A conductor is getting an orchestra together for a performance but is having trouble finding a clarinet player.
Finally, he calls an agent who tells him, "Well, the only guy I've got available at this moment is this jazz clarinettist."
The conductor replies, "I can't stand working with jazz musicians! They dress lousy, they're always late, and they all have an attitude problem."
"Well," replies the agent, "that's all I've got."All right," says the conductor, "I'm getting pretty desperate,so I guess I'll have to take him."
The first rehearsal is a week later. The conductor arrives early and notices the new clarinettist, wearing a suit and tie, with a pencil on his stand,sitting on stage practicing his part.
During the rehearsal, the clarinettist plays his part quite well, and is responsive to all the conductor's requests. At the second rehearsal, a week later, the same thing happens. This time, the clarinettist turns in a nearly perfect performance.
One week later, at the final dress rehearsal, this occurs again, with the clarinettist now playing his part flawlessly.
At the break in the rehearsal, the conductor says to the orchestra, "I've got an apology to make. I was really dreading having to work with a jazz musician, but I must say that our clarinet player has certainly proved me wrong. He is always neatly dressed, he was always here early for the rehearsals, working on the part, and he has really learned the music."
Then, to the clarinet player he says, "I just wanted to tell you that I truly appreciate your effort and dedication."
To which the clarinettist replies, "Hey man, it's the least I can do,considering I can't make it to the show."
