 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-11-15 10:19
I got an email that went into the spam folder from the president of the orchestra I'm in. I didn't notice it until after the concert this past weekend. I'm just blowing off steam here.
I had fallen at the ClarinetFest and cracked or broke some ribs and I fell again a few weeks ago, so needless to say breathing was hard. It hurts like crazy. Someone complained, another jealous clarinetist saying I wasn't able to handle my part. The part was very hard. It's only been recorded 3 times.
Lets forward to the concert. Played fine, standing ovations, all of that. 2 days later I was looking through my spam folder and the president of the orchestra sent a pretty rude email saying I should be more prepared! He hasn't been to any of the rehearsals. He took the word of just one person, not even the conductor! So long story short we exchanged a few emails and I dropped out!
My last words were music is POWERFUL. We touched the hearts of many and got a 5 minute standing ovation. The audience wanted more. You know that clap and sound and it feels sooo good. The person who complained can be heard on YouTube squeaking. I played to perfection as usual. Sometimes WORDS are more powerful than music. Yes he apologized but for me it was too late.
I went to Interlochen Arts Acadamy. Music was fun. Peabody Conservatory was also a blast. Played is several symphonies and the Air Force Band in DC. When you mix politics and music things go dreadfully wrong. How sad! The guy that said this sent an email saying he was sorry too, the one that squeaked on YouTube. People just have to simply do their jobs and forget about your fellow player. It's up to the conductor to decide.
For example, during one rehearsal Bob Marcellus was playing a new Kaspar and the great Szell told him hot to use it, he didn't like the sound, so Steve Barta got it and used it with the Baltimore Symphony! No hard feelings! Bob got another Kaspar MP and life went on! Life should be that simple.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2016-11-15 10:29)
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Author: Nessie1
Date: 2016-11-15 18:45
Hi Bob,
So basically some guy who did not know the difficulties you had faced with your injury and, presumably, does not know the challenges of playing the clarinet at all took the word of some idiot who squeaked far more than is acceptable as grounds to have a pop at you?
Well I can quite understand your feelings. The musical aspects of an orchestra or ensemble should be down to those who know about music and know the players (i.e. their usual standards, their background etc). Ultimately, unless we have/want to make our living playing, our music-making should be fun and satisfying and, if whatever we are doing isn't enhancing our lives any more, why carry on? From what I gather of your activities you will have plenty of other opportunities coming your way.
The politics of ensemble playing can often detract from the actual music making which is what we are really there for. I found myself in a similar situation with an ensemble that I was in a while back. I enjoyed it at first, then the friend who had encouraged me to join left. To be honest I had found some of the other players a bit "cliquey" so that was a disadvantage. Next thing was I was encouraged to move to alto clarinet (no jokes please!) which I did not take to that easily although I put in quite a lot of work on it. I began to feel uncomfortable playing with this group and a bit bullied by one or two of the other players so I thought life was too short to spend my time on something where I wasn't happy and left the group. I have other playing activities which I enjoy more and am much happier (and probably playing better) without the stress which this group was causing me.
It sounds to me as though you did the right thing.
Vanessa.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-11-15 19:32
The worst aspect of playing in some large community or amateur ensembles, bands or orchestras is the politics and especially committees and committee members thinking they're the be all and end all when a lot of the time they're the strongest political players but usually the weakest musicians and speak from the management text book to make up for their shortcomings. Some even think they have the right to criticise far better players but they never at any point take the time to demonstrate anything musical - if a strong player has a bad day and makes a single mistake, then these sort of people will only bang on about that one minor slip-up at any given opportunity instead of praising them for all the other good playing they do. Very often it's just a glorified social club, most are related to each other in some way or other and the actual music aspect just gets in the way of the social side. And if you upset one of them, chances are all the other cronies in their clique and hangers on collectively take offence. Best to leave before things get that bad if you're no longer enjoying playing with that sort of thing going on. I personally don't stand for band politics and the gobshites that think they own the place and they definitely don't like being challenged and can't handle it if you decide to challenge them. So play in a group where the standard is high and everyone's enjoying what they're doing and that's playing music to their best ability and not bogged down with politics.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2016-11-15 21:18
Sorry for all those issues you, Vanessa, and Chris have had to face....me, too from time to time. But all in all we should just be glad we had the opportunity to play great music!
John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-11-16 04:35
Great advice and thoughts of knowledge and wisdom - Thanks folks, it actually feels kind of good, being away from the group! The stress level has gone down from throwing my I-phone to concentrating on the v
new clarinet mold design! I guess we all have tempers and show it in assorted ways. The I-phone survived! lol I'm not rich by any means, but leaving the orchestra surely won't delete much income. It was the ideals of giving people, the audience, something special, to fill their hearts with the wonderful sounds of composers and of course the art of playing well. There will surely be other groups to follow.
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-11-16 06:04
Music is supposed to be fun. Sometimes it isn't and we can't change the situation, but if you can change the situation then you owe it to yourself to do so. Don't sweat about a past situation that wasn't fun. The past is history. Move on and find something that is.
Tony F.
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Author: Wes
Date: 2016-11-16 06:06
Well, I play in a group whose long time leader died recently. It has a board, but due to illness and neglect, the board members have not been elected as they should have been. Instead, the leaders wife, who even though ill, was the group manager and she picked out the board members. One of the board members was the leader's daughter, of course.
When the leader died, the man and wife vocalists, also appointed on the board, decided to find a new leader. In a short period of time, they found a person with a lot of musical show experience, but little experience in the group's field. With some misrepresentation, this outside leader type was presented as the group's new leader. Clearly, the vocalists wanted someone who could advance their careers with outside gigs and be under their control.
As a result, the group now has two rehearsing factions, both playing engagements under the same well known name. The vocalist and his wife plus their leader find extra ringers to fill in and refuse to step down even though none of them were duly elected by processes per the by laws. The "legitimate" group, about three times larger, continues and has even found a new, better singer. This kind of schism has never been seen by me before and I'm weary of it. As can be imagined, there are some sheet music and property problems, as well.
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-11-16 06:19
The critiquing of most of my work performance has often been done by the unqualified and poorly informed. Many times, in my professional electronics career, the guy that holds the power and pushes the buttons, hasn't the foggiest idea of what you are doing, have done, and are capable of doing. And they certainly could not step into your shoes and take over. Because of no other reliable means of evaluation, these individuals often rely on faulty metrics, baloney from others also wandering in the fog, as well as a generous portion of confabulation. That is not to say that I haven't received some very good job reviews, but I never thought the "talking points" were accurate, whether my reviews were excellent or average.
Only YOU know how well you are really doing, (unless you are delusional), better than all others.
As I get older, and not into career building like when I was a young man, the urge to tell people to "stick it!" is stronger and more frequent. I haven't exercised this option yet, but the day is near ...
So, been there and seen that ... you did the right thing. More card games in town
Tom
Post Edited (2016-11-17 02:47)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-11-16 06:55
The more I read the better I feel! I know I made the right choice. I actually started playing the clarinet in the 4th grade and the sax in the 5th grade. Although I got into the Air Force playing the clarinet I mainly played the saxes. I think it's time to play the saxes again! Or both?
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-11-16 11:01
I've since gone back to my first love which is playing bari sax in big bands which is where I started out when I was at school and am currently playing in perhaps the best one in the area which is a newly formed band with the musicians chosen by someone that knows what they're doing and who he can rely on. I was asked specifically by the drummer whose band it is to come and play for him - he's had the idea in the pipeline for a number of years and then decided to put it into practice just over a year or so ago. It has rekindled my faith in humanity and also working with the best musicians in the area is making my job very easy as they all know what they're doing. I'm the only non-professional player in this band as the majority are serving and ex-serving Royal Marines musicians and other pro musicians.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wijF5s30WFE
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2016-11-16 15:04
Bob,
While my orchestra work is very limited, I can speak at length for band work. I've played, in my very long semi-professional career, with some very fine local wind ensembles loaded with good players and above all, good people. Sure, I've held the principal chair many times and been successful but the most fun I have had in the last few years is on bass clarinet.
In the past Sunday's concert, I had more exposed and solo passages on bass that I almost ever had as principal. It was a blast and many of my colleagues gave me some "attaboys" after and at the next rehearsal. Just like Chris P, I am originally a sax player that more seriously took up the clarinet much later in life and did well. But as I age, I don't want to have the heavy responsibility of principal (much of it self-induced) and look at bass clarinet as almost a vacation.
My main objective right now is to have as much facility on bass as on soprano clarinet; I work hard on the traditional clarinet literature and although the bass can present some ergonomic issues that are inherent with the beast, I'm surviving. And above all, in bands that play level 5 and 6 stuff, there are some juicy parts.
Often, concert bands have lots of bass clarinets but seldom is there a bravura-type player in the section. I strive to be that player and so far, I have gotten some nice smiles and nods from the conductor. The bass clarinet can be a strong and quite lovely force when needed.
There is life after the crappy experience you just experienced. Think about bass clarinet playing, working on your new designs, and doing some fun stuff. Life is too short to have to put up with petty, political situations.
HRL
PS If you want to have a real hoot get a bari sax!
Post Edited (2016-11-16 15:10)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-11-16 19:00
Chris, I took the tome to listen not once, but several times to your recording. :):) WOW what a tight group! The players are having fun! You don't hear 5 different trumpet players playing the same note, things like that. It is one tight group. If you and the band travel to the LA area let me know. I'll cook and have you guys over for a mean as* BBQ! One of my joys in life! Thanks for sharing and things like this cheer me up up as well as many others.
At first I wasn't gonna post anything. Now I'm glad I did.
Hank, I love the bass. I'm horrible at it. But wow, what a great instrument. You are so right, when those solos pop up, they may only be for a few notes to a few measures but they carry a lot of weight and power in/to the pieces. One time I saw a conductor who just received a pile of roses from a concert throw a rose to the bass clarinet player! This is what music is all about! The conductor realized how well this bass part was so he took the time to show the player he did a great job!
Folks, I may not have mentioned everyone's here, but rest assured your comments hit my heart. Thank you ALL!
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: dorjepismo ★2017
Date: 2016-11-16 19:46
Never played in an orchestra that didn't have political BS, smoldering resentments, & a few people who didn't belong where they were but were anyway on account of personal relationships, but some situations were much worse than others. A fun description of the musician's dilemma is the prologue to "Ariadne." You see lots and lots of cluelessness, arrogance, ambition, manipulation, pettiness, and some artistic idealism that's so naive that you just cringe. Then they do the performance, and it's jaw-droppingly beautiful. It's been that way for a long time.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2016-11-17 00:50
Bob,
“To enjoy playing bass clarinet is like learning to drink scotch; it’s an acquired taste.”
HRL
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2016-11-17 01:22
I don't get it, Dr. Hank. I've been playing bass clarinet since the 7th grade but have never drunk Scotch. Where did I go wrong?
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Author: TomS
Date: 2016-11-17 02:45
At the age of 64, I am still trying to learn to play the clarinet ... and in many ways, still making progress, thanks in part, to ideas I have gained from this Clarinet BBoard.
Tom
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-11-17 05:12
I have a confession, I smoked a cigar once or twice with Bob Marcellus and had a shot or 2 of Bourbon. If I had more would I have sounded as great as him? Just a thought!:):)
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2016-11-17 05:39)
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Author: clarnibass
Date: 2016-11-17 09:38
“To enjoy playing bass clarinet is like learning to drink scotch; it’s an acquired taste.”
I guess I'll never like scotch, no matter how many times I try it, anything from the cheapest to the fanciest ones... but I liked playing bass clarinet from the first note... or even before that
Post Edited (2016-11-17 09:38)
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-11-18 07:03
Scotch - I can't pass up this story...
This reminds me of a close friend in Burbank who owns a restaurant called the Bella Vista. Shooting out a plug to them. He's from Italy. Go there, you may see Jay Leno. Jay loves that place. No I never talk to Jay, leave him alone, it's kind of his hangout. I just nod at him. Not even a hello. It's been going on for 25 years. He did pat my shoulder one time, but my friend probably gave him a shot of "Grappa."
I go fishing with the owner and not just fishing. We chase tuna. !00 pounds and in that range. Whenever one of us catches one it's time for a toast. He like this hard drink called Grappa. Don't know what it is, don't like it, never will, but I have to have a shot whenever one of us catches a tuna. Thankfully it isn't very often. This Grappa stuff will melt the tip of your mouthpiece.
Clarnibass- It is NOT an acquired taste
Thankfully I know how to make mouthpieces!
Cheers to sushi and mouthpieces, but not Grappa!
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-11-18 13:24
How effective is it in dissolving shellac?
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-11-18 18:16
I'm familiar with grappa. It will dissolve granite!
Tony F.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-11-19 09:06
Dang, I'm laughing so hard here, my wife thinks I've had too much Grappa!
Yes Chris, I will let you know about the shellac trick. Too funny!
Tony my friend, seems like you have a few bottles of the stuff. I Must join your orchestra. The first one to squeak ot miss a note has to take a shot! Or should it be the other way around? Then if the president asks us to leave the orchestra - well who cares! We have Grappa!
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
Post Edited (2016-11-20 18:48)
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2016-11-19 10:42
I have an old friend from a large Italian family. Years ago I was able to help his father through a difficult period and the family sort of adopted me. I've been to all their wedding and funerals for years and the grappa flows freely. I always leave with a bottle or two in the car. They are in the grape cultivation business and the grappa is by way of being an industrial byproduct.
Tony F.
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2016-11-19 18:29
“To enjoy playing bass clarinet is like learning to drink scotch; it’s an acquired taste.” Hank, I can't stand Scotch but I fell in love with the bass clarinet on first sight, play actually. The rich tone, the flexibility, the Bach Cello Suites, easy love.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: jthole
Date: 2016-11-23 12:33
My wife plays in an amateur orchestra, and recently found out a fellow clarinet player had complained to the director that she should hold the first chair instead of my wife. Especially playing at an amateur level should be about enjoying the musical experience, and not about competition (but we all know it isn't).
Sorry to hear what happened to you, Bob. I hope it will be the start of a new musical discovery for you, and I hope your ribs will heal fully!
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2016-11-23 18:10
I already liked playing bass clarinet vicariously while sitting with my alto clarinet (which I also liked) next to the boy assigned to the bass in my junior high school band, after the teacher had admonished me that, "Girls don't play bass instruments." Tough kishkas, Mr. C. Got my own bass now. Only took me what, forty years?
Bob, I'm sorry you've gone through such a potentially discouraging experience, but it sounds as though you're good at coping with this crap. Heal well.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-11-23 18:25
The best thing to do is move onwards and upwards - I know that's a dreadful cliché, but it's what you have to do. Leave the others behind to stew and go out and do better for yourself. There's no point in festering in a toxic environment.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2016-11-28 04:14
Well the first rehearsal is this Tuesday. Lets see if anything happens. If the conductor calls and not the president I'll probably go back. He's a good guy. A fellow clarinetist actually. He may not even know whats going on, because he was out with knee surgery right after the concert. It depends what the president says to the conductor! If I go back part of the agreement WILL be to do a concerto with the group. Most likely they won't do anything. I don't expect to hear a word from them. It's over...
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2016-11-28 16:48
I'd personally take the word of the conductor over anyone else - the conductor is the one that can hear what's going on and the one giving musical direction, so what they say and want from everyone should be the defining factor.
There should be just the one voice giving out the orders and no-one else needs to get involved if they have nothing of any worth to say where musical direction is concerned. The conductor's time at the helm is precious and shouldn't be wasted by others sticking their oars in
All other matters, politics and other non-musical stuff should be left to committee meetings and annual general meetings. I realise a lot of people may be put out if the conductor wants to move players about to get the sound they want, but it's only in their best interests as they want to get the best and also to preserve their reputation.
No band or orchestra will get anywhere if the strong political players but weakest musicians play on their role in the committee to get the top chairs even though they may be the longest serving or weakest players. It doesn't work like that - make the most of your best players first otherwise they won't have any reason to stay and it'll just end up with the blind leading the blind.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: GeorgeL ★2017
Date: 2016-11-28 18:30
In every community music group where I have played, the (usually written) rule has been "the music director (conductor) is in charge of all things musical", which includes who gets in the group, where they sit, and who gets booted out of the group.
The president of the group is the president of the corporate board of directors. If the board doesn't like the musical decisions of the director, they can fire the director, but they cannot overrule his musical decisions.
If Bob's group operates the same way, a call to the conductor would seem to be in order.
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