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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 :lol:

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 :roll:

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. :shock: 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!? :shock: :D

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!? :shock: :D
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!? :shock: :D
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!? :shock: :D
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! Image 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.