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learhy
Registered User
Posts: 7
(8/28/01 1:38:11 pm)
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cello section
blues
I'm curious- are ALL cello sections as split as mine? Our principle
is a brilliant player, and she does a great job of keeping us up to
speed, but as far as socially, it seems like none of us really bond
as a group. I was recently talking to Steve Hauser from the Grant
Park Symphony and he said that the whole cello section parties
together, helps with music and technique/etc... I'm jealous. I'm
just theorizing here that all college/youth orchestras are just too
based upon competition as apposed to focusing on the whole picture
(or I guess I should say orchestra) sounding great. What is the
purpose of having assigned seating except to provide cutthroat
competition? I have often thought that if there was a rotation in
seating, or some kind of round table decision making in seating
(such as pairing off people who complement each other/ separating
people who are just as talented) would create a much better approach
to sound in general. I guess the best example of what I am talking
about is this: There is an assistant principle in another orchestra
of mine who is always red in the face from turning around and
yelling foul things at everyone behind him. First Rehersal Quote:
"You can't play that yet? It's only in thumb position (like on E)
and you aren't in junior high anymore!" And our principle, what a
joke, he just sits there and lets this guy dish it out. I guess I'm
just blowing off steam...any one else have simmilar experiences?
Edited by: learhy
at: 8/28/01 1:45:29 pm
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ruthann
Registered
User
Posts: 562
(8/28/01 2:05:29
pm)
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Re: cello
section blues
I remember this kind of BS from college orchestra. Don't you just
love it when someone in front turns around and gives you "the look"
when you know darn well it wasn't you that made the mistake? I can
still see this one pair in my mind. They really bothered me until I
figured out they were the types to tear everyone else down to make
themselves look better. I've noticed that the really good players
are usually just helpful, not judgemental.
Our local
community orchestra is quite the opposite. "You sit first." "No, you
sit first." "No you sit first." At a recent festival orchestra, the
section leader (and paid coach) had us rotate so that everyone had a
new stand partner for each rehersal, and a chance to sit in front,
middle, back, inside and outside. You do get to know people better
that way, although it's more fun to sit with someone you like.
cello_suttonr@hotmail.com |
zambocello
Registered User
Posts: 743
(8/28/01 11:07:46 pm)
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Re: cello
section blues
As a college section leader, I had a lot of fun and tried to
include as many as I could in the fun, but I also recall being a
jerk at times. I don't think it had to do with the competition, just
my immaturity.
As far as professional orchestras go, I've
played in six of 'em and have been struck by how much more
camaradery there is in regional-level orchestras. I always marked it
up to the fact that more of the players had things in common,
starting with being on the audition trail in pursuit of a better
gig.
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learhy
Registered User
Posts: 9
(8/29/01 1:15:19 pm)
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Re: cello
section blues
I have to agree with the BS adjective. I would much prefer your
community orchestra type setting. I personally would much rather sit
in back with the basses then get up close and personal with this
guy. ...but oh well, I'm stuck up there and I guess I'll just wait
it out.
Thanks!
Dan
Edited by: learhy
at: 8/29/01 1:15:55 pm
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David
Sanders 
Registered
User
Posts: 661
(8/29/01 4:23:09
pm)
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Re: cello
section blues
The CSO cello section has at times been quite friendly, and at
other times not so friendly. There are some of us in the section who
are good friends and socialize together a bit, but it is rare when
the whole group would get together.
I think it's easier for a
group like Grant Park, which has only 8 cellos, instead of 12 in the
CSO. Most of them are in the same age group, with a lot of the same
interest in still looking for another job.
When I was in Grant
Park, in the last milenium, it wasn't a very close section. I was
one of 3 new members, and the three of us were still in college, and
much younger than the rest of the section.
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