I know that hearing is a big concern with musicians. We are exposed to extremely loud volumes, and sometimes for too long of a time. In the orchestras where I work we have sound shields, and Symphony Silicon Valley also has earplugs for those who want them. (I find using earplugs to be nearly impossible. I’ve only used them for a few things, and only in works that don’t feature me in any important way. The minute I put them in I hear myself far too much, including hearing my tongue strike the reed.) But there’s news about an orchestra that is having rotating musicians, even, so the article states having some musicians come into the ballet pit during a ballet. Reading this: “The orchestra that begins a particular performance isn’t necessarily the same one that finishes it,” just astounds me. I am all for saving our hearing, but there has got to be a better way. Don’tcha think?
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