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Question: -sigh- Why does age matter!?
I would audition for certain ensembles as the youngest possible age in the group and I noticed a pattern!. They always choose the older people first!. There's a limited number of chairs and I've known people better than me that are older, but not the oldest, are much better than the older kids, but yet they'd still get in ahead!. I mean, sure!. If you're older you'd want to stay in as long as you can, but shouldn't they still pick whoever is better!? It sounds kind of bias to me!. Like, 'Oh they've been here already so let's keep them as long as we can!.' And then when it would happen the other way around, like if I'd get first chair and beat older people they'd just completely hold a grudge on me!. I mean, I see it both sides because I have been in both situations, but why can't people just be honest and except the chair they get no matter the age!?Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Age may not matter!. Experience does!. Maturity does!. As conductor of an orchestra with members ages ranging from 16 to 71!. I see a lot!.
Younger players frequently play with more energy, and older players with more feeling!.
I find that many older players ask to place a younger player with them or ahead of them!. They like to see the younger players get to lead!. They also like to share a stand with mature young players!. Most of my older players respect the talent of young players!. They however get turned off by what they consider childish behavior!.
Several of my older players are teachers of younger members!. Those teachers are the most prejudice of where students sit!.
If I were in total control of seating!. Once I got past the first chair in a section, I would place players where they would learn the most and benefit the others players the most!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

You will encounter many biases in life!. Some will work against you but some will be for you!. Take them lightlyWww@QuestionHome@Com

I've never played in an orchestra, but I've done a lot of stage acting, and have been a guitar player for 40 years, a lot of them on stage!.
So I've been through the auditioning process!.

Basically I think the problem is ingrained in people!. Older equals Experienced!. Younger means Less Experienced!.
They forget that "Talent" has no age restrictions!.
If you are talking about a school band or orchestra, you also have to realize that you are dealing with young people with varying levels of maturity and common sense!. Kids can hold grudges big time when they don't get what they want!.
So if you beat out an older kid, he's going to feel threatened and lose self esteem, thus holding a grudge like you say!.
If you are out of school, and dealing with adults, that just means they are A-holes!. A lot of people in the performing arts are both insecure AND egotistical at the same time!. It's a funny combination, but if you think about it, that's kinda what makes us do it!.

Age equals experience is not limited to music!. You see it everywhere, at work and at play!.
Notice how a lot of times a talented Rookie sits on the bench while a crusty Veteran plays!?
The older guy will get the promotion at work!.

Might as well get used to it!. It sucks, but there you go!.!.!.!.!.!.

Just play your *** off and eventually you'll get your props!.Www@QuestionHome@Com