 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2006-04-01 17:19
Paul Demers -- late of the Marine Band, and husband of Philadelphia Orchestra Personnel Manager Lourdes Demers.
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2006-04-02 05:07
FYI:
Ron Reuben, recently retired Bass Clarinetist with the Philly Orchestra, was very happy that Paul got his former job. He said Paul had been doing well there as a sub, and was a fine player.
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2006-04-02 13:32
My mention of the fact that Paul Demers was married to the Philadelphia Orchestra's personnel manager was in no way intended to imply the existence of any nepotism! Lourdes Demers was assistant Personnel Manager of the National Symphony for a number of years before she won the Philadelphia position, and I consider her a highly competent and ethical person, and a friend as well.
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Author: thechosenone
Date: 2006-04-02 14:47
Just out of curiosity, I wonder what the audition process is like for hiring a personnel manager. What excerpts are required?
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2006-04-02 14:53
It probably has more to do with balancing a budget, planning ahead for concerts and subs, knowledge of labor law and union stipulations, overtime, payments, harrassment issues, etc than it does with musical assessments. Just my guess.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-04-02 15:42
Larry,
Forgive my cynicism.
As an emreging "philharmonic groupie," I watch folks prepare and endure auditions for orchestra positions. It takes an exceptional committment, and the resilience of vulcanized rubber.
I understand that the Fort Worth Symph has 200 applicants for their principal clarinetist position. They are so swamped with applicants that they have not yet been able to winnow out those who will audition --and its been 5-weeks since their application deadline. I'm wondering if the local substitute player (no moving expenses, among other attractions) has a head start.
The Alabahama Symphony just chose their principal from four finalists who spent 3-weeks rehearsing and performing with the orchestra. Might my residual cynicism wonder if that is just a cheap way to cover the clarinet part for a 12-week season? After all, no salary and fringe benefits would be required for these "trial" "positions."
Bob Phillips
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2006-04-02 17:05
Bob,
Cynicism forgiven.
I can't imagine that any local union would permit an orchestra to engage a finalist for a "trial" period without the payment of at least minimum scale salary. I don't know about fringe benefits, but the NSO, for one, pays an additional 10% into the AFMEP (pension fund) for non-contract players.
Re "auditions": historically in major US orchestras the PM was a player who received an extra payment, typically double scale, for doubling as PM. The current trend is for a professional full-time personnel executive, often a former player (as the NY Phil's Carl Schiebler, who had been a horn player in the St. Lous Symphony). The search process is not unlike any other executive search -- locating an individual who has the experience and the considerable skill necessary to perform a vital, and often difficult, job. And just like a playing position, prior experience is a big plus.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2006-04-02 17:18
Ron Reuben was at Mark Sloss's all-day event yesterday. He's a dynamite player and a truly great teacher. He took the instrument of one of the master class students and practically brought down plaster from the ceiling with the energy of his sound.
Ken Shaw
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