I posted a status on Facebook yesterday asking why there was so little outrage about the lock-out from the citizens of Atlanta. I compared the apparent apathy we are seeing now to the headline-grabbing announcement about the Braves moving to Cobb County, when everyone and their sister had an opinion about the news. I have since gotten lots of comments that echo my questions.
But one friend, partly in jest and partly serious, intimated that “regular folks” aren't emotionally invested in the symphony. He said, “It's that high-brow, elitist classical music. Can't drink beer and eat a hot dog at a symphony show.”
This comment had me stewing all day, because, I had to admit, there is some truth in his assertion. I regularly encounter people who don’t even know that we have a symphony orchestra, much less that we have one of world-class caliber. If people do know something about the ASO, they often express the feeling that it has little to interest them because they 'know nothing about classical music'. When I tell them that the ASO has won over twice as many Grammy's as Elvis and the Beatles combined, they are amazed that they have never heard this fact.
Everywhere in our city, those of us who are working to Save Our Symphony are seeing evidence of the public relations 'black hole' which surrounds the ASO. One professional musician friend, whose music-loving mother lives in Atlanta, reported that his mother wasn't even aware of the lock-out. How many thousands/millions of other Atlantans have no idea about what is going on?
The orchestra musicians are not to blame for Atlanta’s lack of knowledge about what they do and why they are important. I don’t know why the local media is so silent about the lockout, but I did discover that the ASO lists the following media sponsors on their website: The Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper; both Georgia Public Broadcasting and WABE, Atlanta’s NPR station; B 98.5 and WSB radio; and WSB-TV Action News. Perhaps these media groups have conflicts of interests and don’t want to make waves, but in their absence in covering this important issue, it is up to us to keep the news in the public eye.
The best way we can convince citizens that they should care is to point out how the ASO contributes to the quality of life in Atlanta. I suggest that we all take a look at a detailed list of facts and figures about the ASO musicians. Once complete, this can be made into a document of speaking points, which we can post on social media, send to the media, and hand out to everyone we know.
I have started the list here, and ask others to contribute to the list through the comment section. As details are added, I’ll combine them into a single document and we can get other ASO and ASOC members to edit the list until it provides a clear picture of the ASO's involvement, relevance, and importance to the people of the city of Atlanta.
If you have definitive answers to the questions posed below, please respond. Let’s let Atlanta know the cultural jewel they have right here. Unfortunately, it's one of the best kept secrets of the city.
A Year in the Life of the ASO
- Classical concerts (How many in a year? What big name stars in recent years?)
- Pops concerts with such stars as Steven Spielberg and John Williams (How many, and with what other stars in recent years?)
- Holiday concerts with ASOCC, ASOC, Gospel Christmas – any others?
- MLK Celebration Concert (Important details?)
- Family concerts, both by the ASO and ASYO (How many in a year? We should also share info about the Halloween concerts with orchestra members in fantastic costumes)
- Concerts for Young People, separate programs for grades PK-2, 3-8, and 6-12 (How many in a year? How many children reached?)
- Outreach programs in local schools (How many musicians take part? How many hours of service in how many schools?)
- Outreach programs in libraries and community centers ((How many musicians take part? How many hours of service in how many locations?)
- Outreach concerts in cities beyond Atlanta (How many and to which cities?)
- Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra coaching sessions/side by side concerts (How many service hours per year?)
- Talent Development Program lessons and coaching sessions (How many service hours per year?)
- Chastain Concerts
- Verizon Amphitheater Concerts
- Free Parks Concerts
This list is based on what I can recall from the days when I worked for the ASO Education Department. I realize that the cuts two years ago may have had a negative impact on some of these programs, and there are probably new programs that I don’t know about.
If you feel this effort is worth fleshing out and you have details to share about the day-to-day activities of the orchestra members, please share your insights. This is a real exercise in proving to Atlanta, as well as to ourselves, the depth and commitment the ASO musicians have always had to the city of Atlanta.
Brenda Pruitt
ASOC #304
I love symphony concerts on the lawn at Verizon! I'll never forget bouncing our granddaughter (six months old) on my knee as we heard Copland's Rodeo on the Fourth of July concert...
ReplyDeleteBrenda - Add economic impact facts. This is what interests those who otherwise fall in the "disinterested" camp.
ReplyDeleteFrom attending the Fulton Co. Commissioners meeting on Wednesday 9/17
ReplyDeleteI learned some remarkable economic facts from an ASO member among the
five speakers. Unfortunately I remember only her first name - Carol - but
Sally Kann or Juan Ramirez, who also spoke , could undoubtedly put us in
touch with her. A copy of her remarks would be very useful.
Also include somewhere the fact that Atlanta's Symphony is a draw both for cultural tourism, but even more important, when companies consider moving a headquarters, design center or other facilities that bring high-paying jobs to the city and region. Companies with HQs in New York, Chicago, LA or San Francisco look at a city's cultural life as part of their decision-making process, because a) they're accustomed to them where they live, and b) they know that attracting and keeping employees requires more than just a paycheck. If the only thing they hear about the Atlanta Symphony is that it gets locked out every two years, or worse yet, that it no longer exists, they'll but a big red "X" in the box marked "arts/culture".
ReplyDeleteAlso of interest: number of private students taught by ASO members outside the Talent Development program; number of adjunct faculty positions at local universities filled by ASO musicians, any church special music utilizing ASO musicians, weddings or special events with music provided by ASO musicians and/or ASO subs. These are not part of the ASO's mission but members of the ASO have an economic impact in the area that extends far beyond the administrative offices of the ASO.
ReplyDeleteI rarely hear of ASO performances other than at Symphony Hall, i.e. small group concerts, solo performances. If I do, it is often after the fact. There needs to be greater visibility of the ASO in the community, and more advertisement through media/social media (and I realize expense is a concern). We need this also for the ASYO. That will appeal to a younger audience and foster support for them as well.
ReplyDeleteAll suggestions above are great, but my need is to locate where I can get the suggested info. Was it Carolyn Hancock who spoke at the Fulton County thing? If so, do we have the text from her speech (or will she send it to me?) I think that much of the info I need is either in the hands of the ASO staff or the musicians who serve on outreach, education and other committees. Or if there is a place on the ASO website that lists specific economic impacts or performance specifics. If anyone has an idea of where I can get this info, please either let me know, or send a message to the person who might have the info to send it to me. If we think this is a worthwhile endeavor, we will have to involve lots of people to get the facts we need to make a case. And for what it's worth, even once the music begins again, these sorts of facts will continue to be great talking points to demonstrate the value of the ASO.
ReplyDeleteMark Yancich prepared the three-part presentation by Juan Ramirez, Carolyn and him. Talk to Sally and Mark. I bet additional information is available from local business groups (chambers, conventions, bureaus, clubs) and governments.
ReplyDelete