Outreach – Page 5 – Sticks and Drones

Future Shock…

December 2, 2008 by Bill Eddins

This is the first in a series of postings about one musician’s desire to bring Classical Music back to the People, by whatever means necessary…

Are you depressed yet? It seems like every time you turn around there is another article about this orchestra cutting costs, that orchestra cutting concerts, the other orchestra in the red, etc. It’s pretty depressing, not least of which because there are a lot of musicians out there who are trying to make a living, and their main source of income is threatened. Let us hope that these institutions make it through these trying times. But here’s the question: how is the classical music business like the economy in general, and what can we do for the future?

The Landing

November 5, 2008 by Ron Spigelman

An emotional night to say the least! There has been so much written said as to the significance of Obama’s win, and the usual “ponderings” of what now and where he stands on the arts. It’s very clear where he stands and the comparison I heard to his win and the 1969 landing on the moon does not even come close to the significance his victory represents…..

Apathetique – The class challenges me!

October 10, 2008 by Ron Spigelman

On Wednesday we discussed the strikes at Shreveport and Wisconsin. My students read the articles and my post and it seems that there is a divide amongst them. There is nothing like lively debate especially amongst future arts administrators who might have to deal with big issues in difficult time such as these! The clips are below….

Big Questions – Big Answers!!!

September 18, 2008 by Ron Spigelman

In Audience Connections last week, I posed the question to the students:What are the various Arts for you? Define them for yourself. Audio excerpts below!

“How to be a Classic Snob!”

May 28, 2008 by Ron Spigelman

This is the title of a very tongue in cheek article by Joel Stein that appeared last week in the LA Times. It is a wonderful essay demonstrating that we might be better served if the stereotypical “classical” policeman stayed at home and listened to their stereo instead of attending a concert….

Revolution for an Evolution part 5 – Initiating Initiative

May 5, 2008 by Ron Spigelman

Initiative like vision cannot be taught directly or by wrote, it’s not something that can be given but something I believe that we all have. It can be awakened in students by placing them into situations that call for them to be socially literate, so that they start caring about their communities, the issues, the people. As soon as they get to a school they need to be sent right out again, as soon as it’s possible…….

First Contact…

March 12, 2008 by Ron Spigelman

Someone gave me a great idea yesterday. I have been thinking for some time that we need to do something to honor those volunteers who are the first point of contact with our patrons….

The $50,000 Question!

March 10, 2008 by Ron Spigelman

I mentioned in my $50,000 Cupcakes post that I would suggest a way to spend “no strings attached”money that might actually benefit an orchestra. I believe that the money should somehow benefit the audience profoundly and directly, but more importantly the children of those in the audience, with programs that have a chance of sustainability. By spending money this way, in the end it benefits all involved. Let’s go shopping…..in Texas!