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edguerin -> RE: **CANTE CHALLENGE ENTRIES** (Oct. 17 2009 9:50:34)
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quote:
Generally it is not a good policy to discuss grades with Students (I learned that at my own expense, stirring nervous grudges over claims of discrimination, negligence and incompetence by the lower graded). However, the educational opportunity such discussion will lend, should outweigh any concern that it may also stimulate a confrontation where a conversation should be in order.
The thorough commentaries Jason, Norman and Ricardo offered are invaluable lessons for both the contestants and the audience. But each may indeed offend a sensitive musician, while the more articulated the “opinion” the Judge offers the more it also offers its flank to further challenge and appeal.
While taste is an absolute subjective measure, technical critique is objective and as such, can be challenged on the (lack of) accurate application of the objective standards invoked by the Judge.
We should not forget that each judge is devoting time to listen carefully (over and over) to each submission, and then time to draft his opinion and score. In doing so, as frank as Judges have been, they carefully crafted their comments to avoid insulting the participants. After all, one may shine in one challenge, a concert or CD while performing miserably in another contest. Comments are not defining the caliber of the musician, but simply the relative and specific performance submitted, we should not forget that.
Ricardo, one of my favorite musicians on this Foro, submitted his rendition of Tomatitio’s “la Ardila” quite below his standards, as we have come to know them and admire them. The Judges’ comments whether from incompetent, such as I am, and more learned members, uniformly punished his (admittedly) hurried performance. That competition which saw our own “giants” at play, hurt the sensitive feelings of a few as well. I remember being myself quite disturbed, and even offered an apology, for offering a “blonde” judgment in a challenge which called for more prepared arbitrators than I am.
I suggest we need to see this as in law we see the difference between a “Judge” and a “Jury”. That is what we have here, not professional judges but a jury, one constituted by our peers who are offering their judgment acting on a simple set of instructions. Can we challenge the “Jurors’ ” findings? No we cannot and should not… not unless they show egregious misconduct, corruption of opinion, bias or insanity.
Within the limits of each Juror’s knowledge, and available time, it seems that all judges have acted in good faith, and have devoted their passionate time to offer as sound an evaluation as we could afford and ask of anyone. These protests, as cute as they are, will ultimately deter members from acting as judges. I –for instance- took it truly to heart when people wrote on the Forum that the Ardila’s challenge had been compromised by (basically) “ half witted and ignorant of Flamenco” judges.
When we receive summons to serve on a Jury here in the US, most will excogitate formidably creative excuses to avoid serving. We don’t want that spirit on this Forum.
To offensively impugn the Judges (or Jurors)’s verdicts is simply wrong and counterproductive, regardless of how sincerely we disagree with them.
We can all harbor the self indulging relief to our disgruntled disappointment that, had it been a different jury so would the outcome…. But if we voice that too loudly, there ain’t gonna be no more Juries!!!
I totally agree!
It's why I only posted scores and no comments.
I (still) am willing to act as judge/juror in future contests (where qualified).
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