The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2002-03-05 01:21
I am part of a youth Symphony and part of the clarinet section. The talent of our group is basically evenly spread out, with each person being only miniscule amounts better than the next. Well, the problem is, the first clarinetist has been to orchestra once in the past two months, and that was right before a concert. She messed up her solo in the concert, and is gone again. Yet, she has been neither kicked out nor had her chair lowered. Is this a bad thing? Do you think I should talk to the conductor about it? Oh, by the way, our orchestra is notorious for being corrupt and supporting big musical families in the orchestra, one of which the first chair is part of. (and no, I am not just being petty, people from other sections and out of the audience have come and commented on her being absent so often.
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2002-03-05 01:29
Hang loose Cindy. My old boss told me never be the first one to rush to point out the slackers and assorted SOB's--just sit back, knowingly nod your head and mutter--I Knew it!
Bob A
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-03-05 04:35
You needn't point anything out to anyone, Cindy. They already know what's going on as well as you do. If the conductor feels intimidated that's something the conductor has to deal with - no one else. It's still an opportunity for you for self improvement, nothing more, nothing less. Pointing this out to *anyone* would probably be observed by them (as well as your conductor) as backbiting on your part. Don't go there
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Author: Jim
Date: 2002-03-05 10:57
Right on ron b!!!!! Cindy you are in charge of the part you play. You are not director of personnel. Be proficient in your job and "let the rest of the world go by." Jim (M)
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Author: William
Date: 2002-03-05 15:09
Being a "child of the sixties", I see nothing wrong with "peaceful demonstration" in the form of an anonymous petition being passed around and signed by all parties in agreement with your observations. That is often the only way to oppose "what goes on behind closed doors." Social and political change is often only realized by positive, peaceful and unified protest and not by being passive, nor submissive to "well, that's the way things are." IMH, this is a time not to be an orchestra of wallflowers--join together and "dance" together, united for what is right!!! BTW, Good Clarineting!!!!
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2002-03-05 18:56
William, I am a child of the 20's, and permit me to disagree with you. An "anonymous" petition is never really possible. Auhorship get's disclosed, factions develop, and grief starts. Trust me, I know.
Bob A
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Author: ron b
Date: 2002-03-06 04:45
No need to throw stones....
Anonymous petitions are not far removed from Kangaroo Courts and are equally useless for resolving matters equitably. There's nothing (that we're aware of at this time) going on behind closed doors in Cindy's situation. Where'd you get that, William? The problem, as Cindy sees it, is on display for all to observe. I'm sure the conductor is not blind. Besides, what's to oppose? What goes on behind closed doors or is not going on behind closed doors is none of our business anyway, to be quite frank.
The conductor may not always be right but, the conductor is always the conductor :]
None of us knows to whole story.
(ron b is a child of the '30s
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Author: Don Poulsen
Date: 2002-03-06 12:52
Is there a mechanism in place for challenging for the next higher chair? If not, can you or others ask for the opportunity to audition for first chair? This approach takes politics, etc. out of the equation and makes it about using an accepted process to find the best person for the position.
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Author: Cindy
Date: 2002-03-06 13:25
Unfortunately, there is supposedly a challenge system, but everyone in our section has turned in at least 2 forms, one last year one this, and the director has done absolutely nothing. But, asking for a re-audition is a good idea. I have orchestra today, and I think I'll try that one.
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