[TPIN] Adults playing in student productions

[David Arndt]

Jerry Wrote:
<<
I have a more basic question....
Assuming that you are of the beliefs stated below, and want it to a "student
only' led production, AND assuming that you KNOW the performance level
abilities of your students, Why would you even think of bringing in a score
that is over their heads and NOT bring in stronger players ?
>>

Good question.  I think it's fair to say that sometimes you don't know until
you are "in it".  You might pick a score that seems fine, only to find out
that some part of the band is having a tough time (a surprise).  It's also
fair to say that the person who is selecting the musical production might
not be the band director, or the one who has best judgement as to how easy
or difficult it is.


<<
While I understand the need to challenge the students, aren't we setting
them up to fail, unless you supplement the pit with more seasoned players?
>>

If you go back and read my post, I think you'll see that is *exactly* what
I'm saying.  In other words - we're in agreement.  Supplement, if you have
to.  (see my next to last paragraph)

- da


-----Original Message-----
From: tpin-bounces at tpin.okcu.edu [mailto:tpin-bounces at tpin.okcu.edu] On
Behalf Of David Arndt
Sent: Saturday, March 31, 2007 12:08 PM
To: 'Andy Del'; 'Dave Lee'; 'Rich Szabo'; tpin at tpin.okcu.edu;
Vaxtrpts at aol.com
Subject: RE: [TPIN] Adults playing in student productions

Andy's comments hit at the heart of the issue, IMO.

I would sum it up this way:  

  The *goal* is a successful educational experience for ALL the kids
involved.

If this principle guides your choices, you can't go too far wrong.

You want to use the kids as much as possible for everything: The acting,
dancing, singing, orchestra, tech crews, set construction, admission sales,
etc.   

But... The experience *has* to be pleasurable for the audience and the kids
involved.  The kids will gauge their success to some degree based on how the
audience recieves it - and you cannot fool high school kids into thinking it
was "good" if it wasn't.  

So... If the orchestra parts can be convered successfully by the kids alone,
just use the kids.  If the kids would end up *failing* because the parts are
too much for them...  

For example, maybe you've got a very talented young 1st trumpeter who just
needs another year or two to be able to handle the parts along, but can't
right now - so bring in a good ringer to sit next to him... And turn it into
a success on BOTH the performance *and* educational front, instead of
"breaking" the poor kid in front of his friends and family.

Common sense should guide the choices, not dogma.

Cheers,

- Dave