Author Archive for Bill Eddins
Bill Eddins is Music Director of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. A native of Buffalo, N.Y., he currently resides in Minneapolis with his lovely wife Jen, a clarinetist, and their two boys Raef (AKA Raefster; Munchers) and Riley (AKA Squeaky; The Imp; Dr. No). Bill has many non-musical hobbies including: cooking, eating, discussing food, and planning dinner parties as well as being quite fond of biking, tennis, reading, and pinball.
Those Who Can’t Do Redux – Maestro Myths
As I expected there was some very interesting feedback from my recent conductor rants. Personally, I find the fact that the secret society of The Golden Baton didn’t send the Mahler Ninjas to disrupt my concerts last week quite surprising – whether that means that I’m just too small time to merit their attention is [...]
… and if you CAN do…. A.K.A. – Another Inconvenient Truth
I’m an equal opportunity kind of guy. Since in my last post I called into question all those working conductors out there who don’t play their instruments anymore, I feel it’s only fair to look at another side of the coin – players who are driven to pick up the baton. I’m starting to feel [...]
Those who can’t do…… A.K.A. – An Inconvenient Truth
I have probably already posted about this topic, but since I have started off this year seemingly determined to aggravate, irritate, and generally annoy everyone in the business whom I possibly can, I think it’s about time to tackle this issue once more. To wit….. what has happened to the conductor who still plays their [...]
Grammys? Who cares!!!!
It’s that time of year again. The Grammy Awards are all the talk of the business, and once again there is the yearly bellyaching about how the Classical Grammy awards aren’t shown on TV. Well……. who cares?
Time for a CONTROVERSY!!!
I had a revelation the other day, and since this is the age of instant communication I decided to post it on Facebook immediately. I knew that it was going to drive some people, many of them good friends of mine and respected colleagues, completely insane, but occasionally one has to open up the floodgates [...]
The Missing Piece…
It’s been a horrible year for the Arts in this hemisphere, so it is such a relief to be able to celebrate great news from one of our sister organizations. But there’s one little problem- there’s a missing piece…
In the City of Big Shudders…
Wow. I had to re-read the article for a third time today because it just didn’t make sense the other two times. There’s an orchestra in the United States of America that’s threatening to go on strike? In these economic times? Guess denial ain’t just a river in Egypt, or in Chicago for that matter.
Reflections – Life beyond Music
I’m starting a post today that is somewhat personal yet I think reflects an issue faced by many of my colleagues who make their living in orchestras. We all know that classical music faces some fundamental problems in the world today, and we are all very good at pointing the finger at various aspects of [...]
“Ahhhhhh……… BACH! ………. But How’s His Curve?”
It’s nowhere near the 21st day of March yet Die Älte Mensch has been making his presence felt in my life in the most interesting of ways. When that happens my mind immediately moves to the topic of Arts Education.
It’s Worse Than We Thought….
I have noticed lately, with some horror, what now passes for “Arts journalism.” Arts journalism, especially Classical Music journalism, seems to have taken a dive. The expression “dumbing down” comes to mind. Or perhaps that’s just self-preservation on their part.
“Of Course, You Know, This means GWAR!”
Facebook is a very dangerous place. You can find yourself deep in all sorts of either totally ludicrous exchanges or heavy philosophical discussions. Sometimes those “friends” of yours can pose a real challenge as did one of mine recently. Here’s my response:
The Passing of an Era…
I am deeply sad today. This year has had it’s share of depressing moments, but in the space of 1 1/2 months I have lost my two biggest inspirations. Please allow me to pay tribute….
JW Turner wrote:
Bill Eddins wrote:
patty wrote:
Drew McManus wrote:
Ron Spigelman wrote: