gah . . .

[saxaphool]

So I couldnt' help but feel slightly frustrated and angry after the orchestra concert today . . which was whoopass!! Especially Shost 10 . . . kicked ass

Comments

[osk]

you think wind ensemble is bad? you should really stop by a symphonic rehearsal and see how little anyone there cares about what they're doing..least you guys get to go places...i'm gonna miss that lamplighter deal...

I'm not sure how I got here but here's my 2 cents

[anonymous]

Yes I remember Rocky Point Holiday and that kicked ass!!
The thing is that I don't think anyone cares about trying their best anymore, with exceptions of course. I know the band this year sucks sucks sucks, it wasn't this bad last year, but for whatever reason, it's full of 1st years who don't give a damn.
So in response I would have to say that I don't think it's McCumber's fault that people are feeling cheated out of the experience, it's some of the musicians within the band/WWE that's the problem, and all it takes is a few to screw it up for everyone... At least that's what I think....
My guess is that he's choosing easier rep so that he doesn't have to spend time going over the notes and more time on the musiciality...???.... I'm not sure... maybe you could ask him?
End of $0.02

[secluded_emo]

I'll grant that there are a number of people that don't care about wind ensemble (aka trumpet players that get high all the time), but where the fuck were you when we played in oakville? I don't know about you buddy, I don't think I've been in an ensemble that has ever...and I mean EVER played such moving rep before. We played material (that in my opinion) was the best of our first two concerts, and though we had a couple sketchy moments, we fucking rocked. I think you also need to realize that this isn't U of T or McGill...Western music is better known for it's education programs, than performance. If you really wanna play better stuff, tell McCumber straight up that you want something a little more challenging, or go somewhere else.

[flutechick]

you have an interesting definiton for the word moving. i would replace that with boring. you have obviously never played in a better ensemble because there is nothing rocking about any of your concerts. the performances are messy, sloppy and dull. the fact that 80 percent of the band has absolutely no respect for the conductor really comes across and i feel bad for anyone who thinks that wind ensemble is a good ensemble.
wanna hear a good wind ensemble comprised of most of the same players? go back two years and listen to some of that music. a lot of that band didn't like that conductor either, but at least they respected him because he treated them like adults and provided them with motivation to do their best.

[secluded_emo]

I feel sorry for you that you feel that way. Not everyone will have the opportunity to play in an orchestra, hence we will never have the chance to play the same kind of rep. The fact that you have such contempt and "pity" for the wind ensemble just makes you a snob.

comments like yours are the reason I don't have many music friends on my LJ.

[saxaphool]

Comments like your's show that you have no fucking idea what you're doing.

[saxaphool]

You wanna hear good Wind Ensemble rep?? Like . . REAL good stuff? Go listen to recordings done by McKinney when he was director here. THATS we are capable of.

it's all been said

[saxaphool]

but maybe you can't hear the outside of wind from inside. maybe you can't hear the inside of orch from outside. maybe you are part of the problem, "if you're not part of the solution", because blaming people doesn't equal a solution.

there are people not committed to wind. there are people not committed to orchestra. there are people who respect and admire jerome summers. there are people who despise him. it's your own experience and what YOU choose to take away from it with what cards you're dealt.

i haven't heard anything positive come from you regarding wind, so maybe you are part of the overall thing bringing that group down.

like those before me: work to boost morale, not tear it down, ask to do rep. you find challenging, and make suggestions so mccumber can compare it

be supportive and open to what is going well around you. hear the improvements, not just what needs to be improved

(choosing to be anonymous so that my own group affiliation and experience is not used against me)

[saxaphool]

hahahaha . . how about you find a pair and post your name so that rest of the world can laugh along with me!