There is definitely a shortage of classically trained mandolinists. Most I know that can read are self-taught.
Actually, I kind of know the music director and he’s even solicited my assistance in the past so the whole incident was both moronic and unexpected.
If he was afraid members would leave his group what does that say about his direction? All the members are from that local community, they know each other and rehearsals are literally right down the street. For the mandolin orchestra they would have to drive across town.
That is a sad and discouraging tale, if also a very funny one (at your expense). Orchestras of that type are usually all about their ethnic identity. Some of the members may have an interest in mandolin music more broadly, but clearly the director does not.
I definitely saw the humor in the whole deal. Kind of a shame because it’s not like there’s a huge community of music reading plectrum musicians in Kansas City to work with.
I think it was more a matter of the director didn’t want me having any kind of influence over “his” musicians.
The odds of me going in the precise stall those were dumped in was like 1/16 so I doubt he was thinking I’d see them, but still it would’ve made more sense to throw them in one of the many waste bins available, or take them home and toss them.
It would have been more kind more honest if the director would have returned your materials immediately, "No Thanks."
I suppose there is a shortage of classical trained mandolinists, so that losing even one to a competitor would be a problem.
Thanks for the tale.
There is definitely a shortage of classically trained mandolinists. Most I know that can read are self-taught.
Actually, I kind of know the music director and he’s even solicited my assistance in the past so the whole incident was both moronic and unexpected.
If he was afraid members would leave his group what does that say about his direction? All the members are from that local community, they know each other and rehearsals are literally right down the street. For the mandolin orchestra they would have to drive across town.
That is a sad and discouraging tale, if also a very funny one (at your expense). Orchestras of that type are usually all about their ethnic identity. Some of the members may have an interest in mandolin music more broadly, but clearly the director does not.
I definitely saw the humor in the whole deal. Kind of a shame because it’s not like there’s a huge community of music reading plectrum musicians in Kansas City to work with.
I think it was more a matter of the director didn’t want me having any kind of influence over “his” musicians.
The odds of me going in the precise stall those were dumped in was like 1/16 so I doubt he was thinking I’d see them, but still it would’ve made more sense to throw them in one of the many waste bins available, or take them home and toss them.