Discussion Panel: Page 33

[Jon has been traveling in Europe and having a few Internet problems – I just received this from him. Ann Drinan] I just wanted to say I’ve been reading the statements and comments so far, while on the go in Europe. It’s clear that all the panelists are working mightily to reach the communities they […]

In reply to Aaron Flagg’s comment on Day 1 : Although I understand the need to reach out to a broader constituency, I still maintain that what we do appeals primarily to a smaller percentage of the population and to that end, we need to secure that base first, even though I see the general […]

In response to Yvonne Caruthers’ statement: I love your comments about the World Cup games, and the comparison to orchestra concerts. There are, as you said, significant differences between these two events, but the degree to which people engage with the games is pretty incredible. It’s interesting to look at the analogy, try to put […]

Several panelists have eloquently expressed our collective desire for engagement/outreach efforts to have a lasting impact on individual musicians, the community, and the orchestral institutions involved. I’m glad to read Ann’s reference the MetLife Awards for Community Engagement in writing about her personal satisfaction and some community results at the Hartford Symphony. Again, administered by […]

Yvonne has asked me to elaborate on my reference to the PEAK program in Monday’s post. In October 2004, Englewood (Col) Public Schools and Englewood Arts (a 501(c)3 organization in Englewood) was awarded an $813,000 grant from the United States Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement, to conduct a three-year study of the […]

There are several things that struck me as I read the first postings of my fellow panelists: Aaron Flagg’s comment that for many orchestras it seems like an afterthought to include outreach in their mission statement. I see that played out when our education programs are funded so meagerly but top conductors and soloists earn […]

Why can’t we fill the gap? If we do not step-up to fill the gap, who will? Why shouldn’t this be the role of an orchestra? This is really our problem and we have to solve it. If not, the audience will migrate to other entertainment options. We have proven that we are more than […]

During the past three or four years, there has been much discussion about the so-called graying of the audiences. This, coupled with the diminished role of music education in our public schools, has led to great concern about the future of classical music. First of all, I think it needs to be understood that our […]

Artistic Work in Schools and Communities: the Orchestra’s Role Education and Community Engagement departments in American orchestras have grown dramatically over the last few decades, largely in response to two major trends: dwindling ticket sales and cuts to education funding in the public schools. Orchestras, which had been among the most exclusive organizations in most […]

American orchestras have been performing for school audiences and participating in civic-related events for well over 150 years, despite the recent realization by some that orchestras must be cultural citizens. The New York Philharmonic was presenting thoughtful education concerts with city school officials sitting on the orchestra’s board 50 years before Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s […]