Re: [Harp-L] SPAH competition- my $.02

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

 I wrote a couple pages about this very subject several years ago 
(maybe on another list). It was entitled "Tests that DON't pass the 
test". I have to agree with you Roscoe.
Oh, and by the way: Precious Moments #3. It's Buckeye 2005, 2330 hrs on 
a Thurs. I get to listen to Roscoe (again). It brings back memories of 
SPAHs and Buckeyes from days gone by and leads me to the conclusion 
that Roscoe doesn't play NEARLY enough. Sat night, I get to hang with 
him and other diatonic denizens while 2 "other" Precious Moments sit up 
all night waiting for their plane...more on that later.

On May 4, 2005, at 6:49 PM, Roscoharp@xxxxxxx wrote:

> Hey list,
>
>   I personally have a hard time giving ANY validity to competitions in 
> the
> arts of any kind, from the Oscars  to our local music awards show 
> (from which I
> have asked to be removed from consideration.) Competitons in the arts 
> surely
> do have publicity value. Winners can promote themselves & organizers 
> can hype
> the event. Don't confuse this with artistic merit or accomplishment.

 OK, There are numerous personages promoting their 
classes/lessons/tapes/blah blah blah. I often wonder 1. WHO they are?  
2. WHAT establishes them as authorities?  3. WHERE did they come from 
(musically)?  4. WHY are they doing it?
> Competitions also lead to infighting, resentment, general sucking-up, 
> & high tension,
> all things which I struggle to overcome in what I think of as my art.
>    If SPAH decides to have a competition, I hope the orgnization reaps 
> some
> benefit. I know I won't take it seriously &, obviously, I won't 
> participate or
> attend. I'm guessing a lot of other players won't either.

 While I would have nothing against a competition (or let's say 
contest), it harkens back to several years ago when an aquaintence 
suggested that I enter the contest in Nashville in the harmonica 
category. I was suspicious of the judges (one of whom is not as good a 
player as me....and I ain't that good by ANY shakes). I started feeling 
why should I put myself through that at my age....judged by some guy 
just because he was a known name.
> If they have a competition, the winner (woo-hoo!!) will be the person 
> who:
>
> 1 - chose to enter the contest

 That's right. There will be some who don't have anything to prove and 
will attend just for the 'grins'. There is a Hohner Dixieland fest 
coming up in Nov down here in Clearwater Fla. I have submitted my name 
as a prospective judge. Even though I am one of the few Dixieland 
players around, I will not compete. It's time for old Bastardoes like 
me to give the youn-uns a chance, and not take up everyone's time (nor 
anyone's 'slot') needlessly.

> 2 - had a good night

 Right again. I happen to be one of those who is either on or off. 
While there doesn't seem to be any in-between, I was lucky at Buckeye 
and found myself in a very very rare "In-between" position.

> 3 - had no technical glitches beyond their control

 Right again. Even seasoned pros will take a fall now and again while 
reaching for a triple sow-cow or a double toe-loop/double Lutz. I have 
seen many times where a veritable unknown will pull sunshine out of 
their anus simply because they don't think they have a chance, relegate 
themselves to just giving it a shot and having a good time, and 
disregard the pressure.

> 4 - played to the judges (who are they? what do they like?) 
> expectations &/or
> predjudices

  To be a judge, a person must possess that rare quality that while 
they may not like your material, they can allow as how you did it 
masterfully.

> 5 - probably had some non-music related skill or attribute ( was 
> 'cute' or
> 'funny' or 'charismatic' or 'dramatic'  or.......whatever )

 Looks ARE an issue. If you're homely (like me) or even ugly, too 
skinny, too fat, too short, too swarthy. It's a known fact and as John 
Candy used to say "top scientists have proven it", a tall good looking 
blonde (or lighter) haired, preferably blue eyed person will get more 
latitude....especially if they smile.
> The winner won't be:
>
> 1 - the 'best' harmonica player- even on that one night, even in that 
> one
> contest---since that is purely the opinion of each individual listener 
> & can
> change from one performance to the next. All they will be is the 
> winner.
> (woo-hoo!!)
>
>
> Just my opinion.

 Well, I like it. Can I borrow your brain?....mine is burned out. :)    
 smo-joe
> later, Rosco
> maybe august
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