Knowing when to say goodbye to our music careers isn’t easy, right? Some stay too long. Some don’t. But ageism … I’ve seen it and hear about it so much, and it’s an issue in this business, for sure. Younger players can be pretty harsh. Some privately, some outright blatant about it. I find it quite distressing.

I know some younger musicians who would like to see “us” (yes, I’m old) go. I know some management folks who would like that as well. They want a new look. They want a younger look. I get it: we aren’t as pretty as all those younger musicians.

But what do we have? Well, many of us came from an era when we worked on expression. Musicality seems to be something so many of the younger ones have yet to develop, as they’ve been working on being perfect for so long they have neglected what it means to make music. I’ve sat next to players whose technique is simply astounding and I marvel at that. But they play so robotically I am never moved. Merely impressed. I don’t feel anything. I wonder if they do.

We also know how to behave. I’ve seen behavior that makes me want to scream. Looking back at someone who’s made a mistake. Even the shaking of a head has been observed. Talking out of turn: if you are subbing in an orchestra and sitting in a non-principal position I would highly recommend you speak to the principal player before piping up with your comment or question. Doing so will save you getting removed from the sub list! Even regular members could do with a bit of caution in what they say or at least how they say it! Please oh please don’t slide into your chair 10 seconds before the tuning note … especially if you are sitting in the middle of the orchestra! Dress like you care, not like you have gardening work to do right after the concert.

(**I want to be clear: I’m not referring to our new principal oboe in Symphony San Jose! Brooks is a fabulous player. He’s also a very good colleague and I’ve been impressed by his musicianship, as well as his attitude toward us older players. He’s respectful and very kind. I fear some might think I’m speaking of him since he’s new to our orchestra and is younger. I’m grateful to sit next to him!)

Shall I go on? Heh. No. I’m sounding like a grumpy old lady! Oh … um … wait …. ?

So … rambling rambling rambling … and yes, I’m tired of dealing with the “garbage of work” at the moment. It happens in every job, I know, so I suppose some of this could be applied to any workplace.

Over ‘n out.