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Questions for Discussion for Substitute Soloist

1. How often do you attend classical music concerts? 

If you often attend such concerts: What are some of your expectations? What kinds of music do you most like to hear? Do you choose concerts based on the musicians, the conductor, the repertoire, or the soloist(s)?

If you rarely attend concerts, why don't you attend them more often? What would need to change for you to choose to attend more often?

2. When you think of a classical music concert, what are some images that come to mind? In general what would you expect of the audience members? The musicians? The support staff? The donors?

3. Have you attended a concert where obvious mistakes happened? What was the audience's reaction? The musicians' reaction? The conductor's reaction? Your reaction?

4. What would make for a good soloist: repertoire, style, expertise, reputation, or . . . . .?

5. Morais conducts in part with his personality. Why is that a positive factor? Why is it problematic?

6. Andy does favors for Morais even though he doesn't want to. Is Morais justified in asking? Is Andy justified in agreeing to help?

7. Locations in the book include Tucson, Lyon, Delft, and San Luís Potosí. Have you been to any of these places? What were some of your experiences? 

8. Andy faces some special challenges in this installment. How would you feel if you had to suddenly fill in for your own boss? What might you change if given the chance?

9. Rachel questions Andy's motives in helping Morais. Is she justified in asking such questions? Why or why not? 

10. Andy is forced into positions that are above his pay grade--and maybe beyond his abilities. When you face challenges, what makes you rally? What do you most fear? What gives you the greatest sense of success?