<html> <body> At 06:29 PM 1/6/2008, pianotech-request@ptg.org wrote: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">Subject: Being called on stage Message: 9 Like most of us, I have had to tune for various artists who come to this country from other places. However, may I relate to you a story about one of my first major concert tunings in Australia for a now recognised Australian pianist named Roger Woodwood.</blockquote> I believe that's Roger Woodward. He is on the faculty where I work (San Francisco State University). <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">The piano was a 'D' and as was the case in those days, (1965), the piano was hired by the Melbourne Town Hall for all concerts. It was in good condition and never caused too many problems. I prepared it prior to the performance and took many hours ensuring that all was well. At interval, I was summoned to the dressing room, and told by the maestro that the 'G' above middle 'C' was OUT. As this was the first time I had to confront an audience of any description, I too was applauded as I made my way to the piano, much to my chagrin and embarrassment. I was forced to put my head inside the piano, due to the noise, to hear the offending note, which in fact was not offending, and I did not have to touch it.  I returned to the dressing room and just remarked that all was well. At the conclusion of the performance I was again called back, and RW thanked me for fixing that note, as it was driving him mad!!</blockquote> Yup, that's Roger. He'll complain about all kinds of things, demand al kinds of stuff  - and then thank you profusely (sometimes with a bottle of good wine). <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">I think nerves were a major contributing factor in this case, as he like me, was quite young and inexperienced. </blockquote> Hmm... Age and experience have done little for the nerves...  But he puts on one heck of a performance... Israel Stein <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite="">To prove that point, I had to loan him the studs off my shirt, as he forgot to bring his, and he was wearing white socks with his tails, which had to be swapped for black ones,with a member of the orchestra. Duty tuners in those days had to wear a dinner suit for all performances. How things have changed. Cheers, David Lawson Wangaratta Australia.</blockquote></body> </html>