I Have a Dream, Too

On this historic day, leading up to an even more historic day, I was just thinking about where we’ve been and where we’re going in our narrow slice of American life called Classical Music Radio.  Those of us who are already committed to the beauty and life-affirming power of classical music know what our art form can do for people’s lives if they get the chance to learn about it and appreciate it.

And yet, I went to buy tickets to hear the San Francisco Symphony this morning, and the cheap seats at the very back of the hall were $86 each.

Classical radio is the last bastion of FREE, accessible classical music.  And there are two things that are necessary if we’re going to preserve classical music on the radio in the years to come: They are DIVERSITY and EDUCATION.

President-elect Obama, in his famous inclusiveness, understands the value to society of classical music.  He placed  a new work by John Williams front and center in his inauguration ceremony.   It’s being played by musicians who have individually devoted their professional lives to championing diversity and music education.

Obama is calling for a national recommitment to service, and I think there are a lot of ways classical stations can serve their communities.  You have a voice that the arts organizations in your town desperately need, especially now that they are getting less and less support from newspapers.  Their health  depends on you, and your health depends on the arts community staying strong. I’d love to hear what your station is doing to increase its community service.

And as far as music education goes, you have the loudest voice in the community for arts advocacy. You have the clout and the connections to direct the dialogue.  What are you doing in the realm of Music Education? Brag a little and share it with this blog!

As the nation’s population shifts more and more to a diverse array of cultures and nationalities, you are in a unique position to celebrate that cultural richness. It means you have to reach outside your comfort zone to play music that celebrates other cultures, and you have to actively mentor and include people who aren’t exactly like you.  I want to hear some stories about what you’re doing in this realm.  Share your experiences with your colleagues!  What works and what doesn’t?

Happy MLK and Inauguration Days!