Gee, I kinda feel like Goldilocks wandering into the home of the Three Bears during Christmas. Looking out over the music world I thought I would take the leisurely approach and blog about… well, something. My buddy Ron has been furiously posting when I thought for sure he would be exhausted from trying to defend Mahler V, so it’s up to me to through something out into the ether. A quick scan of the blog sheets reveals all sorts of suitable topics – and some not so much.
I could comment on the little tift between the Cleveland Plain Dealer, it’s erstwhile critic, and the Cleveland Orchestra but that definitely falls under the “this porridge is too hot!” category. Pass.
Then one could comment on Gilbert Kaplan and the dust-up with the NYPhil. Very tempting, since I could bash a conducting fraud AND Mahler in one swell foop….. but it’s too easy. “This porridge is too cold!”
Let me point out then this article about the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. First, there is a special place in hell for the people who broke into the offices there. But more importantly, why does Canada have a National Youth Orchestra? Because they can. In Edmonton we recently confirmed on young man named Rob into the orchestra where he will be holding down the position Bass V. Our Principal pointed out that the entire section is now made up of Alumni of the NYOC.
Five professionals who got crucial training with a Youth Orchestra who are now holding down good jobs, contributing to the local economy, etc. etc. Other countries have then as well. I’ve conducted the NYO of Ireland and if memory serves there are orchestras in Scotland, Wales, and jolly olde England as well. Australia I’m sure is on the list, as is New Zealand. In fact, I believe that the fabulous concertmaster in Edmonton, Martin, is a product of said band.
Now quick, do a google search for National Youth Orchestra of the USA…….. I’m waiting……..
No, it’s not the New World Symphony. Sorry, I am an original Alum of the NWS. If this country had a National Youth Symphony it would be in D.C. and funded through the NEA, but we all know what has happened over the years with any idea like that. You get into the whole “elitist” bullcrap. I’m bloody curious to know how many of those who love to bash the arts as elitist are now waiting, hats in hand, for a government bailout? FYI, by my calculations, if you toke 1/10,000 of what Madoff made off with you could fund a youth orchestra that would have a budget larger than many orchestras in the USA, and it would be a definite investment in the future.
Of course this will never happen. We have Wall Street to bail out, and Big 3 to bail out, the homeowners crazy enough to sign up for adjustable rate mortgages to bail out. How about this idea – let’s tax all the orchestras in the USA 1% of their budget. Put it in a dedicated pool to fund a National Youth Orchestra of the USA. Kind of like a luxury tax (rf. the New York Yankees). And while we’re at it, let’s make sure there’s room for an Assistant Conductor staff so that we don’t end up with more clowns like Kaplan.
Sorry…… couldn’t resist that last shot.