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If I were in charge of New York City, the pedestrian madness would stop. People would walk on the right side of the sidewalk and pass to the left. Tourists would walk in single file instead of walking four across. Times Square wouldn't exist. But if you think people's sidewalk manners are lacking, just you wait until I reveal the horror that is music conservatory students' elevator manners. Which is happening right now. So you don't have to wait for very long.
Picture with me, if you will: a harpist running from one rehearsal to another, eagerly waiting for the elevator so she can get to rehearsal with enough time to tune her humidity-stricken instrument. The elevator stops to pick her up. The doors open to reveal an elevator at maximum capacity full of people with tiny instruments like trumpets or VOCAL CORDS. They shift uncomfortably as their deeply buried consciences whisper that they should step off. They avoid eye contact. Through similar encounters, the harpist has mastered the evil eye. She stares relentlessly, trying to burn a hole into their down-turned heads. Occasionally they will even have the gall to apologize. She stares back at them with a blank expression. The harpist is late for rehearsal. She pants out an apology about the elevator being crazy busy. Everyone nods sympathetically, but no one does anything about it.
I would think singers and wind-players in particular would welcome the chance to strengthen their lungs. When harpless, I took the stairs 95% of the time. It was good exercise and increased the likelihood that I'd run into a cute guy. So why couldn't these people, with their tiny loads (unless you count their egos), step off the stupid elevator to make room for someone who truly needed it? What do you want me to do? Carry my harp up the stairs? It might be a lighter load than hauling around your ego.
Shout out to all other players of large instruments, percussionists in particular. I know you've been there too.
