SOM Country

I have come to the realization that the building I spend the most time in, Hugh Hodgson school of music, resembles some what of a country, such as America, just on a smaller scale. There are many different groups of people and common stereotypes to go along with each one of those groups. There is also a form of government in the building and a leader to control and oversee all that happens.

The students that are part of the different studios based upon instrument, are the separate social groups, and the larger groups such as orchestra, band, and chorus are the different ethnic groups. Each group, whether on the larger or smaller scale, has its own stereotype. Even the building as a whole has its own stereotype that is judged by outsiders which are part of other countries, or buildings, around campus.

Here is a break down of the stereotypes:

Band: Normally laid back, but competitive people

-flutes: “chatty Kathys” and overly confident

-oboe: organized, punctual, and also overly confident

-clarinet: usually hardworking and quiet

-bassoon: jolly, quirky, and sometimes uptight

-trumpet: very egotistical, generally annoying, and loud

-french horn: charming, lighthearted, competitive

-trombone: friendly, awkward, overpopulated

-tuba: “the big guys”, humble, confident

Orchestra: Generally uptight, competitive, and quiet

-violin: obnoxious, competitive, and controlling

-viola: intelligent and usually relaxed

-cello: humble, hardworking, and gentle

-double bass: cool, collected, egotistical

-harp: sweet and shy

Chorus: Loud, obnoxious, and occasionally nice

-soprano: uptight, airheads, and loud

-alto: obnoxious, try to overpower

-tenor: loud, sometimes dumb

-baritones: shy and barely noticeable

-bass: immature, loud, overconfident

As you can see, there are many stereotypes in one single building. The most annoying part about this though, is that almost all of the stereotypes are true. I still haven't figured whether or not people are just born that way and fate leads them into the group which they belong, or if they adapt to that certain group once they have become part of it. It seems as though the groups thrive off of each other just to feel better about themselves, receive attention, or try and feel accepted by their group. Being a french horn player, my social group isn't much to worry about, but the main characteristic I dislike most about the school of music culture is how rude, egotistical and competitive every single group is within itself and other groups within the building.

There is even a government in the building. The professors that give lessons to musicians are like senators or governors, but they control all of the people within their group and their characteristics go straight back to the stereotypes of the group they are a part of. The president of the building is usually unseen or unheard of, but somehow the groups stay in order for the most part. The worst part about the groups though, is that they resemble groups in America. Almost every single person feels the need to be better than everyone else around them so they become overly competitive, gossip for no reason, and spread rumors to tear down their opponents. So I have come to the conclusion that musicians that are part of the school of music, including me, are in their own little bubble away from the outside world and everyone in the building believes as though they are entering their competitive country when they walk through the doors.