Way to Go BUFFALO…..and my former student was on the X Factor!

I can’t claim to be the Buffalonian my blogging colleague Bill can claim to be, but I did spend 4 amazing seasons as the associate conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic, and how gratifying it was to read today that they have signed a 5 year deal!  Yes an agreement, and there is growth planned, there is communication, there is a positive outlook and for those who might sneer at the idea of something good about Buffalo, it’s a great city and my guess is you probably haven’t been there!…

The significance is that this is an orchestra that although has had its ups and downs like everyone else over the years, it now thrives on a solid management structure, a charismatic brilliant Music Director (JoAnn Falletta),  a keen sense of community involvement/education/outreach, innovative but not crazy programming and a belief in communicating throughout the organization as the news story demonstrates.  In other words, it is proof that the Orchestra as we know it can work with the right ingredients in place to keep it moving forward.  We do not have to change everything.  We need to take a good look at ourselves to work out that it’s not WHAT we do that is the problem, but that it’s the WAY we do it that’s the problem.  It’s about time we hear of something going right with an Orchestra, and I couldn’t be happier that it’s with the BPO!  Add to that, the Buffalo Bills are 3 and 0!!!!!!!!  Speaking of which, how genius is this promo from the BPO and the Bills:

Buffalo Philharmonic & Buffalo Bills | PSA | v1 from Full Circle Studios on Vimeo.

So 2 years ago I had a student in my Audience Connections Class Makenna Sullinger, and a couple of nights ago night she and and her singing partner Brock were on the X factor.  They made it through!!!!!!! Check it Out!