[Perform-Talk] A Higher Standard

Fri May 20 15:13:38 UTC 2016

Dear Division,

Hmmm.. While I'm thinking about, maybe not the best word to use at this
point, ha-ha!

Seriously though, having performed in various capacities and venues, there's
a lot that goes into sound production. If all the variables are not in line,
sometimes, despite your best efforts, sound quality goes down.

You can have the best equipment in the world, but if the facility in which
you're recording does not have compatible or as high quality equipment, it
can affect sound production.

I've also personally noticed huge differences between sound engineers who
are musicians and who are not. Whenever I use to sing in church, I requested
my dad or friend ran the sound board because it was a world of difference
between them-- both being musicians-- and the regular sound guy who was not.

My point is that sometimes you do your best and glitches happen. And just
like how musicians will pick up on nuances in a performance that
non-musicians don't, the same can be said for professional and/or trained
sound engineers. And meanwhile, the general public doesn't notice a thing.
I've been around enough performers and technicians to know this. Anyone ever
been to a professional sound check? Lordy, the first time I worked with a
pro sound tech, I thought I was picky, but it was like, "Dude, can we be
done? Enough with the sounds and noises!"

I also think we have to recognize that we are a volunteer organization. Most
of us do this without being paid. Volunteerism is not an excuse for poor
quality or half-assing it in any endeavor, but we do the best we can with
what we have. Yes, the Federation has a high standard, but so should any
group or organization providing a service/product to the public. But, like
any other group, we can be limited when people don't volunteer or help out.
Having been involved in the Federation for 10 years now, I know how
difficult it can be nation-wide to procure adequate help as often as it is
needed. Sometimes we do the best we can under the circumstances.

And at the end of the day, chill the flipper out, smile. While many
accomplished and professional performers participate, the talent show is an
amateur show intended for entertainment. It's fun, a time to enjoy company,
let loose and be entertained. This isn't Star Search or American Idol. It's
pure entertainment. We should strive for excellence in all we do, but I also
think we need to remember the intent. This is supposed to be fun, guys,
don't bring the party down!

I think limiting performers in any way could lead down a trail we just don't
want to visit. Live instrumentation is best, and this is coming from someone
who has sang a lot with canned music, but a live band is always better. But
logistically, it would be difficult to exclude canned instrumentation for
those wanting to use it. There would be little to no rehearsal time for
performers and the band/musician, and not everyone is comfortable with a
cold performance. Those who have never performed with live music might be
thrown off, because it is different. And when you start placing limits,
becoming exclusionary, usually the fun factor drops. So finding musicians
willing to provide back-up and who are comfortable with little rehearsal to
accompany any performers wishing to take advantage of it is a great idea and
should be explored further. But I don't think we should exclude canned
music, if that is what a performer wants.

I haven't had an opportunity to attend national convention since 2011, but
the talent show was a highlight. It was fun and a lot of great talent
performed. I was impressed. Changes are good, and trying new things never
hurts, and always improving is key, but calling PAD and the Federation into
question because of a few recordings seems like nonsense at this point. This
isn't to say work cannot be done, or that we cannot strive for better
quality, but some of the accusations being thrown around come across as
petty, and completely in the spirit of bitterness and not in an effort to
grow and improve. Disagreements will happen. We are allowed to hold opinions
on the best way to conduct business. Feelings may even be dinted at times,
unintentionally or otherwise, but quitting, walking away and adopting surly,
argumentative attitudes does not affect change. Honestly, if anyone is done
with the Federation, discontent with so much, then don't troll the
listserves, and certainly stop asserting opinions about matters you claim to
care nothing about.

Now, please, can't we just all get along? LOL

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Perform-talk [mailto:perform-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
David Dunphy via Perform-talk
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2016 8:13 AM
To: Performing Arts Division list <perform-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: David Dunphy <discoduck221 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Perform-Talk] A Higher Standard

Hi All!
I'm really sick of people like you, Peter, putting down the division
efforts. I'm not going to speak of your experiences with other groups,
only with PAD, as I've been involved with this discussion many times
about the talent show recordings, as I've been the one who has been
doing them.
We have told you that as a division, we are short on money to have
this equipment in place. This was awhile back. I also told you that if
you wanted to help us with streaming and providing higher recording
standards for the talent show, we were interested. Instead of working
with us, quite honestly, all you did was complain instead of trying to
be helpful when we asked for your help.
For your information, this year, we plan to hook our recording
equipment into the main board for an awesome stream and audio quality.
I further feel that our current president of the NFB and this division
are both eager to see the quality of recordings and things go up.
So while I can't speak for other divisions you've worked with, to say
we didn't appreciate your concerns or help are statements that are
both unfair and silly, since I more than once told you I'd like your
help if you were willing to work with me. But complaining seemed to be
the only response we got from you. Just cause you have the equipment
to lug around, doesn't mean everyone else does.
I'm sure Julie and others will agree that we do need to improve the
standard of audio we produce, and I believe this year will be the
first year we can do that. And, if you'd like to be helpful to us,
we'd appreciate that help too. But be part of the solution, not the
problem. My email is
discoduck221 at gmail.com
If you want to work with me at a future convention, I'm down with it.
Thank you.
>From David Dunphy

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