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Chamber orchestra craziness

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freakyfemme:
Hey all,

I realize that this thread is somewhat derivative of Tabris' "School band follies" thread, but I think it's even funnier, because a) While Tabris' thread was about her nine-year-old son's poorly-organized elementary school band, my experiences in the chamber orrchestra have made me realize that a) Believe it or not, yes, it IS possible to mess up a professionally-coached ensemble of experienced, competent musicians with several years of training, and b) Flaky isn't even coaching orchestra this semester.  No, he's on sabbatical, so he's passed the reins over to King Fluteloop, the flute prof.  Tonight was the first orchestra rehearsal, and let's just say, things are going to be interesting.  So far, King Fluteloop has managed to:

1.  Assign me part that was written for the TRUMPET, when I play the CLARINET.  Yes, I know that the trumpet and the clarinet are both in B flat, but they're two completely different instruments, with two completely different sounds.  Also, the piece I'm playing in is a piece of early music that PREDATES the clarinet, and was written for two flutes, trumpet, and string quartet.  At one point, there was a part in my music that said "p" (for "piano," which means "play softly"), so I did, and KFL actually told me to "play out more, like a trumpet would," as if playing louder would make the clarinet sound like a trumpet......I did, but I thought it was pretty funny.  At one point, I said, sort of tongue-in-cheek (but with a completely straight face), "Gee, KFL, I'm sorry I don't actually play the trumpet," and he thought I was being serious.

2.  Promise me the opportunity to solo the Mozart concerto I'm playing with the orchestra (okay, he was going to hold auditions, but we both knew I'd have gotten it, since I'm the only clarinet major here), only to turn around and tell me that there aren't enough winds to back me up.....this isn't so bad, because I'm featured fairly prominently in the "Menuet" movement of the orchestra piece (as a "trumpet," but still), and I'm doing orchestra in addition to chamber ensemble (as per Flaky's edict), and a full solo recital (Honours Performance requirement, but either way, I want to do it), but still, my clarinet teacher really wanted me to have the experience of playing as a soloist with an orchestra, and now I won't get to.

3.  Decide that, since our cellist isn't available at the normal rehearsal time (Monday evenings), that he'd move orchestra to Monday AFTERNOONS, only to be told that our first violinist won't be available then, because she has a class.  Now, bear in mind that both cello and first violin are VERY important parts in the orchestra......so, what's KFL's "solution?"  That's right!!!  He's decided to *alternate weeks,* so we'll have an evening rehearsal one week, and an afternoon one the next.  So, we'll go without the cellist one week, and the first violinist the next, and never hear them together, until the dress rehearsal before the performance, which will also be in the evening, so the cellist will have to miss class for that.  I think it'd be better to just abandon the idea of rehearsing on Mondays altogether, in order to avoid this whole mess.  KFL's going to e-mail everyone to ask when we're free, so I hope this "solution" doesn't end up being permanent.

4.  Actually hold a mini-summit-meeting in the middle of rehearsal on how we think the orchestra should be run, how Flaky did things, whether break should be five minutes or ten, etc.  Umm, KFL?  Flaky is on sabbatical, you're in charge now, so that's really your call.  Also, he asked me to come at seven o'clock, instead of at six, when orchestra normally meets, because it was going to be just strings, and then he announced break after I'd only gotten to play for about five or ten minutes.  Next week, he said they'd have break before seven, so that's good, but still, it seems kind of obvious......I'm not even saying this for myself, it's just that there's not much point in getting everyone set up to play a piece and then taking a break in the middle of it.  It'd be easier to play the Sibelius piece, take a break, and then do the D'Indy (i.e. the one I'm in).


So, as you can see, it looks like I'm headed for a semester of more of the same.  Actually, it's better than last semester in a way, because I at least know what's going on from the beginning, but it'll still be an adventure, lol.

AmethystAnne:
I was wondering how you were doing. Thank you for posting.

I love how you give these people you deal with such funny names. King Fluteloop.......LOL!

I wish that I lived closer to you. I really like orchestral music, and would enjoy being at your performances.
Alas, Kentucky is too far from you.

Everything in life is an adventure, even when you get to be fiftymumblemumble years old! My youngest DD's 19th birthday was today. I treated her and her 3 older siblings to lunch at the local Chinese restaurant. I don't usually go out for lunch.

rosequilts:
Yikes!  It does sound as if you're in for an adventure this semester!  You are absolutely right, a clarinet cannot be a trumpet :)

However, having some experience with things of a musical nature, I believe that everyone needs to practice their part and come to rehearsal prepared.  So, if first violinst and cellist are not appearing at the same time on Mondays for rehearsal, no big deal.  If they are 'professionals' and come adequately prepared, everything should fall into place at dress rehearsal and therefore at performance time.

It is unfortunate, though, that a flutist ("King F.") must transform himself into a conductor ... good trick!

Best of luck!

freakyfemme:

--- Quote from: LauraLBW on January 16, 2007, 12:10:13 AM ---I was wondering how you were doing. Thank you for posting.

I love how you give these people you deal with such funny names. King Fluteloop.......LOL!

I wish that I lived closer to you. I really like orchestral music, and would enjoy being at your performances.
Alas, Kentucky is too far from you.

Everything in life is an adventure, even when you get to be fiftymumblemumble years old! My youngest DD's 19th birthday was today. I treated her and her 3 older siblings to lunch at the local Chinese restaurant. I don't usually go out for lunch.

--- End quote ---

Hey, Princess Flutezilla is in Kentucky now, doing an internship.  I actually really miss her, but she's coming back in April to play her grad recital. :)  By the way, tell your daughter happy birthday from me, okay?

AmethystAnne:
I remember you telling stories about Princess Flutezilla. I hope things are going well for her.

Kentucky could be a big change for her, depending upon where she is doing her internship. If it's in Louisville (locally pronounced Luallvull) or Lexington, there are lots of opportunities for nightlife. If it's in a rural area, the only nightlife available is going to the local high school to watch basketball games, or going to WallyWorld, or to the movies, or staying home to practice/doing knitting-crochetting projects.

April says 'thank you' for the happy birthday greeting.

Hope your classes progress smoothly for you

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