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American Wind Symphony Orchestra
Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:29 pm
by Zade
Has anyone heard if they received a contract for the 2007 season?
Thank You
Zade
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 12:30 am
by WoodSheddin
Run away. Not a job I would wish on my worst of worst enemies.
American Wind Symphony Orchestra
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:12 am
by Zade
Yes it is under the same direction: Robert Austin Boudreau
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:16 am
by Tom
This is the group that plays on the barge, right?
Do they still do that?
American Wind Symphony Orchestra
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:25 am
by Zade
Yes, this is the group that plays on the barge and yes they still play on the barge.
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 11:07 am
by Dave Roberts
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.
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:51 pm
by joebob
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)
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 4:53 pm
by WoodSheddin
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.
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 4:57 pm
by MikeMason
sounds like some interesting stories here.care to tell a few?
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 10:34 pm
by CJBlaha
I did it twice and really enjoyed it.
Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 12:06 pm
by Adam C.
I seem to remember hearing a story about a tubist going overboard with his horn. Not sure if there's any truth to that

Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 4:18 pm
by dwaskew
There is definite truth to the story. Great story over several beers...... former student of mine
d.askew
American Wind Symphony Orchestra
Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 8:23 pm
by Zade
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
Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 9:04 pm
by hnoyes
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!"
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:05 pm
by FarahShazam
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.
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:17 pm
by windshieldbug
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!?

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:32 pm
by WoodSheddin
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.
Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 7:35 pm
by FarahShazam
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.
Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2007 10:11 pm
by Tom Holtz
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.
awso
Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 1:47 am
by bud
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.