Dodson discusses his background, experiences performing with the Marine Band, New Orleans Symphony, and Chicago Symphony, and the audition process that led to attaining his position with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Dodson also talks about various characteristics of Eugene Ormandy as conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, including Ormandy's rehearsal technique, conducting technique (especially his downbeat) and its effect on the performers, his concept of orchestral sound (the "Philadelphia Sound") and the role of the brass section in that concept, his use of instrumental doublings, his musical memory, his skill as an orchestral accompanist, his strengths in relation to repertoire, and his final years. In addition, Dodson offers comparisons between the playing styles of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony (especially the brass sections) and between the conducting styles of Eugene Ormandy and his successor Riccardo Muti, describes his experiences performing as soloist with the orchestra, the problems involved with recording sessions under Ormandy, and his opinion of the attention New York performances by the orchestra receive.
