Amateurs and ITEA


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Posted by Bart Collins on May 21, 2003 at 10:34:43:

This is my 3.275 cents worth(adjusted for inflation)

As an amateur player that became a life member of our organization
back in 1989, I experienced the same issues that the amateurs posting
here recently hava had. When I went to my first ITEC in 1992 in Kentucky,
I knew most of the pros faces from reading (devouring) our Journal.
I don't believe that more than 3 or 4 of them said anything to me more
than "Hi, how are you?" I quickly figured out that I was going to have to
initiate conversations for THE PROS to get to know me. I have a rather
outgoing personality so it wasn't too difficult so when I went to my next
ITEC at Northwestern in 1995, several knew me and I met and introduced
myself to several more PROS. I was a regular at the USABTEC in DC and
met many more that way. The point I am making is that you have to be
visable and vocal to be known. Guess what? It worked.

Now, to the point that ITEA is an organization by and for professional
players and Academics. Guess what? That was the orginal focus and even
mission of the organization. I think someone along the way within ITEA
finally realized the demographics problem we face as Euphonium and Tuba
players . . .there are a fixed (and dwindling) number of professional
playing jobs as well as academic positions. I have said for years (and
only recently been heard) that if you want to see the future of our ITEA,
go visit a middle school, high school, or community orchestra or band.
The organization, in order to survive, must actively engage and recruit
new membership from these sources. I firmly believe that this is happening,
although not as fast as some of us would like. I also believ that ITEA is
going in the right direction with policy concerning conferences. That is
another issue for another time.

Best regards,

Bart Collins
Twin City Tuba Band


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