 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2007-07-24 16:55
In Re: to the "Top 5" thread (Minnesota has, as far as I can remember, never been a Top 5 even though there are times when it might be considered as such - the US "Top 5" have traditionally been New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Chicago, and Boston, with the other ones we named being considered secord or third tier, rightly or wrongly), I came across an interesting article:
American Orchestras: The Sound of Trouble
If you're not familiar with all the names or think maybe the salaries are a bit off ... check the date on the article.
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Author: crnichols
Date: 2007-07-24 23:11
That is an interesting article.
I do think it is a cause for optimism, as it was published over 38 years ago. It's clear that as much as we talk about live music being in "trouble," there is obviously a way to adapt and overcome. Clearly there were financial troubles 38 years ago, and still are today. The fact is that these organizations are still in existence today, so something must have been done right. I think the fact of the matter is that as long as administrations don't ignore a problem, but actively seek ways to address it and express desire to justify the need for their existence, they will continue to thrive on some level. Albeit, things will always be changing, but that's a fundamental concept of survival, regardless of the type of business or organization.
Christopher Nichols, D.M.A.
Assistant Professor of Clarinet
University of Delaware
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2007-07-25 00:37
Although I feel totally unqualified to address this issue, I do have some thoughts that I would like to share.
When I was growing up in Chicago back in the 50's, one of my favorite programs (believe it or not!) was watching the Lawrence Welk show. (I just recently recorded part of a 1958 LW show in which Pete Fountain was featured in two numbers. WOW!! Absolutely incredible playing, IMHO!!).
Anyway, the point I think I'm trying to make is that on a weekly basis, I was exposed to an orchestra playing on TV. Today, I don't see this except every now and then on the PBS channel.
There are actors and actresses who are earning millions of $$$$$ just to play a role on TV. I wonder if the budget for a popular TV show is less than, equal to, or more than it would cost to put a symphony on TV...
Everything seems to be driven by advertising dollars. That's what pays all of the exorbitant salaries. So why aren't advertisers willing to support a symphony or an orchestra playing on TV?
Well, from what I see on TV today, it appears that people want more than hearing something beautiful. They want to be shocked! They want to feel excited! They want to feel the adrenalin flowing through their veins like a basketball or football game would provide. People also enjoy mysteries. I always try to figure out "who done it" on various shows that I watch.
Perhaps listening to a symphony might be considered "dull entertainment" when compared with what's on the tube today.
Listening to truly beautiful music is like absorbing the sight of flowers. Many beautiful flowers go unnoticed simply because people don't know how to appreciate them.
So, how do we remedy this situation? I believe that along with math, history, science, geography and other mandatory subjects that are now taught in our schools, they need to add just one more: Music appreciation.
I remember being in high school back in the early 60's. Horticulture was an elective. UGH!!! I thought, no way did I want to take that class. Now...I wish it had been mandatory. I would like to appreciate flowers more but I can't seem to increase my enthusiasm to the point of spending more time with them. Now, had I taken that class... Who knows?
There have been discusions on this board about schools cutting band classes because of the expense involved. Wouldn't it cost less to hire a teacher who would play prerecorded music and expose students to some of the finest music ever recorded by major symphonies and orchestras?
Exposure is the key!
All of the above are simply rambling opinions of an old retired man who wishes he could play the clarinet again.
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2007-07-25 15:28
Recent article in the Houston Chronicle stated the Houston Symphony has made a remarkable turnaround. They've made a profit the last two years and next season looks promising as well.
John
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Author: ChrisArcand
Date: 2007-07-25 16:05
"Wouldn't it cost less to hire a teacher who would play prerecorded music and expose students to some of the finest music ever recorded by major symphonies and orchestras?"
There is an infinite number of examples where common sense in Why-wouldn't we-be-able-to-spare-a-dime-out-of-the-loaded-budget-of-other-things is thrown out the window.
CA
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Author: brycon
Date: 2007-07-25 17:03
I've lived in Houston the past five years, and I don't know anything about a huge turnaround. I have yet to be to a symphony concert that has been close to selling out. Moreover, I've heard many rumors (from symphony members) about cost cutting.
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Author: Ed Granger
Date: 2007-07-25 19:20
I'm curious to know how programming has changed. Is it a matter of retaining a certain core of folks who are attracted to earlier art music, continuing to play the same war horses, or have some orchestras been more daring, or have some turned to "lite" programming? In other words, the orchestras are surviving; are they more or less similar entities to 40 years ago, or has there been a significant shift musically (i.e. a change beyond more creative fund raising)?
Ed
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Author: Gandalfe
Date: 2007-07-25 20:51
Great read. I sent a pointer to this post to those of my relatives who are hired by some the orchestra's listed. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say. :o)
Jim and Suzy
Pacifica Big Band
Seattle, Washington
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Author: Dan Shusta
Date: 2007-07-25 21:49
Ed, I enjoyed reading your response.
I believe that although there has been a shift musically, to stay alive, I believe orchestras simply play whatever music attracts an audience that can pay the ticket price.
There are many seniors around that still absolutely love the music from the 30's to the 50's. Several years ago, on a whim, I walked into a nursing home and asked if they had a double keyboard organ. They did and I put on an a short concert to a room full of people. Because I knew a lot of music from the 40's and 50's, they really enjoyed themselves. Now my point...could they have afforded a ticket to go hear an orchestra playing that same kind of music? I don't think so.
To me, unfamiliarity with classical music coupled with high ticket prices spells disaster. However, even if the music is known and loved, if the patron can't afford a ticket, the orchestra would probably vaporize.
This is why when I watch large musical presentations on PBS, many commercial sponsors are usually mentioned. It takes money...lots of money to keep orchestras going today.
Remember the Sammy Kay orchestra? Or how about the Jackie Gleason orchestra? I'm sure there was a long list of orchestras back in the 40's and 50's. As a kid, I used to look at a lot of LP record covers which usually featured pictures of them on the large front cover. How did they manage to have so many back then which were successful?
Hmmm...I wonder if the emergence of the electric guitar really began to revolutionize everything. I don't know. Even Lawrence Welk had an electric guitar in his orchestra.
Perhaps it's just laziness! After all, it's a lot easier to just sit in front of the TV than get dressed up, drive the possibly long mileage to the music hall and hope you find a parking place, then walk the distance to your designated seat. Then when it's over, think of the traffic mess that's sure to follow!!
All kidding aside, I don't have the answer, but, I really would like to know.
I guess we'll just have to wait until somebody far more knowledgeable than me posts a response.
Actually I would love to hear from professional players who currently play in a thriving orchestra and even from professionals who used to play in an orchestra that no longer exists.
Is it simply that the player's salaries have gone too high? Could it be as simple as that??
Well, there's my penny's worth. (Sorry, I don't think my opinions are worth the usual $0.02)
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Author: jbutler ★2017
Date: 2007-07-26 01:36
Don't know about your status with the symphony brycon. I was just giving a "Cliff Notes" version of an article I read in the Houston Chronicle a few weeks back. There wasn't much in the article about "sold out" concerts but rather the fund raising efforts of the symphony society especially after the Enron collapse. The article did state the symphony is in the black. Now, I didn't keep the article and can not reference the date. Perhaps it can be found online in the arhives. Yes, here is the link to the article:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/4972517.html
jbutler
Post Edited (2007-07-26 01:44)
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