Oooh. You sound like such a fun stand partner. My stand partner and I have dozens and dozens of little inside jokes that we can execute silently during rehearsals and even concerts (If we're feeling particularly obnoxious.) My current favorite is the mimed downshifting (as in a car) that we do when there is an unexpected down shift in tempo. A good stand partner is essential when the conductor has a boob sweat problem.
It's not too late to become a lady bacteriologist, Miriam.
Kate- I do love to mess around, mostly within reason and all that. I will definitely have to work on my down-shift maneuver.
Mr. Pibb (aka Cousin R!)- you are a master of the drive-by non sequitur. I don't know about bacteriology, but did you know I'm a "test mom" for Clorox? Seriously, I am a crack shot with the spray bleach.
Thank God I don't have to sit next to any whiny violists, or any violists for that matter. I'd much rather be stuck amongst the Giant Egos that infest the first violin section of the symphony I just played with all week. Actually I wouldn't. It was rather stressful, but turned out very well EXCEPT FOR the giant loud open 'A' I somehow, magically, accidentally plucked at the Extremely Quiet End (sshhhh!!!) of the 3rd mvmt (all pizz) of Tchaik 4. I can't even figure out which finger on which hand did it. The Consummately Maestro-ish Maestro had this stunned look slapped on his face. I was certain I would explode on the spot. Strangely I remained, intact, but I wouldn't be surprised if this gets me permanently fired from Playing with the Professionals...I can only hope that noone was sure it was me, and that they forgot about it soon afterwards.
A fun stand partner is vital. I am always on the lookout for people who will participate in things like The C String Challenge, or Putting Up Your Instrument at the Last Possible Moment after 43 measures of rest, or who will also actively write in fun commentary like "Whale Sounds" over a particularly ridiculous horn solo.
I once watched Cynthia Phelps and her stand partner try to make each other come in wrong by giving those little personal cues with their scrolls. It was pretty convincing, and I think if I tried that one I'd probably actually screw it up, or get the uncontrollable giggles, either of which would be blowing my cover as a Consumate Professional.
Rachael, I heard about that A-string debacle. With that fancy violin of yours, it rang and rang, echoing and growing until little old ladies fainted and the ushers had to give the season ticket holders all refunds. You're fired.
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