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Re: Intonation -- What Constitues Being In Tune?

Author: mjfoboe
Date: 2015-02-05 02:35

I am presently the vice-president of the Board and Past President of the Board of my Community Orchestra.

We are an established orchestra of 35 plus years. We get paid to perform, receive grants both private and public, and collect donations.

There is always tension between being a "social club" and a "performing orchestra".

I personally tend to err on the side of higher standards and demands.

It is very embarrassing to perform with too many errors and lots negative feedback from the audience.

Our conductor chooses a wide range of music with various levels of difficulty so everyone can feel good about their participation; however, in the final analysis we have an obligation to perform to the best of our collective abilities.

And believe me as an amateur - I as everyone else has strengths and weaknesses.

There are many community orchestras and symphonic bands in my area. Each one has a reputation. One thing you don't want to hear is someone refusing to play with your group because of its poor reputation. It is then impossible to recruit new subs and regular players.

It is important to maintain a professional "aura" if not the members might just come down for coffee and cake with the concert being an after thought.

We can be "professional" in our demeanor and attitude and still be amateurs.

Each community orchestra must develop their own sense of identity. There are quite a few with a very high level of player competence. Ours falls somewhere is the middle.

In the summer I play with another orchestra which demands a higher level of competency which brings with it more "stress". Yet, if you want to improve your playing you reach out to play in these groups.

You can always take extra lessons with your teacher~!

Mark

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