 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: LaurieBell
Date: 2017-01-04 17:57
I'm interested in hearing how other chamber and ensemble groups go about adding new members to their groups.
I play in an amateur sextet (wwq + piano) and two members have to drop out this year. We have a few other members in mind and have invited them to a rehearsal.
How do we nicely say this is a trial period, to see if they are a good fit for the group and visa versa?
If they are not a good fit:
- Do we ask them to stay if we can't find a replacement?
- If we have a replacement how do we let the other know?
- If any member doesn't work out after a while (they change their commitment or level of interest) how do you all handle that?
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2017-01-04 18:44
You have to be up-front with your new prospects right from the start. Ensure that they are aware that membership is by invitation and that there is a trial period during which their performance and suitability will be assessed by the members. If there is not consensus among the group as to suitability/fit this will be a reason for not inviting them to join. You may or may not offer reasons, that's up to the group, but if it's just a matter of personality them make sure the applicant is aware that their ability is not in question. Also ensure that they know the level of commitment that the group expects, and the consequences of not complying. This would include maintaining good relationships within the group and maintaining skills. As to whether or not you invite an otherwise unsuitable applicant to be a temporary member, that would be for the group to decide collectively, they are going to have to work with the applicant so it should be a collective decision.
Good luck.
Tony F.
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2017-01-04 20:54
LaurieBell,
There is another twist here and that is be sure the new player(s) are of the same musical level (technique, musicianship, etc.) as those already in the group. Obviously, someone that can not "cut it" is a no-brainier but what about someone that is a much better player than those already in the group. This can be an even more difficult situation to handle since a different dimension of tension could be the result.
I've played in several groups where we were a tremendous fit. It was heavenly and rehearsals were a real pleasure. I also subbed in a WWQ one time where several of the musicians had some serious musical problems as well as large egos. There seemed to be little collegiality. Not a happy situation.
HRL
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Author: JonTheReeds
Date: 2017-01-04 23:00
Having played guitar in numerous pub bands, and having watched Spinal Tap, I know replacing members is fraught with pitfalls
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The older I get, the better I was
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Author: dorjepismo ★2017
Date: 2017-01-05 00:12
With horn players, consider a point system for cracked notes. "We like you, but our agent requires a 7.5 or higher on the hit scale." Agree with Tony; postponing discomfort now can cause real pain for all concerned down the road. If you're losing two out of six, you could soften the interaction by phrasing it more as exploring whether you can find the people you need to continue as a group. Some groups go so far as doing a performance with the better prospects--a rehearsal won't necessarily tell you everything you'd like to know.
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