William Revelli was a legendary Director of Bands at the University of Michigan for decades. I didn’t know that when he stepped on the podium to rehearse the high school clinic band I was in at the Morehead State University. There were six bands. I was in the top (Honor) band and had earned the first chair. That was a pretty big deal — and so was he.
Two remembrances of that Honor Band experience. These are the only two things I remember. I can’t tell you what we played or anything else. But these made a lasting imprint.
At precisely the start time for the rehearsal, Dr. Revelli stepped onto the podium, introduced himself, pointed to two empty chairs and asked that they be removed. Some of us could see the two girls walking quickly toward the stage via the auditorium isle. When they got the the stage, Revelli asked what they were doing.
“We’re in this band.”
“No. You’re not. There are no more chairs.”
“What are we supposed to do?”
“Go tell someone to put you in a different band.
My rehearsal has already started.”
And then, he turned to ME and asked me to stand. He asked my name and turns to the band and introduces me as their Concert Master. And then, he asked me to play a tuning note. I did.
After a pause, he asks me to play it again. I did.
“No, play the same note you played the first time.”
(He was saying I didn’t match my first pitch.)
“I can do that.”, said the 4th chair clarinet guy
“No, you cannot. You are not the Concert Master.”
And then, rehearsal proceeded.