Klarinet Archive - Posting 000319.txt from 1994/11

From: Fred McKenzie <Frederick.McKenzie-1@-----.GOV>
Subj: Re: contemporary music
Date: Wed, 23 Nov 1994 15:46:14 -0500

Responding to Dick Williams' suggestion that the Wind Band is thriving, and
playing more modern music than the Orchestras:

Dick made many good points, providing much food for thought.

Why aren't there more professional Wind Bands? That would seem like a good
question, considering the abundance of musicians. I play in a community
band, which is voluntary/no pay/pay your own way! Only the conductor
receives much pay, with a token salary for the Librarian and Band Manager.

The public supports this band enthuastically. In most cases, tickets are
free, with a collection taken near the end of a concert. However, we just
make ends meet, with expenses of around $100,000 per year. If the Musicians
were paid standard wages, it is doubtful the public would pay much to attend
concerts. (On the other hand, many of us aren't good enough to demand Pro
wages!)

Nearly 100 miles to the North, the city of Daytona Beach once had a band,
where the musicians were paid. After several years they folded. I
understand they had everything but financial support.

I think the reason for the disparity between Orchestra and Band, may be the
"commonness" of the Band. An Orchestra is something special because of its
rarity. The public doesn't think a Band is worth as much as an Orchestra.

Fred