Klarinet Archive - Posting 000042.txt from 2002/12

From: "James Sclater" <Sclater@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Martin Powell
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 16:29:23 -0500

Dear Mr. O'Neill,
I have heard Mr. Powell's Cd and agree with you that it is of very high =
quality. My response is only in regard to your statements about the lack =
of an invitation to play at an ICA convention. My limited knowledge of =
this subject relates to how it was that I came to play at the Clarinetfest =
in New Orleans. I was told that the presenters were interested in =
featuring players from our section of the country, so I wrote to ask if I =
might be allowed a small place on the program in which to play some of my =
own music. The presenters graciously allowed me to participate in one of =
the potpourri recitals.=20
I suspect that most presenters wish to feature some friends, some players =
from their respective regions or countries in addition to the big names =
which most people expect to hear. You might encourage Mr. Powell to ask to =
be part of the program at a convention. He certainly deserves to be =
heard.

Best wishes,

Jim Sclater
Professor of Music,
Mississippi College

>>> avodah@-----.com 12/02/02 03:01PM >>>
Dear List,

I hesitated before writing this letter, but I can't sit idly by while
one of our members awaits an apparent never-to-be invitation to perform
at a ClarinetFest. The List member is Martin Powell. Many of you have
received and listened to his Son et Lumiere CD, which was given high
praise in The Clarinet. You should know that Martin was nominated to
perform at the 2002 and 2003 ClarinetFests, and he was subsequently
rejected for both events. Now, I'm not saying that these rejections are
unusual or unjust, but I have not seen in the List such an interest
shown for any other performer, including the current emerging prodigy.
(Incidentally, IMHO, the emerging prodigy would probably be accepted
whenever and as often as he is nominated.) Why? Because he is a
prodigy, and the public likes the very young with exceptional ability.
Does this mean, then, that a gifted youthful performer is always
superior to a gifted mature performer? IMHO, I don't think so. How
many of our established teachers/outstanding clarinetists would admit
that the current prodigy is superior to them? Not many, I would think.

Martin Powell is a very gifted artist who does not receive the exposure,
and hence the recognition, that many of our well-known performers do. I
realize that a nomination does not ensure an acceptance. Most things in
life are not guaranteed. What bothers me is the nominating process
itself. There are apparently two types of nominees: a performer and a
performer/lecturer. Only the Fest officials know how many slots for each
type are available. From my observation, however, it seems that a
performer/lecturer is more desirable than a 'mere' performer. So it
would behoove all you prospective participants to work up some kind of a
presentation or lecture to go along with your performance. May I suggest
a comparison of dark and bright tones with dark and light-colored reeds?

Please forgive this very lengthy letter. For those of you who will bear
with me for several more lines, I promise that there will be a reward at
the end. Here are my concluding remarks: First, if a person is not
accepted, he/she will lose perhaps an entire year before being allowed
to apply to the next ClarinetFest, which will be moderated by a whole
new set of officials who may not know you from Adam. That's right, you
will be a year older and sorely discouraged as you wait for something to
happen. Second, being nominated early-on does not ensure that you will
be accepted. FIFO is not the rule here. Third, why are many of the same
performers brought back each year to the exclusion of new and promising
talents? We have probably heard these established performers many times
both in person and on CD's, and now it is time to hear the not-so-famous
but just-as-accomplished performers. I know, there has to be a mix of
new and old because it's all about 'show business.'

I hope that I have not embarrassed Martin by my remarks. He has no
knowledge of this letter. My whole intent here is to show that there is
sufficient interest in his playing right now (far beyond 'bumblebees')
to warrant his acceptance at some near-future ClarinetFest.

Thank you.

John O'Neill

a reward

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