[TPIN] Amateurs and Striving for Excellence???????

[David Adams]

I confess I have only skimmed over some of the dialogue about  
excellence, professionals vs. amateurs, doing it for "fun," etc.   
While many good points have been made, I have not seen any that  
suggest the importance of "meaning" in pursuing any artistic  
endeavor.  I have the great pleasure of directing an adult community  
band which includes a few folks who sometimes play professionally,  
but mostly people who by common definition would be considered  
amateurs.  They are engineers, doctors, lawyers, carpenters, computer  
workers, etc. who enjoy making music with others and performing.   
Some practice more than others, and there is naturally a wide range  
of ability levels in the band.  As conductor, I obviously value some  
players more than others for their musical contribution, but over the  
years I have come to realize that every person has their own set of  
reasons for playing with us each week.  I think of that as "meaning"  
in their lives.  Likewise when I play somewhere myself, I can not  
help but assign some meaning to the performance.  I may miss notes  
(rarely, of course!) but feel great because something moved me.   
Other times, everything might be "perfect" but leave me empty - the  
paycheck notwithstanding.  Sometimes playing with the "big star" has  
been less the glorious experience I would have expected.  I have  
occasionally marveled at the perfection of a university band or  
orchestra performance that left me shrugging because of the sterility  
and stiffness that came from what I viewed as a passionless and over- 
rehearsed group of young people.  When Doc Severinsen, who practices  
3-5 hours a day, or Herseth, or any number of other greats play, I am  
naturally more easily moved.  I am also moved, though, by the young  
10 year old who plays his first Rubank solo at the Solo-Ensemble  
Festival, or the computer engineer who can't wait to get to band  
rehearsal once a week.  There is some meaning in each event for each  
person, and while I appreciate and strive for excellence myself, I  
realize it is only a small part of the total picture.
On Mar 19, 2007, at 9:43 AM, Orion Development Corp - D. Arndt wrote:

> I think a lot of people are mis-understanding this thread.
>
> The sports analogy is a good one.  It's not about "excellence" as  
> in "having
> to be the best" - it's about *trying* to play *your* best game.   
> That's all.
>
>
>
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David B. Adams
Palo Alto Unified School District
Director, Foothill Symphonic Winds
www.windband.org/foothill