 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: S. Friedland
Date: 2008-06-10 02:10
I have not read the article in the Clarinet Journal. Its discussion however brought to mind just what it takes to play in an orchestra.
Mr Palanker wrote a brilliant response which brings to mind a subject seldom discussed: The emperament necessary for an orchestral position, a key for longevity. Thirty years or more of the good, the bad and the ugly;the audition, the cliques, the fashions, the conductors favorites, union affairs, touring, and of course the enormous pressure of always being watched and heard. As much as brilliant playing, the decorum within an orchestra should perhaps be discussed in order that the many young people who are in school and have playing aspirations,learn more than articulation and repertoire.
Perhaps it is worth discussing.
Sherman Friedland
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Author: LonDear
Date: 2008-06-10 04:28
I have read Michael's article on page 58 and found it very refreshing, as well as Ed's comments on a previous post. Michael's last paragraph more eloquently offers advice than I offered to my students in the 80's and early 90's.
The object to playing (professional) clarinet these days (and maybe forever?) is to enjoy the music that you love as well as learning to experiment with music that you don't know and may just be mezmerized by, and by all means tolerate what makes money, if it is kind of fun and keeps you going (playing).
All of the factors that Sherman brought up are very important and exist in most ensembles ranging from major orchestras, to big bands to showbands to jazz ensembles, and even to quartets.
The temperament thing might be excacerbated at a large ensemble level, but it is still an issue when you get to even the smallest ensembles. Pick your orchestra or local cohorts carefully. Make sure everyone is compatible, comfortable and in tune.
Play, play and play, and enjoy it, whether it be a quartet of all clarinets, or playing in clubs on any variety of woodwinds with a gtr, bass and drums.
[Disclaimer: I haven't played in an orchestra for way too many years]
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2008-06-10 14:38
I currently play in an orchestra that is together only one month out of each year and whose members are from many different countries. In the years since 1994 (my first with the orchestra) I have experienced both terrible and wonderful clarinet partners. One had a nervous breakdown just before a performance and had to remove himself from the stage leaving no one to cover his part. Another made my life so miserable I thought I would have a nervous breakdown. She was eventually removed from the orchestra and sent back to her home country--physically escorted to the airport. These two personality types are not going to be successful.
We also had a viola player from Austria who was absolutely fabulous as a player but a total monster as a human being. After her second year with us our conductor quietly leaned over his podium and said to her, "My dear you are invited not to return to this orchestra again." A sigh of relief went up from all of us.
And on and on it goes. So I highly recommend a patient attitude combined with excellent playing skills and getting rid of most of one's vanity while holding the ambition to a minimum. Getting along with others may not have been taught in school, but it is the key to longevity in our world.
Post Edited (2008-06-10 14:38)
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