Poll -- Cell phone use while in ensemble

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Which of the following most accurately represents your views

Cell phone use should be reserved for emergencies and the member should excuse him or herself from ensemble if in rehearsal
33
21%
Cell phone use should be permitted in emergencies with the member seated in section during rehearsal and performance
3
2%
Leave your cell phone on vibrate in your case and check it at break
25
16%
Cell phone use during tacet pieces is permissible during rehearsal
19
12%
Cell phone use during tacet pieces is permissible during rehearsal and performance
1
1%
Cell phone use while the conductor is speaking and or working another section is permissible during rehearsal
6
4%
I would tell someone in the ensemble to put it away
14
9%
I would tell the conductor to make a group announcement without naming anyone specifically
12
8%
What's the big deal?
9
6%
Members who do this routinely are indeed being rude
34
22%
 
Total votes: 156
hup_d_dup
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Re: Poll -- Cell phone use while in ensemble

Post by hup_d_dup »

the elephant wrote: The OP specified reading or texting on a phone, not only talking.
You're right, he did say that in the clarification following the questions. I forgot about that.

The varied responses in this thread indicate that the non-playing habits of musicians vary quite a bit according to the group that they are in. I understand that there is a culture, long predating cell phones, of reading books, magazines, writing letters, solving crossword puzzles, etc. during performance in Broadway pit orchestras. They obviously kept their musical standards high. That wouldn't work for most other groups.

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Tom Mason
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Re: Poll -- Cell phone use while in ensemble

Post by Tom Mason »

Like a few others who have posted, I am in a situation where the phone stays on 24/7. (Law enforcement). I have been paged out a very few times since I am not full time, but I am required to respond when called. My conductors are told in advance of my situation, and I screen all calls. If I don't recognize the call number, it doesn't get answered. My wife and children know not to call me unless someone is dying and on the way to the hospital. My children are both in service providing situations, so they both take some thought to not call me as well.
I can look at the phone and decide within seconds if it gets answered. It then goes right back into the pocket and I continue with rehearsal. Performance time means absolutely no response to the phone.
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