Paper vs. Technology: who will win?!
Since the first-time humanity scribbled music on a page, one annoying problem has persisted - the dreaded page turning. Whether it's in the middle of a Star Wars solo, a sixteenth note ridden rondo or a classical concerto, the notes never can fit perfectly on a music stand - making page turning essential. There are various techniques: the classic grab page and turn, the application of finger friction to swipe the page, pulling the folded bottom corner or giving up and simply memorizing. But memorization is not foolproof and sometimes it's impracticable - just ask any pianist who's tackled the Opus Clavicembalisticum - a piece lasting a whopping four hours. The technologists - or colloquially better known as the gen zs, would tell us this is no longer a problem. Simply grab your tablet and download a hands-free digital page turning app. They may be on to something here, but a few warnings - this method requires a full battery and a sturdy stand. And don't forget, technology can fail. So, if you want to be in full control again, you might have to turn back to manual page turning.
At OPO, you will find all of these techniques being used by one musician or another. At the back, the percussion section leans heavily on classic paper, given many of our musicians play multiple instruments and require jumping from different sheet music - a difficult exercise using technology. Through the brass and woodwind sections, it's a bit more of a blend of preferences, though there are many individuals fearful of tech failure and thus rely on the printed music, including one of clarinetists and board members Felicia Persaud. Our strings section is a bit of a unique case, given many of them have seat partners playing the same music and can rely on each other to turn the dreaded page. However, whoever is given this crucial responsibility must act carefully as any wrong move can prove fatal for their music relationship. Think I'm being hyperbolic? Just do a search on YouTube. You will quickly discover some hilarious and disparaging moments.
