Master Class: Working With and For the Opposite Sex

Those who entered Corbett Auditorium might have wondered if a panel discussion entitled “Working With and For the Opposite Sex” would turn rancorous or worse yet, into a two-hour litany of complaints – not so. Indeed, after about a half-hour of optimistic reflections on how irrelevant the gender issue has become, I had to encourage people to voice some of the problems that still remain. There still are difficulties for women brass players working comfortably and successfully in a “man’s world,” but the problems are fewer than ever before.

I am grateful to our five panelists, Stacy Baker, Rebecca Bower Cherian, Randy Gardner, Marvin Stamm and Ernie Toplis, for their thoughtful and sincere participation. Also, I was impressed by how many people (approx. 100) attended this panel discussion, and that almost everyone there had anecdotal stories and insights of their own to share. We had representation from classical orchestral players, jazz players, military musicians, teachers from the university level and younger, and music management.

One of the most moving and impressive testimonials came from the fine jazz musician Marvin Stamm, who chronicled the change in prevailing attitudes during his lifetime. He described the almost continual growth and open-mindedness needed to adjust to the rapidly changing social norms, and how this has been a fascinating, illuminating, and even humbling experience for him.

Another moving story came from tubist Kathy Brantigan (The Denver Brass), who described the near-breakup of her brass quintet, made up of three women and two men. Only after the group listened together to a book on tape about the different communicative and decision-making styles of men and women did they gain insight into each other, and learn how to work together more effectively. The result was that the group stayed together, and operated more smoothly than they had before.

Some of the other issues discussed included the need for picking one’s battles wisely, while not being afraid to be assertive, and learning how men and women can communicate more effectively. Additional topics covered were how and when to bring a complaint to “a higher authority,” the importance of establishing a society of friends and supporters within one’s workplace, and the still-present “glass ceiling” (the minority of women brass musicians as principals, lead players, department chairs, etc.).

After two hours, we had to leave Corbett to make room for Dr. Donald Greene’s fantastic presentation on Optimal Performance. Many discussions continued out in the hallway, a sure sign that we had tapped a well of concern and interest on a topic of importance to all brass musicians, men and women alike.

Respectfully submitted by Laurel Ohlson, panel discussion moderator