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Re: 2nd reed, Phantom of the Opera

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2015-04-10 23:02

Lelia Loban wrote:

> I'm thinking back to my own days (and sometimes nights) in the
> high school orchestra. If adults had come in to replace me and
> replace our other first chair people, I think that could have
> been a seriously demoralizing experience.
>

Lelia, I think this takes a leap to another whole dimension. I don't think anyone would argue that the regular school ensembles should include ringers on principal parts. Some smaller programs may sometimes bring in a few ringers to fill in the back of a section (strings, mostly or low brass) when there aren't kids available in the program, but I can't imagine a worthwhile school music program that brings in adult principals. Some amateur adult orchestras do this, but that's another whole topic.

A difference is that these shows aren't generally an integral part of the music department's curriculum. Often, it isn't a music department function at all. It's run by teachers in the English department as an outlet for their drama students. That the students need to sing usually ensures that someone from the music department will become involved as a vocal coach or rehearsal accompanist, but these productions run from other departments than music sometimes, apart from adult players, even hire outside music directors to conduct in the pit for the performances and dress rehearsals. I think this is a little mad and certainly denies the students in the music program a valuable opportunity.

Karl

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2nd reed, Phantom of the Opera new

Dan Oberlin

2015-04-10 01:39