who is sheldon smith?

[Richard Brekne]

Mr Creasy:

I understand that you have experienced working with what you experience as a
very high quality technician in Sheldon. I personally know nothing of the man,
so I have no chance of having a personal opinion on his qualifications, I simply
have to take for granted that what you and others have stated about this man
represent a relatively clear picture of a highly professional technician, above
the norm.

Regardless of his experience and qualifications, you must be aware that the San
Fransisco / Oakland area is a very large area indeed, with some of the nations
best Universities and a cultural life superior to many other cities of
comparable size in the US. That being the case I am very sure indeed you will
find that there are Techs in the area who are able to step into Sheldons shoes,
and in time (if not immediately) fill them. This is an opportunity for you, to
get to know better the technician community in the Bay Area and I would
encourage you to do so. PTG members are by and large dedicated proffesionals who
sincerely want to become as good at what they do as they can. Again, attend some
of the local chapter meetings, get to know these fine folks, and if you feel the
need to.. audition some of them for whatever position you have in mind.

No technician of the quality you refer to will just "move" into San Fransisco
without having a specific position such as the one you mention at Davis Symphony
Hall or at the University of Berkeley.  If these institutions post a national
add looking for someone to fill these positions as fomally salaried employees,
then import of some such tech would perhaps be realistic. Untill that happens,
you are best served by finding the best that the Bay area has to offer. I have
no doubt whatso ever that San Fransiscos finest, are very fine indeed.

Richard Brekne
I.C.P.T.G.  N.P.T.F.
Bergen, Norway

James Creasy wrote:

> i'm sorry i was not clear in my initial request about technicians.
>
> sheldon was the chief technician at Davis Symphony Hall, home of the San
> Francisco Symphony and many concerts of all types.  he was also chief tech
> at UC Berkeley and rebuilt almost all of the concert instruments there, as
> well as being the technician and rebuilder for many of us with smaller
> careers in the bay area.
>
> i am a semi-professional pianist with a good steinway B and have played and
> performed on many fine concert instruments across the country.  i have also
> apprenticed as a piano technician but never worked as one.
>
> sheldon was not an easy person to have as a technician. his quality of
> perfectionism made him often many hours late- working on other projects, and
> i needed to book him 3 months in advance.  even then he would often
> reschedule at the last moment.  he was very generous but could be moody.
>
> but i greatly appreciated his skill and commitment to my instruments,
> supporting my career and providing a center to a musical community.
>
> a technician contributes their artistry to the performance and possibilities
> of my instrument, and i seek (and will be deeply thankful) for a technician
> that will help me in this lifelong pursuit.   losing sheldon as this partner
> in music and as a friend was a terrible loss to me and our musical
> community.
>
> there is an opportunity here for a technician interested in a group of
> clients that are very appreciative, knowledgeable, skilled and own top notch
> instruments.  which is what i originally meant to say! :)
>
> -james creasy
> berkeley, ca
> www.klio.net/piano