Manny- I wish you could get this out to ALL students preparing for state solo festivals as well.
Maybe I'll post this outside the door of the rooms I judge in. I can't count the number of times I've heard "sorry" or grumpy looks due to nerves or dissatifaction with one's playing. I actually had a french horn player tell me "Just give me a zero now". Truth be told, she wasn't all that bad.
Maybe we could add "Sit up tall (those who sit), head over the spine toes forward on the floor. Spit the gum out. It really does not add to a respectful attitude."
I would like to print and share this with at least my students and some of the other directors I work with at festivals.
On the flip side, I would like adjudicators to remember that these ARE only kids, that they are INCREDIBLY nervous, and that we need to be humane in our treatment (including any use of humour), not matter HOW tired we are or how many times we have heard the same solo over again. I have also seen judges not do this. Not a positive experience for the kids involved.
Great topic.
Pat...Bare midriff and short skirt? eeeeeeeewwwwwwww...THERE's an image I'll be trying to shake off...
