Orchestral Research Update

October 1, 2012 at 10:08 PM

Hello all,

Some of you may be aware of my recent research in orchestral matters, specifically concerning violinists. It all seems a bit bizarre, perhaps, as orchestras are facing gut-wrenching pay cuts and lock outs. However, I am opting to remain positive. ICSOM Bruce Ridge has a wonderful article on this very topic:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-22/entertainment/ct-ent-0822-classical-icsom-20120822_1_orchestras-symphony-musicians-opera-musicians

While the title is "Message to Symphony Orchestras in Troubled Times: Think Positive", I am sure Mr. Ridge does not mean this flippantly or in a patronizing way to those involved in said orchestras. It is an encouraging article and one that I re-read from time to time.

However, the main point of this blog is to inform any of you who are interested in my research to please let me know, and I will be more than happy to give you what I have thus far. I have interviews, information regarding 100 music programs in the US, surveys, and information concerning auditions for violinists. For more details, please feel free to email me, and I will extrapolate further. I can also keep you apprised as I conduct research, should you be interested in further developments. The information I posted previously is now outdated.

It is my hope to be published in ASTA at some point within the next year. As a professional orchestral musician I believe it is my responsibility (and it is my desire) to continue encouraging students in exploring the orchestral world, and recognize the importance it has always had in the history of music and music performance. Though times are dire, we must not give up hope.

Again, please feel free to drop me a note, and thank you to all of you who are constantly supporting the orchestral world.

From Corwin Slack
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 1:56 AM

The mainstay of orchestras is philanthropy but people with the means to give to orchestras are increasingly demonized and taxed. It would be delusional with he horrendous deficits we are facing for the foreseeable future and the political cup banging for bread and circuses to believe that government funding for the artistic product of dead white males is going to occur.

The only salvation for the orchestra and classical music is audiences and wealth. Ignore both at your peril musicians.

From Rebecca Darnall
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 3:59 PM

Corwin,

I am not exactly sure what you are trying to say here, but I do understand the economic times we are in. I also understand that in order to have orchestras, we have to have audiences who can afford to come. I also understand that millions of people go to baseball games, and that somehow in the sports world they are not worried about their careers (and I am glad for that!). I also understand things have looked dire for orchestras before, and we have survived that. I am not ignoring anything here, Corwin. I am supporting my career and the career of many others. I am sure you can understand that.

Here's another interesting article, speaking about the world of sports.

http://www.atlsymphonymusicians.com/1/post/2012/09/the-mlb-players-association-stands-with-the-members-of-the-atlanta-symphony-orchestra-players-association.html

Apparently the sports world even recognizes our worth! That was very encouraging to hear.

From Corwin Slack
Posted on October 2, 2012 at 9:42 PM

My comments were pretty much about your link but in a tangential way.

From Rebecca Darnall
Posted on October 3, 2012 at 12:11 AM

Ah yes, I understand. Well, it certainly is difficult right now and no one can deny that. Sometimes things have to get really bad before they get better, perhaps. We can only hope.

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