[CAUT] In pursuit of perfection

[David Ilvedson]

I love that story....I wonder if the pianist learned anything?   

David Ilvedson, RPT
Pacifica, CA  94044


----- Original message ----------------------------------------
From: johnsond <johnsond at stolaf.edu>
To: "College and University Technicians" <caut at ptg.org>
Received: 11/1/2006 7:27:11 AM
Subject: Re: [CAUT] In pursuit of perfection


>Hi-



>This is without doubt the most difficult and frustrating point of 
>contention regarding our work.....  at least as I see it.  Obviously 
>everyone involved wants everyone else do their small part as well as 
>possible for the good of the whole, but unfortunately we sometimes end 
>up competing with each other for limited time in a limited space.  I've 
>even heard organizers say that we don't have to worry about scheduling 
>the piano technician because "he'll just work in the cracks".  There may 
>have been "cracks" in the schedule years ago, but not now.  I've had 2 
>piano events without even as much as 45 minutes open and available for 
>tuning from 7:30am till certain time that evening. What can ya do?  
>Eventually, with the right people involved, and persistent but polite 
>negotiation- that is improving.  Ultimately, or at some point, we have 
>to be able to wash our hands of an impossible situation.  For our own 
>sanity, if nothing else.

>I still remember the story F. Mohr told about a certain pianist who 
>would not stop rehearsing to allow for tuning.  Finally 20 minutes 
>before curtain he stepped aside and told him he could tune now.  
>Bravely- Mr. Mohr declined.  "I don't do miracles", he said.   The 
>papers later noted how unfortunate it was that the piano never got tuned. 

>good luck,

>dennis johnson
>St. Olaf College