 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-02-25 03:25
Well, we all know that to become a principal clarinet in a major orchestra/symphony is definitely prestigious, but I was thinking more along the lines of trying to find a less prestigious job. I don't want to sell myself short, but I know I will NEVER be a principle. I simply don't practice enough, and honestly don't feel motivated enough to get that sorta job.
But what about something like a small pit orchestra? For a broadway show or an opera or something? Is that significantly hard to get? As hard as or easier than to join a major symphony? Also, I don't intend in trying to find a professional job as a musician until I've "lived" a little. I want to become a math teacher and play on the side for a while, and then, around my late 30s, try to break into the pro musician business. Will it be harder for me to get in at that age or does only your sound and playing matter? Cause by then I hope to be good enough to get a job on broadway or some performing arts center.
[edit] Also, I'm really interested in chamber music. I think chamber music is just so interesting and great to play. So personal and intimate with the audience instead of being part of a group. Can someone lend me links to learn about this field or how to break into it? THanks.
Alexi
I know have a lot of questions, but I'm a very inquisitive fellow. It's my nature.
US Army Japan Band
Post Edited (02-25-03 05:19)
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Author: msloss
Date: 2003-02-25 13:54
Alexi,
Is "prestigious" the word you are looking for? Artistically, Broadway pit work may not be the most stimulating night after night, but the people who work them are among the finest musicians I have ever met. Those gigs are also scarcer than hen's teeth and about to become even more so if producers get their way. Even getting on the short list of subs for a show is no small task, and you get one crack at doing it right -- if you are anything less than dead-on, the phone doesn't ring a second time.
Playing second desk in an orchestra is also no small achievement. There are and have been some pretty stunning talents that hold those positions.
My suggestion, and it is only that, is to join your AFM local, get to know the guys and the groups that work regularly, and start to do some pickup work. MPTF bands, the wedding/bar mitzvah/funeral/riot circuit, and other stuff will give you a taste (if you have the chops) for life as a working stiff with a clarinet in one hand and a date book in the other. And by the way, those guys are no slouches either. Chops that go on for days, and the ability to play a chart from memory in whatever key the band leader calls up.
Maybe what I'm saying is that it is tough be a dabbler and get paid. You need chops, determination, and the ability to network. It is a hard business, and there are a lot of very talented people scrapping for the same gigs. Charles Ives was an insurance man and a brilliant composer, so yes, you can live in both worlds. But, you've got to want it bad and dedicate yourself to getting it.
And yes, chamber music is wonderful in so many ways. You should have heard the concert HAT conducted last night! Dan Spitzer played an Appalachian Spring to die for!
Best,
Mark
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Author: William
Date: 2003-02-25 14:44
"I want to become a math teacher and play on the side for a while, and then, around my late 30s, try to break into the pro musician business."
Been there, done that!!!! As a (fairly good and versatile) local clarinetist with sax & flute doubles and a career teacher, I have played all manner of msical performance--orchestral, wind ensemble, jazz combo, chamber music, wedding/bar mitzvah/funeral/riot circuit, musical theater, ice and circus shows and apperances as guest soloist, to name a few. But NONE of the above were as rewarding as my time spent (over 34 yrs of public school music education) in the classroom with my students observing them learn and grow in young men and women. As a teacher, you can experiance the best of "all worlds", plus have a little time off every summer (to spend with your perhaps future wife and kids) and be able to look forward to a quite finacially secure retirement, compliments of your state public employees pension program.
Teaching--the best of All worlds!!!
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-02-25 17:28
As William nicely elaborated, teaching music in the public schools has its own unique set of rewards. The joy of putting a child on the correct musical path is one that makes it all worth it.
Today, even public school teaching jobs are becoming increasingly difficult to get. Recently, an administrator told me he had in excess of 500 applications on his desk for a new Kindergarten position which he advertised in a local paper.
With budget cutbacks and consolidation in many districts, music teaching jobs are shrinking. The days of 5 different school districts all making offers to the same candidate (as it was when I got my first job) are no more.
As one who taught music for 30 years (recently retired) in the public schools on all levels, I wouldn't have traded it as a career choice.
Perhaps it is not as "musically prestigious" as sitting in a major symphony, or a Broadway pit, but as teaching salaries and retirement have become commensurate with the training involved, it is a career option which I strongly recommend for both personal and community fulfillment...GBK
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Author: jez
Date: 2003-02-25 17:36
sfalexi,
You say you don't practise enough and don't feel motivated.
If you want to get any sort of playing work you'd better remember that you'll be competing for it against people who do.
The idea of deciding to enter the profession in your late thirties after a career in teaching is unusual, it's more commonly done the other way round. Would it be possible to get to the required standard after years away from the business? Maybe, but difficult I think. There are a lot of young people chasing the work.
jez
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-02-25 18:57
sfalexi wrote: "...I know I will NEVER be a principle. I simply don't practice enough, and honestly don't feel motivated enough to get that sorta job."
Knowing you will never accomplish something makes it certain that you will be correct. Anyway, what would you most want to do, even if you had to pay them so they would let you do it? Figure that out, then become good enough for them to pay you.
Then also: "...around my late 30s, try to break into the pro musician business. Will it be harder for me to get in at that age or does only your sound and playing matter?"
Teaching is great (been there, done that). But if you're teaching as a time-filling money-maker, the only problem is that when you apply for a playing job and someone asks (as they likely will), "What have you done before?" If your only answer is something about teaching math, this will not be encouraging.
Play, play, play. And when you get tired of that, play some more. If you cannot drive yourself to practice enough to be a principal in a major orchestra (how much does one have to practice to do that, anyway?), then how much practice will you need to get the sort of job that would satisfy your musical ambition? Beats me. To me, the solution is to be the best at what you do, no matter what that takes. If too much effort is required, maybe you aren't cut out to be a professional Clarinetist.
Regards,
John
who still wonders what to be when he grows up
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Author: Henry
Date: 2003-02-25 19:39
Sfalexi...It sounds to me that you have a bright future ahead of you. You seem to enjoy math (I hope) and teaching can be a wonderful and rewarding profession, as some others have said. Besides, there appears to be a great need for good teachers in the sciences, which assures bread on the table. And don't forget those medical, tenure, and other benefits! We all need dreams, and music is obviously one of yours. By all means, pursue that to your heart's desire but I see no reason why that would have to be in a very competitive professional setting. Until recently, I had a long career as a research chemist which gave me great satisfaction. Since I retired a few years ago, I have picked up music again after a long hiatus and it is as much fun again as it used to be. I am not the greatest musician but I stand my ground in a local amateur swing band and I'm considering doing more in the classical genre. Music has meant a lot to me throughout my life and I hope and expect it to stay that way. Good luck to you, both in math and music!
Henry
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Author: Ted
Date: 2003-02-25 21:52
Music chooses you. If you're lucky enough to have discovered an instrument
that you really click with, studied for years and are proficient enough to play at a high level, then you are ready for a lifetime of great experiences with music. That doesn't mean you have to play first chair somewhere or even be a professional musician. You are what you are. Music will be with you where ever you go. If you really "get there" musically ( "there" being that spiritual plane we all nibble at) you'll enrich youself and everyone around you. I've heard unbelievable incredible music on street corners, in kitchens and , yes, even on stages. If you play the best music you can where ever you are , you'll connect with "there".
Being a teacher is a life's work too. I've been one for many many years. It's another way to connect. It takes a discipline and knowledge and talent and study. The rewards are unbelievable to you and thoses you teach. "If you want to learn something, teach it".
These two professions are not mutually exclusive. They will help develope each other. I learned more about music after I became a teacher than before.
Good luck.
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-02-25 23:33
Thanks for all the advice. I'm just not sure as of right now whether I want to pursue a career as a pro-musician. But I want the option to be there. It's a GREAT hobby, which is why I want to minor or possibly major in it as well as math education. I really love playing, but I'm not sure if I want it to be a day to day fulltime job.
In the meantime, once I'm out of college, I hope to find some community bands (shouldn't be too hard) and maybe through them set up a few chamber ensembles which we can just play for fun at the local libraries or next to a santa with a shiny red pot waiting for a little goodwill donation. That's pretty much my plans. Don't want to become famous, don't want to put out CDs, just want to enjoy my hobby, but have the flexibility in case playing 8 hours a day becomes too cumbersome to me in the future. Thanks for all the advice though!
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2003-02-25 23:36
Woe to those who get exactly what they ask to receive...
My teacher has been kind enough to introduce several top professional clarinet players operating out of NYC.
They're tremendous players, to the last.
NONE hold down just one job...if you want to be a professional musician, best learn to drive long hours, jetting from one gig to the next.
If you really want to "play for pay" best learn saxophone, too.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-02-26 05:03
S. Botch sagely commented: "If you really want to "play for pay" best learn saxophone, too."
Get a wood-burning tool and scorch that into the side of your Clarinet case. How true, how true. Sure, it would be nice to play only The Stick, but you are likely to get many more jobs if you are also a saxophonist.
Regards,
John
second-string defensive alto sax player
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Author: allencole
Date: 2003-02-26 05:37
Amen to that. I have to maintain alto, tenor, bari and even soprano (ugh!) saxophones plus a flute just to be able to work as a clarinet player once in a while.
Allen Cole
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Author: clarinetdaddy
Date: 2003-02-26 14:14
Hello All, Did you ever think about the military bands? I have been in now for 20years. You will even receive a pay check and also retirement. Also they have a reloan payment plan for your college loan's. Or they will even help you get more college level classes. See the world and play all kinds of music. Just putting my 2 cents in. Have fun .
Miles
clarinetdaddy
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing".
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