Most of the time, I believe it is wise & prudent for band members to accept the status quo as Jonathan thoughfully suggests. I have done exactly this in several well established organizations I performed in through the years. But based upon my and Larry's experiences, I sincerely believe there are times, under certain circumstances, when it is appropriate and beneficial for band/orchestra members to gently or even strongly encourage a director make changes w/i a section.
In the case I posted about when I initiated this thread, I had started with this group from it's early beginnings and had worked side by side with the director and other members of the group to build the band and recruit quality musicians. I always served cheerfully and responsibly in any capacity within the section. This was (still is) a young band, however, that had no clear cut or consistent policy of principal selection. In some sections the selection criteria was by default seniority, while in other sections it was clearly playing ability. In one section (the cornet/trumpets) there was no principal and the director rotated the parts among the section members. When I gently approached the director with my desire to play some first horn parts, I did not demand or treaten to leave the band if I did not get my way. I made it abundantly clear to the director that I was generally happy playing in the band and would continue regardless of his response to my request. I simply communicated to him that I would find it a more musically satisfying experience if I could occasionally play first horn parts like the trumpet players get to do. And ... if the only way I could play first horn parts was to become the principal, then I'd do whatever it takes to accomplish this (auditions, etc.) I made no veiled threats or unreasonable demands. I proposed no breech of established band policy as there was NO consistent established policy. The director expressed his gratitude for my making the request. He immediately removed the designation of "principal" from every section in the band and began rotation of parts with in the horn section as a result of my request. The outcome of my actions was positive as the director indicated to me. To further domonstrate the positive outcome I share this: Shortly after the director made the decision to distribute the horn parts amoung the horn section, I was forced due to unfortunate circumstances beyond my control to withdraw from this band for a season. During this time, the director, the horn section mates and other band members communicated with me to let me know that I was missed and they were eager for my return. In conclusion I reiterate my point that there are special times and special circumstances when an amatuer band/orchestra member can and should encourage a director to make changes in a section. I appreciate those who took time to carefully read my original post, exercised restraint and courtesy to respond in a constructive, thoughtful manner. I'm saddened by those who impulsively took advantage of the awkwardness of my words and twisted their meaning to malign my character. Valerie Wells http://www.beforhorn.blogspot.com/ _______________________________________________ post: [email protected] unsubscribe or set options at https://pegasus.memphis.edu/cgi-bin/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
