tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048025771349159983.post1446283124199989441..comments2024-03-22T06:38:04.697-04:00Comments on Beyond the Notes: Thoughts from a "Podunk" musician after chewing on Teachout's Wall Street Journal articleErica Ann Sipeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526622607656348353noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048025771349159983.post-4624023038300294712010-06-17T07:16:42.797-04:002010-06-17T07:16:42.797-04:00Thank you, Dale, for your kind comments about the ...Thank you, Dale, for your kind comments about the post and the blog.<br /><br />In regards to programming, I think it's important to note that not all regional orchestras bow down to the pops concert god and choose instead to primarily perform classical masterpieces. So again, I feel like Teachout's statements about that are not applicable to many, many organizations. But even if they do sometimes program occasional Star Wars medley, I don't think it's the end of the world, especially if it's done well. There are many soundtracks out there that are legitimately decent pieces.<br /><br />Thanks again, Dale...I look forward to more comments and discussion!Erica Ann Sipeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13526622607656348353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048025771349159983.post-80742267298307111412010-06-16T23:56:28.120-04:002010-06-16T23:56:28.120-04:00I agree that Mr. Teachout has done us all a favor ...I agree that Mr. Teachout has done us all a favor by bringing this out in the open, and you've done us a similar favor by making a compelling argument on behalf of regional orchestras.<br /><br />To me, there is no reason whatsoever to abandon those regional symphony orchestras that receive reasonable community support. On the other hand, if your "symphony orchestra" is only supported when you can provide a half dozen "Star Wars" nights (and similar events) each season, do you really have a "symphony" orchestra in the first place?<br /><br />That whole thing about quality of performance is a red herring. Given the tricks that can be brought to bear in a recording session, CDs provide a better quality of music than you'll hear in any live performance, whether its the Podunk Symphony or the Metropolitan Opera. What they can never provide is the edge, the zing that you get from attending a live performance. Even recordings of live performances can't capture what it's like to actually be there, in real time.<br /><br />Thanks again! As usual, your blog is excellent.Dale Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03137158769110726947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048025771349159983.post-89491890035864697672010-06-16T13:31:40.604-04:002010-06-16T13:31:40.604-04:00Thank you for your comment, Armando. And I've...Thank you for your comment, Armando. And I've been talking about this for too long too ;-) I suppose that means Teachout did a good job of writing a thought-provoking article!Erica Ann Sipeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13526622607656348353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7048025771349159983.post-14007353194876897262010-06-16T13:21:17.364-04:002010-06-16T13:21:17.364-04:00I've been commenting on this article too long,...I've been commenting on this article too long, but I largely found myself AGREEING with Teachout, at least when it comes to a place like Pasadena (an L.A. suburb) or other "podunk" orchestras that find themselves in suburbia after decades of urban sprawl. <br /><br />That said, I think he barks up the wrong tree. The question is one of repertoire: not "less Schubert more Star Wars," mind you, but more new music and even lesser known works from the standard repertoire or once beloved but now forgotten composers (as long as it's not Max Reger).Armando Bayolonoreply@blogger.com