- Many people are surprised to learn
that getting tenure is a part of the orchestral process.
Whereas in academia it's a well-known fact.
However, tenure does exist in orchestras
and your goal should be to receive tenure
as quickly as possible.
Different orchestras handle it different ways.
I can't honestly remember
what the Rochester Philharmonic's system was,
but I do remember that it was a two year process
in San Francisco.
With regular reviews
from which I received written suggestions.
And I found that extremely helpful.
In Boston it was only a one-year process,
with a middle of that year review.
When people are evaluated for tenure,
of course, the first thing that's discussed is the playing.
However, and this is a very important however.
Another aspect is how well a person is fitting in,
to the orchestra and to the section involved.
It's very important to remember
that you must be a good colleague.
You have to be supportive of others.
And I feel that it's really important
if someone has played something beautifully
to give them a little commendation,
either with a very subtle shuffle
or just applauding with your fingertips
lightly on your knees.
I can't tell you what a difference that makes
in a professional performance.
Just feeling that you have the support
and appreciation of those around you.
You also need to be willing to work for your orchestra.
And there are many different ways that you can do that.
The Boston Symphony for example,
had dinners before concerts.
And orchestra members were asked to speak at those dinners,
or sometimes to go before the media and speak on television.
There are committees on which you can serve.
It's extremely important to be a good citizen.
Then, if you're being considered for tenure
assuming you're playing as, an absolutely impeccable level,
if you're also an indispensable member of the orchestra,
it's a no brainer.
One thing I remember very clearly
when I was in the finals of the Boston Symphony,
was Harry Shapiro making a call
as assistant personnel manager
to the San Francisco Symphony.
I learned about this later.
He said to some people in the orchestra,
we know that she's a good flutist.
What kind of a person is she?