Interesting week - a young conductor who has not much experience with professional orchestras. It is important to allow new people into the profession in my opinion, and this conductor is certainly showing that he can do the job. Interesting to observe nonetheless the interaction between the experienced musicians and the relatively inexperienced conductor. There is an assumed hierarchical situation with the conductor in charge. What he does not see as he tries to fix our problems, is that the root of the problem is conducting technique which will simply not produce the result he is looking for. How can a chord be together when the technique is unclear. Eventually we ‘get it right’ when either he gets it right, or we decide in an unspoken way to ignore him and do it despite him. There is an unwritten ethic that says we do not tell the conductor he is not doing a good job - that is for him to tell us. Disturbing this principle will lead to tension and will not do the music any favours. Yet observing it apparently perpetuates the problem and the conductor does not gain from the experience, but may simply go away and tell others how ‘slow’ this orchestra is. Any ideas?
Oh, i understand exactly what you mean...and i do not have any "universal" solution ! Probably each case is quite unique and individual approach is required... :o)
ReplyDeleteBut still i can say one thing: when we all work towards a mutual goal (i mean musicians and conductor), which is usually to make the best possible concert, then we better put our ego aside and try to make the best of the particular situation. Because we are all musicians in the end (no matter how good or experienced)...and also human beings! We all have reached a certain level of musicianship to be where we are at the moment and we need to respect each other for that..But i might be wrong, as well... this is just what i have personally experienced! :o)
No, I do not think you are wrong at all. I appreciate your comments. We certainly must all pull together, and an ego centered approach will certainly result in chaos. Happy music making!
ReplyDeleteJim.
As a concert band member I can say we suffer similiarly. However, in time we have said things to the conductor and there has been imrovement but our climate is different from yours. We have volunteer musicians and a paid conductor.
ReplyDeleteCommunication has to be a good thing. A good atmosphere where mutual respect exists, yet a willingness to be open and both seek and exchange views will be a help all round. I hope you continue to enjoy playing in your band.
ReplyDelete