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

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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