Uniquely classic

Many jobs require employees to wear a uniform. Symphony orchestra musician usually appears on that list. The guidelines can vary from one group to another, but it usually sticks to black or black and white formal attire.

As I've watched the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra play over the years, I've noticed certain small touches of personality from a tasteful feather headband and gorgeous shoes on girls to bow ties and Afros on guys.

I never mind these individual statements. In fact, I appreciate them. They show the audience another facet of the musician. They might be playing a 19th-century composition -- and playing it well, I'm sure -- but they are firmly rooted in the present. It shows the youth in the symphony and adds a warm and accessible tone.

The flurry of commentary last month over the tiny orange dress Yuja Wang, 24, wore during her appearance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as a soloist on Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 was interesting. Opinions ranged from outrage over her appearance to applause for it to disgust that we were even talking about it. I believe that if you do not want to see, consider and comment on the appearance of orchestra members, you should buy the recording.

The movement musicians put into their performances and the gesticulations of conductors complement the life and motion composers write into the music. The dress only adds to that dimension.

I'm not saying everyone should wear whatever they want -- too much of anything can be a bad thing. But I believe a soloist such as Wang has distinguished herself musically and has every right to do so visually.

And if the orchestra members want to wander creatively through the guidelines, it only adds character to the group.