“Call me Ishmael;” “They call me Mr. Tibbs;” “Say my Name;” You don’t even think to call me Godfather.”

There’s a conductor who introduces himself on stage, and at all other orchestra presentations as “Maestro Tom.”

I’m guessing it’s part of a strategy to break down barriers, to ward of any presence of stuffiness and elitism…to better connect with the audience.

All worthy, notable, and important goals.

Does “Maestro Tom” really work or achieve that goal?

When I hear “Maestro Tom,” I get mildly queasy. I think it’s silly. It puts me off, but that’s just me.

Might it be better to say, “Hi, I’m Tom?”

Might that be a way to connect with someone, or an audience, instantly?

Might that be a better way to break down barriers, to ward of any presence of stuffiness and elitism, with the goal of connecting with the audience.

Some might say that it’s appropriate to use a professional designation like Doctor, Professor, Senator, or Maestro, as a way of demonstrating proper decorum and respect.

Maybe none of this really doesn’t matter in the long run.

Maybe it’s small stuff, as noted in the book “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (and it’s all small stuff)” by Richard Carlson.

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“Hi, I’m Maestro Tom.”

“Hi, I’m Mr. David.”

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“Hi, I’m Tom.”

“Hi, I’m David, and I’m looking forward to tonight’s concert.”

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Just as we can pick or choose our battles, we can also choose when it’s best to sweat the small stuff.