Bassist Plays It Neutral
item from the L.A. Times:
Bassist Plays It Neutral
Why is it that the bass player in the rear row of the L.A. Philharmonic
(small stature, baldish) never joins in playing "The Star-Spangled Banner"?
Can't someone teach him the score? Or does our national anthem offend him?
It's very noticeable and annoying to us and our guests.
PETER W. GEIGER
Encino
Rachelle B. Roe, the Philharmonic's associate director of public relations,
responds:
Please be advised that this player is a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
He has complete respect for the government of the United States of America.
However, his religious belief calls for complete neutrality. He cannot give
his allegiance to a flag or country; he can only give his allegiance to
God's kingdom.
Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide share this belief and this promotes unity
among them. The Los Angeles Philharmonic does not interfere with the
religious beliefs or private lives of its musicians.