Tootsall

Jim, I was agreeing with you... which is why I said "so do the musicians". I think yourself and Patrick nailed it when you indicate that the problem could possibly be one of a disagreement on programming between the musicians and the audience and a lack of "accord" between the conductor and the musicians (for whatever reason). I am reminded of our local Symphony which recently "turfed" a conductor. He wasn't terribly "charismatic", did not live in town, commuted in for rehearsals, and didn't form a very good bond with the musicians. Performance quality, subscriptions and attendance dropped and the symphony started bleeding red ink.

Out with him and in with a new guy (after a one year "search and trial"). During this time they ran some interesting fund-raiser events including dinner-dance, show tunes etc. Some of the members refused to take part in these fund raisers saying "that isn't SERIOUS MUSIC". Well, poop on them! Move to Berlin and try your hand there if you want "SERIOUS MUSIC".

The new conductor is young, energetic and engaging. He moved to town, bringing his family with him. He's getting involved in the community, has great raport with the audience and things are turning around. Some of the music is "different" (their last concert featured some Beatles stuff which sounded fantastic and they looked like they were having fun playing it)! Which goes to show that it's more likely a "musician/conductor" thing and they just use "programming" as the "excuse".

A leader has to be accepted by his "troops" or he's not a leader. Culture can play a huge role in that relationship.

MUSICandCHARACTER

But aren't the musicians possibly really hurting themselves? Symphony orchestras are folding everywhere -- this one is bringing in more and more money -- while still playing classical and baroque music.

Swartz may not be likable or personable. But lots of leaders have been disliked who have done great jobs. If paying members quit coming and ticket sales decline, there will not be an orchestra. Kill your own job.

Like the baseball umpires who went on strike a few years back over issues they even said may be trivial. MLB simply hired new umpires. The AAA umpires where just as good, and in some cases better.

Anyone who has played in a big band knows this "problem." How many times can you play "In The Mood." But what is interesting is that when Glenn Miller was playing these songs in the 30's and 40's they were new and popular. They still are.

Modern music has to write stuff that is catchy, playable and memorable. Maynard was criticized for playing "Jet", "MacAurthur Park", "Rocky" and "Battlestar Galatictica" and not playing "real" jazz. Yet these where tunes of the era that everyone loved.

In the movie "Drumline" the president of the college has a talk with the band director. He tells him that his predecessor played modern music and that is what got the alumni to write checks. He quips, "But when he was directing the band, the modern songs were not 'My Thong Thing.'"

Time is a great refiner. Music that stands the test of time is usually good music. The problem with current music is determining what is good? Obviously Glenn Miller had a talent for knowing. So does Andrew Lloyd Webber and John Williams. My kid (12 years old) can hum the theme to "Harry Potter" and "ET". I challenged a kid deep into rap at church to "hum" a rap song. He couldn't of course because it doesn't have a melody. Some people have said rap is like "Gregorian chant." Nope, Gregorian chant has a melody.

As musicians we are performers. We don't get paid unless someone pays to see the performance. We can say we are "artists" and won't sell out to popularism (is that a word?). OK, but you will need a day gig and will unlikely be remembered. You can be tired of playing Baroque music or "Little Brown Jug" but people don't tire of hearing it. Why is that?

Good music transcends. Modern good music will also transcend. I have a friend who writes good band music. He writes it for "circus bands." No saxophones or bassoons. But who plays circus music today? But brass band and symphonic band arrangements are played. I have been trying to convince him to add sax parts, etc. It ruins the "circus sound." Maybe. But if you want your piece to be played it needs to be done just the same. Leave as a circus march and it will never be played. My band would play it if it was in symphonic format.

Sometimes as musicians, we have to get over ourselves. At other times, we have keep from selling out. It is a balance that is hard to do. Sometimes we carry the high the banner of good music to enhance peoples lives and stand against crappy music. Sometimes, we have to promote the new good music. When a director figures out this balance, he or she is doing well.

__________________
Dr. Jim Fox
Licensed Mental Health Therapist
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