Author: SecondTry
Date: 2021-11-06 22:20
First off, something I forgot to mention, my opening post has NOTHING to do with any recent events in news where orchestral audition results have met the disapproval of any group believing that race played a role.
My discussions are academic....hypothetical.
SunnyDaze wrote:
> SecondTry - I can't imagine that you have racist leanings in
> any way, and I'm sure you want to see the very best for women
> and people of ethnic minorities succeeding in music. I'm sure
> you want to see their talent brought to the fore, and the voice
> of their demographic heard in the music world.
Jen: I know you mean well when you say this and thank you, but I wish to "stand on the head of a pin here" and correct you, solely for purposes of making a point to your otherwise lovely thought.
I do have racist leanings. Specifically, I feel that injustices have been served upon certain groups of people in many walks of life, not the least being opportunity in classical music, and support endeavors--the specifics of which I acknowledge that you seek--involving policy, as well as my time and money, to right these wrongs.
But of course in the sense that I wrote: that I seek a level playing surface, and agree with and thank you for.
>
> Rather than arguing against what is happening now - would you
> perhaps like to lay out a positive vision of what you think
> should happen?
I don't have all the answers--not even most. I do believe though that the whole thing begins with 2 things: the family and the schools, out of which plans form, and money is raised. I believe in magnet schools for the arts, instruments and lessons provided gratis, and stipends to keep talented minorities spending more time in front of the music stand than trying to make money flipping burgers. I believe in sister programs between schools in affluent communities and those which are not.
I know---easier said than done. And I am not blind to the plight of the ordinary middle class family, not in a protected class, that has 3 jobs among 2 parents, no less invested in the struggle to give their kids more opportunity than they had.
You say that you are all in favour of the
> conditions being made for minority groups to attain great skill
> in music.
>
> What do you think should be done in a really practical way, to
> make sure that that can happen? What do you think would help to
> set the conditions so that when those people arrive at their
> blind audition, they can knock our socks clean off with their
> talent and wonderful performances?
>
> I think there must be many people on this forum, perhaps
> lurkers as well as frequent posters, who are from minority
> ethnic groups. I think it's incredibly important that they feel
> condfident to give their thoughts on this thread now that you
> have raised the subject and that the tone of the discussion
> should be respectful so that they feel safe to do that.
I whole heartedly concur. My life experiences are not theirs. I discuss from an admitted point of ignorance that light can only be shined on by those who have walked such paths. I'd love to hear about their struggles, what they think works/worked or doesn't. I aspire to a world of Anthony McGills, where nobody nowhere can deny an artist's gift, where race played no role in employment outcome, by someone that just happens to be a member of a certain racially discriminated class.
>
> Sorry to barrel in like this, but I've spent several decades as
> a woman in science, where we have all the same problems.
I'm glad you raise this. I say this because in fairness it is necessary to point out that while certain classes of people as a group have faced historically discriminatory practices that need to be changed, it is also fair to say that nobody rose to the ranks of orchestra professional, regardless of background, without enormous work.
That said, I acknowledge the struggles you faced as a woman in what was and still larger is a a man's discipline. I also thank you for being a trail blazer that has made it easier for the woman that came after you.
> realise how fraught this can be, and I would be glad to help
> keep the discussion positive for the young musicians coming
> through.
>
> Thanks, Jen
And yet despite this, I remain resolved in the idea that certain occupations do not have the luxury of employing anything but the best people at what they do. There is no "3 second delay" on live orchestral music where some sub par player, who habitually misses solos, can be saved by a more experienced player waiting in the wings. This is not a corporate environment where work product can be reviewed prior to distribution, where corrections and a learning process can occur.
"Affirmative action in leveling the playing field of opportunity, but not affirmative action in orchestral hiring, rather, "blind, best player wins" competition."
It is devastating enough to lose an audition fairly.
Conflict of interest statement: music is just a hobby for me. I have no 1st hand war stories about inequity in auditions to speak of.
Post Edited (2021-11-06 22:22)
|
|
The Clarinet BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
