 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2005-07-04 07:20
We had a concert tonight called "Booms and Blooms" at, Powell Gardens, (our botanical gardens), here in the Midwest. It was supposed to be a lovely evening with our orchestra playing nearly 2 hours of music and then the fireworks going off during the playing of the Stars and Stripes Forever. Well, we got blasted with an incredible storm instead. The Heavens opened up and we got rain, lightning, thunder, wind and lots and lots of water when we should have been playing the 1812 Overture and much more!
The problem is that we knew this was coming all day. It was forecasted on the Weather channel and our local channels too. I had my parents keep watching the weather while we went on out to the gardens. My mom was to call me if there were any problems. My cell phone went off (on vibrate) during the first song, at 7:30, so I knew we were probably in some trouble and needed to get out of there. My husband went over and told the CEO that it was storming about 30 minutes away and if we stopped then we'd have time to pack things up and get out of there without anyone being endangered. No one listened and the concert continued. The Garden's director told all the patrons of the approaching storm and gave them the option to leave at about 7:40. Storm was to hit at 8:05. Plently of time to get packed up and to our cars. We played up until the rain started and the sky was near black. It was 8:05!! How smart is that? Does the show really always have to go on??
Really.......I'm asking the BB what they would have done? Even in little league ball the umps get the kids off the field and clear the stands at the first sign of lightning. They didn't do that with us. We were like sitting ducks. We had even emailed the director earlier in the day to ask about a plan "b" in case a storm blew up quickly, like they do here in the Midwest, to see if we could be somewhat prepared ahead of time. No reply.
Would we have been considered very smart to get the heck out of there before it started.... or alarmists...? I don't know. Oh, and this is a volunteer orchestra. Write in an tell us about your stormy concert story and what your opinion is on whether the show should still go on or not. Safe or Soaked......which is best?
Happy 4th of July everyone. May you all be dry, warm and happy on this day of independence.
Rebecca
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Author: Dan1937
Date: 2005-07-04 11:33
Your story reminded me of a situation I was in about 25 years ago, playing baritone sax in a big band that had been booked to play at an outdoor venue for a gubernatorial candidate's fundraiser. There was a portable dance floor set up under a large tent, and we were set up right at the edge of that dance floor, just barely under the tent. When it started raining, none of us was very concerned. When the lightning began, I looked down and saw that the wheels of my bari sax stand were under water, as were my feet. At that point, I pointed this out to the leader, with a request that we stop playing. He, I believe, trying to make a good impression on the candidate, just kept going until the storm got so heavy that most of the invited guests ran for their cars.
In retrospect, I should have stopped playing and packed up; you would be within your rights to do that also.
What I actually did that night was quit the band after the gig, more to make a statement than to ensure my personal safety.
Post Edited (2005-07-04 19:12)
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Author: John Stackpole
Date: 2005-07-04 11:58
Only the basoonists are in danger, with those lightning rods sticking up over their heads...
But seriously folks, as a former Weather Service employee, the only good advice is to get the -bleep- out of there.
Those music directors were being grossly irresponsible.
JDS
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Author: hans
Date: 2005-07-04 14:43
rc_clarinetlady,
If I were you I would raise the issue at the next band practice before playing a note.
Regards,
Hans
P.S. Happy July 4!
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2005-07-04 14:48
YES, but, Hope springs "infernal". [somebody's quote?] . We [Tulsa et al bands] have had similar experiences, happily, we stopped [or ended] before any tragic occurrences took place. We are in "Tornado Alley", Oklahoma and are "in tune" with the risks. ?Better to run away and live [to play] for another day, IMHO. Don
Thanx, Mark, Don
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Author: BobD
Date: 2005-07-04 14:51
"Those music directors were being grossly irresponsible."
I agree wholeheartedly. And....I probably would have got up out of my seat and walked off.....There comes a time when you have to act on your own convictions.
Bob Draznik
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Author: ClariBone
Date: 2005-07-04 15:01
rc_clarinetlady
How do other members of the orchestra feel about "playin' in the rain"?? If the majority (or close majority) feel that the directors decision to play on wasn't well thought out, then bring it up at the next rehearsal. Try setting up a committee to determine what is and isn't acceptable at performances or since it is purely volunteer, inform the director that you don't wish to endanger yourself or your babies and plan to leave before the bad weather hits. However as I don't know your director or know how he will react, I'll leave you to tailor the correct response. Hope this Helps and hope you have a safe, happy 4th!!!
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Author: allencole
Date: 2005-07-04 16:24
Rain and storms are always a controversial subject. A recent article in my local newspaper advised that if thunder is audible OR lightning is visible, get inside.
Once you bring up the subject of threatening weather, your presenter will either understand or try to bully you. Your music director will be feeling this pressure, and may be either strong or weak under those circumstances.
Certainly most woodwinds and strings are NOT made to be rained on, but I've seen some brass-playing directors try to be tough guys. Ask yourself "is it worth it?" and you'll feel better about whatever action you have to take to protect yourself.
In the aftermath of the event, it's important to see just where your director stands on these matters. He may have been bullied by the promoter, trying to make himself look good at your expense, or just not thinking straight. There is nothing wrong with questioning him directly, but you may have to formulate some rules.
My working band's old agency specified 55 degrees or warmer, no wet or damp surfaces, and that the band only had to set up ONCE. (i.e. be wise in deciding where this ONE setup will be)
I would be curious to know what AFM's rules on outdoor orchestral concerts.
Allen Cole
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Author: Kel
Date: 2005-07-04 19:28
rc_clarinetlady, what group are you with? The Spirit of Independence Community Band played Powel Gardens Saturday afternoon. We had nice weather...temps in the 80s, gentle breeze. What a difference a day makes (hey, that would be a nice title for a song).
Tonight our commercial big band plays another outdoor event. If weather like that pops up I'll stay far away from the amplified upright bass.
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Author: msloss
Date: 2005-07-04 21:09
AFM is pretty clear on the point. I've played more July 4 concerts than I care to admit outdoors, many green-sheet gigs, and have never been asked to play in the rain or during a lightning storm. The venues called off the gigs for the safety of the audience, the band and pyrotechnicians. In fact, it is the venue's responsibility to stay on top of the weather and call it off in advance. If they don't give sufficient notice and call it off right before, the union group is considered to have played and gets paid. No rain date.
I do remember one 7/4 fireworks where the whole shooting match (pun intended) went off on the ground back behind the band shell. Whoo hoo! That was more excitement than anyone bargained for.
Anyway, shame on your director if for no other reason than common decency. Doesn't your group have a board made up at least in part of band members that can override a stupid decision like that?
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Author: Clarinetgirl06
Date: 2005-07-04 21:45
I'm in the same community orchestra as Rebecca (rc clarinet lady) and it was raining pretty bad. Being on just bass I got to play a whole 1 piece (I had 5 others that I got to play on, but we didn't get to them). I played the Star Spangled Banner and then had to sit through 3 pieces and then got to go home in the wet. I think they should've canceled the concert before hand. Oh well. We'll see what happens!
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Author: rc_clarinetlady
Date: 2005-07-05 04:31
Thanks everyone for your support and good information. The patrons were warned ahead of time and we in the orchestra, of course, heard that warning. I was wondering why our director didn't protect us and get us out of there knowing that we were in the direct path of such a severe storm.
I suppose if you follow the money trail you will usually find your answer. We aren't paid musicians in this orchestra but the orchestra as a whole may have received monetary compensation from the gardens that I know nothing about. If that's the case then our director may have felt obligated to have us play until we were stopped by the Garden officials. I realize I'm speculating here but that could be a scenario where he may have had a hard time with a decision.
In hind sight I think he would have made a different decision. He is a very nice man with our best interest at heart but was in a difficult position. I think there will be a lot of people in our orchestra that will bring this up in the emails and next rehearsal.
They may all forget though. We don't meet again until Sept.
Kel, I'm glad you had great weather to play at Powell. It's such a lovely place......unless it's storming like crazy. Surely if you live in Independence you experienced the storm that blew through. Maybe you were too far north. Glad it was nice for you tonight. No bad weather in the KC metro area on this 4th of July.
Rebecca
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