<p>Related, but in the same vein. </p>
<p>We were at loggerheads with my son’s chamber coach when my son insisted that he commit himself every year to the high school pit orchestra for the six to eight week rehearsal period.</p>
<p>Her concern was that it was not “serious music” (imagine heavy Russian accent), cut into his practice time, quartet rehearsals.</p>
<p>These was a program with a great professionalism, exceptional musical and stage talent and dedicated teachers. My son felt he “owed” it. I agreed, as his high school music department and peers were just as much a part of his development as a musician was his private instructor or his chamber coach.</p>
<p>You pick and choose the opportunities that serve your ends.</p>