In article ,
Audio Empire wrote:
On Wed, 29 Aug 2012 05:45:54 -0700, Jenn wrote
(in article ):
call, email, call again your state
and local representatives
Nice Idea. Unfortunately, no one will pay the slightest attention to you.
They'll mumble platitudes, yes. "Thank you for your concern." We share your
concerns, but.... Nothing will be done because it's a matter of money. The
world has become so greedy and revenues have lagged so far behind costs over
the last half-century, that all schools can do is cut programs, slash
budgets, and layoff teachers. These "non-essential" programs like music
appreciation go first. They can't cut athletics because they actually
bring-in money to the schools (football games, basketball games, baseball
games, track and field meets, swimming competitions, etc). But they can cut
the arts. And we raise another generation of kids who are never even
introduced to the finer things in life. No wonder symphony orchestra concert
venues and high-definition broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera at movie
theaters are a sea of gray, silver and blue hair.
Mostly they don't pay attention, but sometimes they do, depending on the
size of the response. The "sometimes" makes it worth the effort, in my
view.
And yes, audiences are pretty blue haired, but I see encouraging signs.
For example, the LAPO is riding the youth, vigor, and excitement of
Dudamel (and a pretty young orchestra) plus the excitement of Disney
Hall and a downtown revival, to market to a younger crowd and it seems
to be working. Other ensembles (like my own) are doing performances
with multimedia aspects, inviting the audience to blog, etc. We'll see
what the long terms effect is.
--
www.jennifermartinmusic.com