The President's Corner
October 2003
Pianist Ilse von Alpenheim reflecting on Antal Dorati:
After his first rehearsal at the Kennedy Center, we walked home the few minutes to the Watergate Hotel. In front were two trombone players, who did not see that we followed them. One said to the other: "I'm ashamed that I didn't always play like this — like I do now for Dorati." The other replied: "Why? It was never asked."
I’m not
quite sure the reason, but this quote, which I came across recently, made quite
an impression on me. Why do we not consistently rise to do our best or give our
utmost when it is needed? Why are we inspired by one individual and not
another? When do we give 110% and to whom and for what? What is a cause worth
our devotion, and who or what is deserving of our true commitment? In life we
are continually asked to give our best in so many ways. It is expected that we
obey laws and be solid citizens of our country. Many of us are in occupations
that consistently require a strong effort while the demands can be constantly
varied and rigorous. Marriage and parenting is another full time commitment
whereby we can be role models for a child and faithful partners to a mate
twenty-four hours a day. Our religion may demand time, character and
conscience, while our leisure time oft is filled with strenuous activities of
interest and expertise. Once you view all of this in print, it seems somewhat
difficult to comprehend that we would have anything left. Is it possible that
with all these demands, we could be expected or agree to accept additional
tasks?
Individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.) readily accept new challenges but become discouraged when they cannot organize their time to successfully complete the work. There are some who take the safe route and never assume extra jobs, relying solely on the energy of others to benefit themselves. Many complete this ineffective triangle by assuming the least responsibility in any role thereby never risking success or failure. So what is it then that drives an Antal Dorati to give of himself in so many areas and succeed in inspiring others to do the same?
In music, individuals are often described as possessing great “talent.” Talent can be used as a criterion for success or failure. If a person gains notoriety in our profession as a performer, we say that he/she obviously possesses great talent. If they have a lackluster career in this business, we say it is because they are less talented. Yet no one has successfully defined what talent is except the great quote that describes its makeup as being 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. We can say with some certainty that Antal Dorati possessed talent, but I doubt it was that talent which solely inspired the gentlemen in the opening quote. It was more likely the love of the moment - in doing something he had prepared to do and was thoroughly enjoying. Dorati, at some point in his career, acquired the magnificent joy of bringing to light all things special — working with others to achieve a goal greater than some might think possible. He combined a studied judgment with courage brought on by wisdom and conviction. It is what I call sharing.
Those who inspire us have developed this love of sharing. Be it their time, talent, wisdom, knowledge or love; the common bond is their desire to share. They are not content in this “one-shot” life to keep this gift to themselves. Sharing is addictive, and it can become the greatest drug experience known to man while its side effects are not life threatening but life enriching. When we step out of our safe havens to give of ourselves, we begin to feel talented. We take one step closer to being that person who can lead and follow, who can inspire and receive inspiration, who can be loved or give love, who can become gifted while recognizing the gifts of others and whose greatness for listening is as effective as his/her speech.
WASBE has survived these 22 years because we have attracted people of “talent.” Our history is strewn with individuals who answered the call to share and who realized that the mark we leave must contain more than a by-line in an obituary. WASBE recently lost such a man of sharing. Vondis Miller possessed great talent, and we were fortunate that he chose to step up to our podium while leading us through a turbulent symphony in the late eighties. His score was studied, and his tempos were steady and firm. He had not the great bluster of many famous conducting tyrants, yet his sincerity spoke louder than any emotional outburst. He knew the tremendous potential of this organization, and it was his dream to share it with whoever became players in the great WASBE ensemble. Many might even say that they played harder when Vondis was the conductor.
There is little doubt that WASBE needs talented individuals. Those who are addicted to sharing and giving of themselves — the “givers” that realize an ensemble needs talent throughout and that everyone’s contribution strengthens the whole. WASBE continues to require talented individuals, maybe now more than ever in its history. Persons looking to give beyond what is expected so that efforts (such as those shared with us by Vondis) will not be given in vain. With every member in every country sharing their talent, we can become what is our destiny — a world leader in the wind band community. Give us your talent and encourage others to join and do the same.
If you are embarrassed because you have never truly played your best for this ensemble since no one expected it, then consider this my urgent directive. I am not Antal Dorati, but for these next two years, I am the conductor of WASBE, and I need your best. I want everyone to understand and enjoy our performance — now and forever.
Respectfully submitted,
Dennis L. Johnson
President, WASBE