There is a cue that Orchestras could take from the audition process for musicians that can be applied to the hiring of management or even the recruitment of board members…..
Rants&Raves
Bill’s Rules for the Industry
Wow. We seem to have hit a low point when it comes to either ethics or morals (or both) in the classical music industry, and that’s really saying something. How about we start out 2013 with a short list of dos and don’ts for Boards, Adminstrations, and Musicians. Submissions welcome.
Thanks for the Memories – the Musical Cliff
I would hate to start 2013 off on a contrarian note, but since that’s the way I ended 2012 why change now? Matter of fact, why not up the ante? Start the year on a high note? So my first target of 2013 is……. the New York Times. No, seriously, I don’t really have a beef with the NYT, although I did just hear that the Culture Editor is stepping down, and that makes me a little nervous. However, there has been one article that has made the rounds the last few … Continue Reading
No One Expects the 12-Tone Inquisition!
The worse thing that can happen to any art form is Orthodoxy, that awful suggestion that there is only one true way. Orthodoxy is quite possibly the major reason why there are so many problems in classical music today. Orthodoxy impedes free thinking, feeds the idea of believer vs. heathen, and attempts to suppress dissent. In my most recent post I set out to highlight an example of doctrinal thinking that feeds the perception that classical music is elitist. The easiest way to expose said orthodoxy, of course, is to challenge it publically by throwing out an outrageous idea. Looks like I succeeded.
IT’S SCHOENBERG’S FAULT!
I did an interview with a reporter from Minnesota Public Radio yesterday exploring the difficulties being faced by the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. After a thorough dissection of the mistakes that led up to this current mess with both orchestras, and much of the classical music industry thereto, I have come to one undeniable conclusion – it’s Schoenberg’s fault.
Amateur Hour
Every once and a while I find the need to write a blog that will garner me a whole bunch of hate mail. I can’t wait for the inbox once this one is published. Those choir people are going to be up in arms.
The Death of the Learnéd Musician
I’ve noticed a very disturbing trend in musicians that must be rectified. It is a problem that might not be immediately noticed by the general public but, none-the-less, promises to cheapen our art to the point where live performances will become irrelevant. It can be summed up in three words – “Think for yourself.”
Enough Already!
Stop it. It happens. Get over it.