Expectations

Recently we've been discussing that expectations produce results.  If a person is expected to perform at a high level, he will, though he won't if he's not expected to.  This topic reminded me of an article called Toby Appel's Guide to the Orchestra.  The article speaks of how different sections of the orchestra are viewed differently, and while most of it is just making fun of different instruments, much of what is explained is true of people who actually play those instruments.


Since I play the oboe, the section about oboists caught my attention immediately.  The section says that "oboe players usually develop brain tumors from the extreme air pressure built up over the years of playing".  While oboe players do not, in fact, develop brain tumors, that much air pressure really can make a person dizzy and disoriented.  Later, the article states that "oboists suffer from a serious Santa Claus complex, spending all their waking hours carving little wooden toys for imaginary children, although they will tell you they are putting the finishing touches on the world's greatest reed".  This is also true, that oboists are expected to put a lot of time and energy into making perfect reeds.


Appel says that trumpet players "can play soft and pretty during rehearsal, but watch out come concert time!" It is commonly thought that trumpet players are self-absorbed and tend to be in your face.  Of course this is not true of all trumpet players, but its being a stereotype causes trumpet players to act similarly.  What other stereotypes and expectations produce like results?