[Perform-Talk] A Higher Standard

Fri May 20 17:49:39 UTC 2016

Alright, so we  officially lose the right to say that there was never discussion on this list  from a number of members! lol
 Then again, it is said that controversy makes for good conversation  *smile*
 Seriously though, I would have to  agree with the ideas expressed on the success  of the  talent show so far,  as the results in terms of attendance seem to   speak volumes.
   I think that the most important thing  that should come from the talent show is that the people attending enjoy the    experience as much as the performers do.   I might even say that  another bonus result might be  that the show inspires those who might customarily be  a part of the audience to consider performing themselves and from this they might gain enough confidence to consider performing once they get back home, or just  plain gain  confidence which we want our blind brothers and sisters to gain anyway.

 I think that the mark of a good division, chapter,or any sort of organization is that they be open to new ideas.   Often the people in charge of making decisions won’t know of all of the people who might have  an interest or a talent that might help move forward the larger vision of a given activity or project. This is where the person who believes  they have the talent or idea that might be useful can bring their idea  to the attention of someone involved with the planning  and see what is said.  Sometimes the answer is “yes”, sometimes the answer is “no”, but hopefully a reason is given one  way or another.

Many times   individuals in leadership might find that there are more people with a negative thing to say, than a positive thing to add or a willingness to take part in changing things for the better.  This doesn’t mean that hearing about what is wrong or needs to be fixed is something unwelcome by good leadership, but  that it is just as helpful to bring  solutions and willingness to be a part of  those solutions as it is to bring the problems forward.
 Peter feels as if he is not needed in the organization, that his energy, skill and  talent is not appreciated here.  I respect how he feels and am disheartened  that he feels this way.  
 The truth is that  the NFB is an organization for anyone who believes in the true  ability of the blind as full participants in society  and the full capacity of the blind in all of our various facets  as human beings. We   want anyone who wants to be a part of the movement to know that they are welcome.
  I don’t think that any of us here believe our organization to  be perfect, and not all of our members value  others in our movement  in the same way.  But I think that for the most part we are accepting of individuals  for who they are and what they bring, and we certainly hold that expectation for  anyone who considers themselves members.
 I appreciate that peter   expresses his concerns here, and I encourage him to  talk to those  who he feels don’t appreciate him. If he feels as if it is not worth his time thenI am afraid that there isn’t much that can be done from that point. 

               .

> On May 20, 2016, at 8:13 AM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Perform-talk <perform-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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