To address one point at a time, I do not believe having a position in a full time orchestra constitutes the only way a person can be in shape. Where I live I happen to know of many fine horn players that do not have full time jobs in an orchestra and are extremely knowledgeable of their craft and are in shape. They are professional horn players (musicians whose livelihood depends upon the money they make from playing their instrument) and I believe are where they are today because of the choices they have made. Me? I had a 2nd horn position in a full time orchestra, went to another full time orchestra as co principal and that orchestra folded. Since then, I have moved to my current residence and have chosen to work professionally in a variety of music settings; shows (not opera), recitals, part time professional orchestras and teaching, all of which amounts to full-time hours. That is all I do. I do not work elsewhere. I consider myself lucky to be able to continue to work here as I do because of the abundance of fine horn players. Sure, I have taken auditions for full time jobs and have done well but not succeeded yet, but I am not a person to blame outside sources for that not happening. It just means I need to be humble enough to accept the results and get back to work and explore my own self even more. My goal like many on this list, (I am willing to bet) is to land that full time job. Mr. Pizka is correct. Most musicians work is done through exploring and studying alone.
Next point. I do not ever presume to know everything. I have played this excerpt for many competent teachers and I never had the head rushes until say the last month or so. That is the reason for the post. I was hoping for insight, medically and musically. Tension seems to be the reason, so I must figure out what I am doing differently now. I think like most people, I will explore anything if I think it will help me do what I love even better. That is not making excuses, that is being creative. What works for one may not work for another and as far as I am concerned, the more CONSTRUCTIVE criticism the better because I can take what works and leave the rest behind. Next point. The internet and e-mail are most certainly wonderful things, but I think it has taken away the personal aspect of things. At times, people write things in a manner that they most likely wouldn¹t say in person to anyone. If they do speak that way to someone I am sure they have an established relationship with that person. I think this list is great! Anyone can blah, blah all they want. What is blah, blah to one many be great information to another, so I don¹t discount what anyone says. Paulette Velazquez _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
