Great Expectations

I find a lot of truth in Douglas Fisher’s comments regarding orchestra boards. It seems rare to find a board that is really passionate about music and has vision for an orchestra. It falls to the Music Director and Executive Director to educate and inspire the board. Obviously it is essential for a board to be fiscally responsible. However, if a board fails to invest in the artistic product, the community will be less inspired to invest in its orchestra. As far back as the days when Haydn and Mozart were writing symphonies for aristocracy, music has always been something to spend money on, not something that makes money. By its nature, a professional orchestra always lives right on the edge, financially.

Most of our frustrations as professional orchestra musicians involve issues that are beyond our immediate control. Through the negotiations process, musicians can work to solve these problems and gradually move their organization forward.

I have enjoyed participating in this virtual discussion and I have learned a lot from the week’s dialogue. After spending four years as a member of a professional orchestra, it has been helpful to look back at my expectations and compare them with the reality I have found. I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to make a living playing great music. While not every moment is equally inspiring, the times when the music really comes alive make it all worthwhile.