[TPIN] amateur vs pro

[David Adams]

Yes, I have to second what Mike says.  Also, I think you are not  
appreciating people's reasons for playing whatever music they are  
capable of playing.  Instead of saying they do it for "fun," why not  
say they ascribe some meaning to it and leave it at that.  If you  
want to have fun, go on a picnic, or to an amusement park.  I don't  
even try to convince young kids that the primary benefit of music is  
"fun,"  and I have no illusions about their future professional  
prospects.  Certainly music has its fun elements, the camaderie, good  
times, etc., but that is rarely the main reason for playing (or  
working at playing, as it might better be said!).  Ask most so called  
amateur players why they play, and when the discussion gets beyond  
the impulse flip answers, you will find there is quite a bit more to  
it than just "fun."  By the same token, how many so called  
professional players get any real meaning out of their ten thousandth  
rendition of Proud Mary or Anniversary Waltz.  How many pros are a  
bit jaded, musically arrogant, and perhaps excessively opinionated.   
Hope I haven't offended anybody, as I do try to appreciate everyone  
for whatever they have to offer our world.
On Mar 19, 2007, at 11:05 PM, Vaxtrpts at aol.com wrote:

>
> In a message dated 3/19/2007 9:28:00 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
> jontrimble at suddenlink.net writes:
>
> Well  there's a fine kettle of fish eh?  Here's the real deal.   
> When you
> have
> a ton of ( I just wanna play) vs (this is my way of life).....you   
> have
> conflict.  Such is this list. Trumpet is my life....For many of   
> you, trumpet
> is a fun hobby.  You know, that's cool....:) If you were  in a  
> section with
> me.....we would not get along.
>
>
> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 
> <
> Boy, Jon, I think I have to respectfully disagree with you here.
> While the basic premise might be true -- on a professional gig, you  
> either
> make it or you don't, I must say that I have played with some  
> musicians who
> don't make their full living at performing and maybe don't practice  
> as much as
> you or I, but they are FANTASTIC players who can cut anything that  
> the "gig"
> calls for.
> Some of them might be full time teachers who also play (these are  
> the best
> teachers, in my book), and some might have a completely different  
> day job from
> music.
>
> Mike Vax
>
>
>
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David B. Adams
Palo Alto Unified School District
Director, Foothill Symphonic Winds
www.windband.org/foothill