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August 31, 2011

AND THE CYMBALS GUY WILL BE CONFINED IN A SOUNDPROOF BOX

Musicians in the BBC's orchestras have been told to chew gum and sit further apart to avoid damaging their hearing in new health and safety guidelines.

(Thanks to Mark Schlesinger)

Comments

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Maybe they could just play softer? I'm not sure you can wear earplugs when playing with an orchestra. You kind of have to hear the other parts. Chewing gum is probably not a good idea either if you're playing a woodwind instrument.

"Members of the orchestra in the "upper strings" - the violins and violas - are told they "need to be protected from piccolo (especially)" who sit behind them."

As a recovering viola player, I'm pretty sure that we can take care of the piccolos. Just don't ask any questions.

is that movement really necessary?

Agreed, Cindy. Putting chewing gum in the ears doesn't really work very well, especially if it's moist from chewing, rather hard to remove.

However over the (full) ear headphones or in-ear earbuds may help.

We went to a concert last week (Chicago the band - awesome), and I had to tear up a (clean) tissue and make homemade earplugs, it was so loud. Not complaining, since we were so close I could see all their wrinkles.

I wish Monty Python's Flying Circus could have a go round with this breaking study of BBC musicians hearing.

Garrett Morris: THE TELEGRAPH REPORTS NEW HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR MUSICIANS IN THE BBC’S ORCHESTRAS! THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD TO CHEW GUM AND SIT FURTHER APART TO AVOID DAMAGING THEIR HEARING!

what?

ok, who was complaining that the gubmint had to step in with this study? how many deaf violinists do you know? you'd think that downtoen was knee-deep in musicians covering their ears and writhing in agony.

"Even their own playing can be stressful: "The adrenaline rush you thrive on in performance can turn under certain circumstances to unhealthy stress that is associated with raised blood pressure, compromised immunity and changes to metabolism."

how much adreniline is acceptable to these nincompoops? i suppose a job at the library would produce hearing problems by being too quiet and would screw up your blood pressure by being to boring. GAAH!

Prime example of bureaucrats with not enough to do. Someone needs an oboe solo sideways.

Percussionists can play and chew gum at the same time? Who knew?

Why are there no warnings about truly dangerous instruments like accordions and bagpipes?

a colonoscopy performed on a bassoon... hm...

If an orchestra played Stravinsky and nobody was listening, would it make a sound.

I've heard they told the trombone, french horn, and trumpet players to just put a sock in it. At least they had enough good sense to leave the tuba players alone. I personally play piano, guitar,violin, and iPod. The only writhing in agony I've ever seen is in the person listening to me play the first 3 instruments. I also like to sing. A lot.

sits in front row for cindy's concert presentation


If a tree fell on the symphony and stopped it from making a sound...

After 25 years of marriage I've learned to do the same things to preserve my hearing. And sanity.

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