American Wind Symphony Orchestra

Zade · Post by **Zade** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:29 pm

Has anyone heard if they received a contract for the 2007 season?

Thank You
Zade

WoodSheddin · Post by **WoodSheddin** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 12:30 am

Run away. Not a job I would wish on my worst of worst enemies.

Zade · Post by **Zade** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:12 am

Yes it is under the same direction: Robert Austin Boudreau

Tom · Post by **Tom** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:16 am

This is the group that plays on the barge, right?

Do they still do that?

Zade · Post by **Zade** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:25 am

Yes, this is the group that plays on the barge and yes they still play on the barge.

Dave Roberts · Post by **Dave Roberts** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 11:07 am

I'm with Sean on this...I played the barge about a 100 years ago...wasn't the best experience I had. Personnel support sucked big time.

joebob · Post by **joebob** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:51 pm

I never did this gig but I've talked to a number of people who did and a lot of them were negative about the working conditions, although many said that musically the band was pretty good. One person I know played with this group on a European tour - the working/touring conditions weren't great but going to Europe was really cool and there were a lot of great players in the band. Here's a question for those that have done this gig: Was it musically good at all? Can a young inexperienced player gain any valuable musical experience from this gig? If a college student has limited options for summer experience would you still recommend against this gig? (ie the other choice is working a non musical job)

WoodSheddin · Post by **WoodSheddin** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 4:53 pm

joebob wrote:I never did this gig but I've talked to a number of people who did and a lot of them were negative about the working conditions, although many said that musically the band was pretty good. One person I know played with this group on a European tour - the working/touring conditions weren't great but going to Europe was really cool and there were a lot of great players in the band. Here's a question for those that have done this gig: Was it musically good at all? Can a young inexperienced player gain any valuable musical experience from this gig? If a college student has limited options for summer experience would you still recommend against this gig? (ie the other choice is working a non musical job)

Again, without reservation, I would not wish this job on my absolute worst bitter enemy. Run away from it.

MikeMason · Post by **MikeMason** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 4:57 pm

sounds like some interesting stories here.care to tell a few?

CJBlaha · Post by **CJBlaha** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 10:34 pm

I did it twice and really enjoyed it.

Adam C. · Post by **Adam C.** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 12:06 pm

I seem to remember hearing a story about a tubist going overboard with his horn. Not sure if there's any truth to that

dwaskew · Post by **dwaskew** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 4:18 pm

There is definite truth to the story. Great story over several beers...... former student of mine

d.askew

Zade · Post by **Zade** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 8:23 pm

The ensemble performs repertoire written for its instrumentation(there is no saxophone or euphonium) This ensemble commissioned over 300 works available through C.F. Peters Publishing.

Zade

hnoyes · Post by **hnoyes** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 9:04 pm

And to add to the previous post, if you plan on auditioning, you will sight read from one of those compositions - good luck! Its not what you're used to, and you get the bonus of having the director stand over your shoulder and comment on almost every note/measure. He wants to see what he can get out of you, thats his style. It is not a normal audition by any stretch of the imagination. I have heard horror stories and wonderful stories from those who have gone and played - take the audition, win, and then make a decision. You'll know after your audition if you want to spend the summer with him on a small confined barge - trust me - you'll know - each person is different, some will love it, others chose other opportunities, or choose to "jump ship!"

FarahShazam · Post by **FarahShazam** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:05 pm

run. run as fast as you can away from this group. don't look back.

it was the worst musical experience of my life. BTW, I would likely need a beer to recant any stories I may have. The memories are being housed in the PTSD portion of my brain.

I did meet my husband there but that was the only reason I stayed the entire season. It took me about 2-3 years to recover physically and then a bit longer to love music again.

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:17 pm

MoonUnit wrote:I did meet my husband there... it took me about 2-3 years to recover physically and then a bit longer to love music again.

Wow! Just from meeting Sean!?

WoodSheddin · Post by **WoodSheddin** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:32 pm

windshieldbug wrote:
MoonUnit wrote:I did meet my husband there... it took me about 2-3 years to recover physically and then a bit longer to love music again.
Wow! Just from meeting Sean!?

My secret is out.

FarahShazam · Post by **FarahShazam** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:35 pm

windshieldbug wrote:
MoonUnit wrote:I did meet my husband there... it took me about 2-3 years to recover physically and then a bit longer to love music again.
Wow! Just from meeting Sean!?

gosh, no, My writing skills need work.

The barge band messed up me physically (my face was shot from all of the misuse) and I was mentally sick of music for a bit.

Sean is the keeper.

Tom Holtz · Post by **Tom Holtz** » Sat Mar 17, 2007 10:11 pm

MoonUnit wrote:
windshieldbug wrote:
MoonUnit wrote:I did meet my husband there... it took me about 2-3 years to recover physically and then a bit longer to love music again.
Wow! Just from meeting Sean!?
gosh, no, My writing skills need work.

The barge band messed up me physically (my face was shot from all of the misuse) and I was mentally sick of music for a bit.

Sean is the keeper.

You betcha. Look at that face!

You may now kiss the bride.

bud · Post by **bud** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:47 am

I got the contract, Zade. I think I'll do it. I'm sure it'll be a challenge to not have a home for a couple months, but I'm itching for some performance experience and I could stand to learn a little patience and acceptance.

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