To: "VOCALIST" <vocalist>
Subject: Re: Re:Tourette Syndrome
Date sent: Wed, 2 Feb 2000 23:39:32 -0800
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>


> > To all who responded re Tourette syndrome I thnk you, I am more
enlightened
> > for it.
>

Hi Laura, I was going to respond to your email, but got really busy...
so now I am responding after you do the thanking part. :).

I once had a piano adjudicator at a large local competition who had
Tourette syndrome. It was quite evident from the start of the competition -
and a little unnerving for the young students who were nervous as it was!!
I think the difficult part was the noises he made when the students were
playing.
However, when he was on stage, working with each performer later, his
playing was not affected by the syndrome at all! It was a little uncanny...
and I think the students were all surprised. One of my friends had been
warned by one of the co-ordinators that her adjudicator "had a little
syndrome, but don't worry, he is a fine musician, and there is nothing to be
afraid of." I think this is a good thing - simply b/c something like
Tourrette's can seem intimdating, especially to younger performers already
nervous by the competition atmosphere. I had not had this warning before I
competed, and I admit, was a little taken aback. He was, however, a very
fine adjudicator, as well as a kind person.

Just sharing my experience.

Fiona