Discussion Panel: Page 34

Classical music is an art form that thrives on new interpretations and cultural influences. Currently, it is thirsting for new oases from which to sustain its artistic vibrancy. The supply of musicians exists, as The Sphinx Organization has learned through direct experience, to attain diversity without any sacrifice of quality. The challenge is to achieve […]

As is often the case, changing how we describe something helps us better focus on what is our real intent and our desired outcome. So it is with the recent change in how we describe the various actions orchestras are taking to better connect with their broader community. The shift from “outreach” to “community engagement” […]

The National Arts Centre Orchestra faces a slightly different problem than most orchestras when it comes to music education. Our mandate is both local and national in scope. Playing both roles is no easy task in a country the size of Canada. Our strategy has been to place great emphasis on community involvement, as this […]

If you watched the World Cup matches on TV a few weeks ago, you felt like you were on the field with the players (even though you were at home and they were in Germany). You could see them sweating and concentrating; you could even hear them shouting back and forth. You watched the games […]

It is with great excitement that I write this opening dialogue for Polyphonic.org and the Engaging the Community VDP. My work at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra has revolved around the central question: How do we create and sustain high-quality educational environments in a cultural institution while breaking down barriers and providing accessibility for all people […]

I felt myself inspired in the late 1980s to become intensely involved with educational outreach. Although I had been teaching private lessons in the Denver area for more than 15 years, that was the extent of my activity with music education. My interests, though, were never far from wondering about our orchestra’s limited involvement in […]

The August Virtual Discussion Panel, Engaging the Community, focuses on symphonic educational and community outreach programs, often referred to as community engagement. We’ve put together a panel of musicians and symphonic education directors, plus a music director and a board member, all of whom have a great deal of experience in designing and running the […]

Excuse my rambling today. I write these after a 14 mile night bike ride with 3 hours in an Opera pit in the middle. The conversation has certainly became freewheeling and all encompassing. First, what wonderful insights from Tony Christie, Assistant Principal Cello in the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. I wanted to add something more on emotion: […]

I have really enjoyed reading all of the comments of both the panelists and the write-in comments, and I’m sorry we can’t go on another week, as I feel things are just starting to percolate here. So as a final thought for the week, I thought I would make a case for some of these […]

It has been most interesting to read all my colleagues contributions. I do believe that there are many among us composers who want to contribute not only with great works, but also as positive forces of change. I also believe that there are many musicians, conductors and music administrators that want to give a chance […]