Second Fiddle

What if second fiddle is underrated? 

To a lot of people, the role of second fiddle is likened unto a second-class citizen.  It’s like a consolation prize when you don’t make first fiddle.  By the way, I’m not just talking musically and instrumentally here.  I’m talking mostly about a mindset.  What does it take to make it in the first fiddle spot? 

Pretty much the same skills, determination and acumen it takes to play a stellar second fiddle role. 

I have a friend named John who happens to be the first chair-second fiddle in the Seattle Symphony.  John’s skills are … stellar.  He plays passages just as technically difficult as the first violins.  His finger dexterity is just as agile as the first chair people.  He can play the high notes that are required of the first chair player, and he is happy, however, as the first chair-second violinist. 

You see, we need the second fiddle.  We need the backup, the support, the contribution from the second fiddle.  We need the harmony, the counter-point the second in command gives.  And we embrace the contribution of the second fiddle. 

Playing second fiddle is actually a compliment, and a complement. 

The acclaimed second fiddle isn’t a “first” in waiting.  No, No.  He is taking advantage of his/her “right now” opportunities and the contributions to be made that only the second fiddle can make.  He/she is often the one responsible for making the music sing.

I suppose often the second fiddle isn’t as properly recognized as the first.  Sometimes his/her pay is less than first fiddle, and some of the perks bypass the second fiddle.

And he/she plays anyway, because of the sheer joy of contributing to the overall success of the symphony, the building of the group or company, or launching a man into space, or making a movie that demands the best of the co-star, and the “Also Starring.”

Do you feel stuck in a second fiddle role?

Don’t let it be a shameful thing.  Let your voice, your talent, your ideas, your contribution soar and add to the overall accompaniment. 

And wouldn’t it be something if, some fine day, you are offered the role of first chair fiddle and you choose to say “No thanks.  I’m loving what I’m doing here, at this moment in time.”

Second fiddles add harmony, counterpoint, interest and spice.

I like second fiddle.

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