 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2003-11-18 02:18
I've been asked to come up with a 3 sentence bio to be put in program notes. The group I'm performing with is sometimes written up in the Washington Post, and I have delusions of possibly getting mentioned in the article, LOL.
Seriously, can you give me some idea of what I can/should include in my bio? I know you don't know me, but generic guidelines would be much appreciated. Sure, I've read program bios before. I'm not sure how to compose one of my own, if that makes any sense to you.
Post Edited (2003-11-18 04:04)
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Author: diz
Date: 2003-11-18 02:54
Here goes ...
1) Background (perhaps eduction level i.e. BA with a music major or where you first fell in love with music)
2) Experience (what you've played and with whom - kind of like a CV).
3) Where you'd like to head in the future (Boston Symphony for example).
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2003-11-18 03:38
A few years ago I was asked to submit a very short bio. I found it very hard to do, so I asked my wife to write 50 words or less about me.
Here's what she came up with, maybe it will help you as an example:
JOHN MOSES (Woodwinds)
A Doctoral graduate of Juilliard, John is 1st clarinetist with the NY Pops, American Composers Orchestra, and many other groups.
Featured in over 150 films and opened over 20 Broadway shows, he lives in NJ with wife, Lori, and 3 children, Leah, Rachel, and David.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2003-11-18 04:23
That's just it, I'm not famous like you guys are. Music is just a serious hobby for me. I have a master's degree in education, but I'm actually an elementary teacher (not music). Yeah, I marched in college, and even made my college's wind ensemble, but that was the '80s!
I play currently with one very good community band and a professional quartet. I used to play with 2 other community bands, one quite good, the other not worth mentioning, but I did it as a favor to them. I've played in community theater pits--only 6 shows total.
I do appreciate your replies, but I just don't feel that I can measure up to the examples you gave. I want to sound "good" and be truthful at the same time. Our community band went on a European performance tour inthe mid-90s. Is that prestigious enough to mention?
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Author: jo.clarinet
Date: 2003-11-18 11:01
What you have just mentioned would be fine, with a little editing! Go on, see if you can edit it down to 3 sentences and post it for us! Then we can help you 'tweak' it, if necessary.
Joanna Brown
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2003-11-18 17:43
Lisa: Of course you measure up. You seem pretty impressive to me. Let's see...
"An educator, Ms. AAA received her Master's degree from XXX University, where she was with the XXX University Wind Ensemble. She has enjoyed playing in many community musical and theatrical productions, including a European performing tour. Known as a member of the ZZZ quartet, Ms. AAA intends to (whatever you'd like to do now that you're famous)."
Good enough for the Washington Post? If not, maybe make that "the *prestigious* ZZZ quartet." But don't lay it on too thick.
By the way, it is best not to include dates/years in such a bio. "Olympic Gold medalist" is better than "Gold Medalist in the 1984 summer Olympics."
Regards,
John
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Author: Lisa
Date: 2003-11-19 02:40
Lisa participated in several performing ensembles at Indiana University of Pennsylvania while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. Currently a member of the Maryland Community Band and the Noteworthy Clarinet Quartet, she has also played in several community musical theater productions, and toured Europe with the Rockville Concert Band. Lisa holds a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Maryland College, and teaches first grade in the Montgomery County Public Schools.
***That's my story. Can you help with the wording of the second sentence? It's too wordy, but I can't figure out how to shorten in. Hey, I can edit my first graders' work, but not my own! 
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Author: jo.clarinet
Date: 2003-11-19 10:11
It's good, but if I was you I'd also put something in about your enjoyment of music/love of playing clarinet etc, otherwise it sounds a bit "dry" (if you see what I mean!)
Joanna Brown
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Author: David Peacham
Date: 2003-11-19 10:19
I'm not a writer, but I review a lot of technical documents. Just a suggestion or two. Don't use vague words ("participated") where precise ones ("played") will do. Don't be frightened of short sentences.
Lisa is a member of the Maryland Community Band and the Noteworthy Clarinet Quartet, has played in community musical theater productions, and toured Europe with the Rockville Concert Band. She played the clarinet [celesta, bagpipes, tambourine, whatever] in several ensembles at Indiana University of Pennsylvania during her undergraduate studies. Lisa holds a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Maryland College, and teaches first grade in the Montgomery County Public Schools.
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If there are so many people on this board unwilling or unable to have a civil and balanced discussion about important issues, then I shan't bother to post here any more.
To the great relief of many of you, no doubt.
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Author: ken
Date: 2003-11-19 21:27
I like David's Bio sample, it contains active language and clearly documents the musician's accomplishments, versatility and ensembles played in past and present. I also like how it's formatted. It prioritizes current playing/professional position/experience from present to past then highlights education.
Also, the personal blurb at the end of John Moses' 3-liner is right where it should be too ... on mine I also list here the teachers I've studied with along with celebrities/political dignitaries performed for and number of CD recordings. v/r Ken
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