persuasive tools. In my opinion, it is a
maturity thing.
Tony has assumed that my point regarding my father was to bring sympathy or
credibility to my "case" (whatever my case is) - and that I exploited my
own father for that goal. I would assert the following: 1) Tony Pay has
made a wrong conclusion regarding my intent. Just because Tony Pay says
it's true - it isn't.
2) When Tony Pay says, "This point of view is often at odds with the
opinions of people here, so it may look as though I am attacking them," I
would assert that it often doesn't just look as though he may be attacking
them - he does attack them! 3) When Tony Pay states that his point of view
"..... 'playing' is about *making the music be 'alive'*, and all that
entails," is what represents his goal or mission, I think that is just
great. I am so sad to see him run over others in the process of presenting
those views. I would say that, because I have a personal mission regarding
bullies and mean people, this is the primary reason Tony Pay may not like
me - of course I cannot speak for what Tony Pay may think about - I can't
read minds. But, I don't let Tony Pay bully me, and he seems to get angry
at that. I admit that he is very good at pushing buttons to cause
reactions - and that I often fall into that trap. Darn. Still - if he
wants to "stir up" the list and incite people to "take [me] on," he simply
supports my position that he has to resort to these approaches to fulfill
his mission - of what............music performance? I'm sorry, but I just
see that as such a shallow thing. There is no musical goal or mission that
so important that other human issues, such as kindness, generosity,
humility, and other virtues should be thrown to the side in all attempts to
present those musical ideals.
Finally, when Tony Pay says something like, "I make no apology for that. In
my view, it's what's needed in the world at the moment -- and, dare I say
it, particularly in the world of American playing," it makes me realize
with dread that Tony Pay will say anything to succeed in his
mission(s). Why does Tony Pay have to insult American musicians in order
to present an opinion? If he feels American musicians are lacking, whether
it be soloists, chamber artists, ensembles, or the like - he should just
use examples to present his opinions of such. Otherwise, isn't he guilty
of what he accuses me of? That is: "He writes tendentiously, obscurely,
and manipulates the facts. "
I know, in my own mind, in my own heart, what my intentions are when I say
something. I admit when I make a mistake - and that's the way it is. Tony
Pay appears to me to be unable to do that. Why? I don't know. He just
cannot. Perhaps someday he will.........I'm rooting for him in this capacity!
For me - I'm more interested in if Barry Bonds break the homerun record
than what Tony Pay feels is the most important thing about music in his own
life........and I guess everyone else's.
Oboy is right.
Best wishes,
Roger Garrett
Best,
Roger Garrett
Clarinet Professor
Director, Symphonic Winds
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
Phone: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3121
"If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me,
this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very
best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until
the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't
amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, 10 angels swearing I
was right would make no difference."
-Abraham Lincoln
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