"I will never criticize you for taking a risk in here," the orchestra director said to the class.
"Hmmm," I thought. "We have to show up on time for rehearsals and concerts and play the music as written, in tune and in time, and with the loud and soft dynamics that are indicated. We're not playing jazz, where some degree of improvisation is allowed. What risks are we allowed to take? Are we allowed to shout, 'Shazam! That's a riveting solo!' while rehearsing a concerto? Are we allowed to invent our own counterpoint in a time signature that differs from that of the piece? Is it permissible to start speaking in tongues during a concert if the spirit moves us?"
I still wonder what risks the director would have allowed.
