Posted by M. on May 11, 1999 at 12:26:56:
In Reply to: string quartet blues posted by Priscilla Norris on May 11, 1999 at 09:19:07:
Hi Priscilla,
I know what you're going through. Before my current happy situation, I was in a quartet with a violinist who was terrible to work with (never practiced, showed up late to performances, etc.) We tried to have a meeting where we brought up such things as: be prepared, punctual, etc. but then realized that such people are rarely willing to change. If the rest of your group feels the same way you do, it's a big enough issue to bring to your violist's attention (she's obviously not ~that~ sensitive if she doesn't notice the effect her behavior has on the rest of the quartet). Bring it up in a general way, where you can all discuss what is expected of EVERYONE, not just one person. Keep it business-like. What sort of a quartet is it? Just for gigs or more serious than that? In a gigging group (if your violist doesn't see the light), just hire other violists for a few things and see if anyone clicks. Scout for violinists willing to cross over to viola if violists are scarce. Did you know this violist before this quartet? So many things factor into how you could approach this. Blah. Just remember music making should be enjoyable (we're not in it for the money) and let your conscience guide you.
M.