Musicians: Seated or Standing for the Pledge?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’m a pianist. At banquets, assemblies, etc., places where the pledge is likely to be said, if I’m on the piano bench, I usually remain seated while saying the pledge.

I’ve never really thought about standing. Never crossed my mind. I’m not against standing for the pledge- as a matter of fact, if I wasn’t at the piano, I’d be standing tall and proud along with everyone else. Last night, however, someone made mention that I didn’t rise up from the bench.

So, any of you other musicians (and anyone else who feels like chiming in), do you sit or stand if you are performing at a function where the pledge is spoken?

2

The traditional rationale for musicians staying seated is that it’s too much of a commotion for them to carefully put down their instruments and stand up without knocking over their music stands.

But you’re a pianist, and all you have to do is push the bench back slightly. It’s no more difficult for you to do than the people who are seated at the dais or around tables.

My gut reaction? It’s appropriate to stay seated if you’re part of an ensemble and the other musicians would stay seated. But when you’re performing alone, it’s appropriate to stand.