Today's Meme of the Day is inspired by
a heart-rending anonymous comment from
10 Things That Should Never Be Said to a Collaborative Pianist (but still are):
at a choral conducting workshop where I was there to sight-read about 50 choral scores, I once had a conductor laugh at me when I said that many are using the word "collaborative pianist" rather than accompanist explaining that we bring a lot of experience and musical decision making to the rehearsal and performance and collaboratively work under the conductor's baton. (I really wanted to say I'm not a robot) he told me "you've obviously haven't worked with a lot of conductors..where I'm from, we still call them accompanists." in which the only thing I could spit out was , "well yes, I have." but I was so shocked at his indifference.. Who says that?!! there are some real "control-hungry" people out there (can you tell I'm insensed?) The worst part is that the guy spent the day talking about building up confidence and the spirit of each person, and then he belittled me right there in front of everyone.
Been there, also. One conductor (and I use that term loosely) I worked with in a clinic situation was as rude as could be. This conductor had brought his own accompanist along - shoved me aside and had him play while working with the choir and asked them "Wouldn't you want to work with him every day? Isn't he wonderful?" And all the while looking at me with contempt. I ended up walking out and told my choral conductor that i would NEVER work with that person again. I have never-ever walked out on a a job before but I did that day. My choral director's reaction: "I was just so nervous I didn't hear a thing". She didn't have my back at all. I finished out the school year and never went back - after telling her exactly how I felt about the entire situation.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. Must have been a difficult clinic but the conductor should have sought treatment in one.
DeleteWow.. I used to work for a choral director where they let their personal feelings towards me affect our professional relationship. Things deteriorated over the few years where they would 'practice' with me in front of the choral members, saying that they were 'educating' me. It was very demeaning, even though I was having no difficulties with the pieces being presented to me since I spent quite a bit of time practicing beforehand. One time, they brought in another accompanist who just about slaughtered this absolutely difficult piece of gospel music and tried to make it look like they played it divinely, just to humiliate me. They wouldn't let me play it because they had it in their mind that I 'couldn't play jazz or gospel'. I finally had the spine to leave after that year, despite it being a good job. I feel for you on this.
DeleteHaha, why have I not seen this before?! I am definitely bringing this into class next week. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLove your posts like this. Think you'll start posting regularly again?
ReplyDeleteYes, I will be posting regularly in the coming year. It's been a busy summer - more on that soon.
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