From what I have read within the first two chapters of our text book, it seems as though it will be discussing more the business aspect to performing arts. Discussing the differences between profit and non-profit organizations, the struggle of these organizations, and how we might possibly relieve their struggles.
I can honestly say that it is not an aspect of the performing arts I think about much. Although I am a member of the Willimantic Orchestra (or Willi Phili as we like to call it) my dues are covered through my ECSU tuition. I cannot imagine being the treasurer for our organization. Attempting to collect dues and finding a way to fund our music rentals does not seem like a walk in the park to me. In an effort to cut back on cost, we do provide our own refreshments for intermission, where there is a donation box, but I do not know exactly how many people are actually making a contribution to our program. Volunteers can only sustain us for so long. However, I would not be surprised if those who did not contribute would be among the first people to complain if the organization were to cease to exist.
An approach to helping organizations like our own Willi Phili, the increase in elementary level music is very essential. The earlier they start the better, I think. Growing up performing, there is usually a higher turnout of adult classical musicians than say someone who picks up an instrument for the first time in high school.
I wonder if the band is run the same way. Or is the band a school organization that community members allowed to join? Do they have a real budget, provided and paid for by the university? If this is the case, why did this happen? What makes the band so different from the Willimantic Orchestra? Can this, or will this be changed in the future?
Last year, the university decided to bring the conductor/director of the orchestra on board as an adjunct professor, giving him a small budget. Does the band get a bigger budget? Is much of how the organizations are run based on the state of today’s economy?
What qualities make art “high art”? When did it become to use “popular music” only as a business venture, a way to make money? Almost exploiting people’s natural talents, and sometimes not as natural as we have witnessed from pop star’s live performances.
With all the branches of music, performing, media, visual, and literary, how can we melt them all together and use them to promote small organizations such as the Willimantic Orchestra? Or can we only market “popular music” and be successful?
What can really be done to change how the performing arts are shared, “High art” and all? Every little bit counts, and I do not think those with the ability are working hard enough.
How can we get an accurate analysis when most of the information needed to answer these, and many more questions, does not actually exist?
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