Whats NO LONGER Sad About Music in Florida

[king2ba]

<rant>

First....Cleveland, not Chicago. Second, the "group" is the Cleveland Orchestra....this isn't just some hack band like you make it sound.

Third...YES, there are conferences and festivals that you don't know about. I'm sure you didn't go to the FMEA conference just a few weeks ago....cause that's "for band directors". You could have had tons of time to talk and work with Ron Bishop....probably even for free with as nice a guy as he is.

For many of the band festivals, you'd have to be nominated...such as Tri-state and Festival of Winds.

We have three counties with three performing arts magnet schools, all of which could give you more intense music education than public school, and all could work with you if you don't live in the right area to go to their school (but I didn't tell you that!)

We have South Area Honors Band, All County Honors Band, and All State Band and Orchestras.

We have solo and ensemble festival.

We have Disney Magic Music Days....ok...you have to PAY to do this, but what band wouldn't want to go hang out at Disney for a few days after they play!

We have great teachers in our area like Jay Bertolet, John Ola, and Paul Morton (forgot about Paul the first time!)

You are right, we don't have the Florida Phil. They were a great orchestra, but within the next month and a half, we have:

The Cleveland Orchestra
Symphony of the Americas
Florida Sunshine Pops
Academy of St. Martin with Gil Shaham
Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra
Joshua Bell - solo
Emanuel Ax - solo

Shortly thereafter we have:

The Philadelphia Orchestra
New World Symphony
Rotterdam Philharmonic

It's not like we don't have anything here! If you can't have a full time orchestra, then at least we have world class groups coming through on a regular basis, and we always have the New World Symphony if you want to make the trek to Miami Beach! (Hint: go to an afternoon show then walk to two blocks to the beach and check out the topless "scenery")

We aren't alone. There is a reason you see people on this board talking about FLYING to the Army Tuba Conference. They don't even have the great groups coming through! You could take so much advantage of the people that come through town, but I guess it's just easier to complain to TubeNet rather than do something about it!

</rant>

[king2ba]

You're missing something because the halls are packed at these concerts. (Well, maybe not Symphony of the Americas and Sunshine Pops) I practically had to stand for the French and Russian orchestras last year, and I completely forgot to mention the Operas and Broadway shows that come through town.

Invitations to play for Magic Music days come in a small white envelope. Invitations to AUDITION come in the big envelope.

If you want to find local playing, learning, performing opportunities, get off this WORLD WIDE board and ask LOCAL people. There were over 2500 kids at All State that figured it out including students of some of our fine local tuba teachers. Don't expect your band director to hold your hand thought this process. (You've already said what little you think of him on this board) So, go and and find things for yourself to do. Find a church to play at. Give a Saturday afternoon recital....I've been to three of these so far this year down here and all were done by MIDDLE SCHOOL kids! Go listen to one of the best bands in the state at Taravella. Stop complaining about what we don't have and CREATE something!

[trseaman]

TUBACHRIS85,

I don't know you or your situation but here's my $.02...

There are lots of Orchestras across the country that are calling it quits... In fact, "The Arts" in general have always been in question when it comes to counting money and spending to keep it active. This is nothing new... We all live in different areas of the world and each community is distinct with its own personality. In contrast, here in southern California there are tons of community bands! (at least six within a 30 mile radius!) There's also quite a lot of music stores, however none of them are really "tuba friendly"...

I feel frustrated and restricted, and theres nothing I can do about it.

This is why young men go off and join the Army... Set your sights on where you'd like to be and make goals to get there! It's that easy! (just don't talk to girls, buy a new vehicle or get in debt! Easy right???)

king2ba said: but I guess it's just easier to complain to TubeNet rather than do something about it!
And then he said: Stop complaining about what we don't have and CREATE something!

Your rant turned into his rant... But he's got some good points. Imagine how nothing would get done if we all just complained and made no attempt to change... Surely you have other musical friends that would be willing to help create a band??? It will take time but it will be worth it, no doubt!

No pressure my friend, we're all counting on you to save the future of music in S. Florida!!! Don't get discouraged, stay determined & focused and things are bound to change...

Peace...

[Alex C]

You might want to look at http://www.sequenza21.com/2005/06/vultu ... orate.html for a real rant on the Florida Philharmonic.

I don't know enough about the specific situation to comment except to say that what orchestra management I have had privy to is, in general, riddled with politics.

[tubatooter1940]

Start a new philharmonic. I you love it that much, the long hours will rush by in pleasure. If you do what it takes to produce a fine orchestra and are having huge fun doing it, the money will come. Stay mindful of the sorry practices and foul politics that sunk the old one.

[TubaRay]

I believe we may have been a little harsh on Chris. He's a youngster who is interest in many of the same things most of us are interested in. He has not lived long enough to have the experience level available to many folks on TubeNet. Yes, I know he doesn't have all the facts straight, and it worries me a little that he doesn't seem to have a strong relationship with his band director, but I believe he has his heart in the right place.

I believe many folks either don't know, or don't remember that Chris tried to get some people together to play Christmas carols just a few weeks ago. He went to some trouble to try to see the project through. I don't know if he was successful or not, but the mere fact that he was out there trying is impressive to me. If I could have attended, I would have.

Chris needs to realize, first of all, that we live in a very imperfect world. This is quite true in the music business, as well. Secondly, he needs to realize there many of us who care about the same things(musically) that he does.

Let's give the young guy a break!

[Arkietuba]

I don't think that it's necessarily bad that an orchestra goes into bankruptcy...if they were really amazing, people would love to go see them, like the CSO, NY Philharmonic and numerous others...it's not necessarily that the people are uncultured or stupid...people listen to what they consider good music. I live in Arkansas and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is doing extrememly well. I listen to a lot of rock, hip-hop and jazz, but I love classical. The problem with classical music is that it doesn't translate as well to modern audiences as it did in the past and it's not entirely thier fault. I think people are kinda tired of hearing the same old stuff played all the time...I can only take so much Wagner and Berlioz. Maybe if they started playing more new music...there are plenty of good modern composers (Stephen Melilo is amazing). TubaChris...people do care about instrumental music...in Arkansas, there are very few music stores, and none of which sell decent tubas or tuba sheet music...but people flock to orchestra concerts and wind ensemble events and jazz events...I think you're only focusing on what's not there instead of what is happening...I mean there are more musicians and groups in Florida...Arkansas has very little going on (with the exception of the Univ. of Central Arkansas)...we have a lot of musicians and groups coming through here, in a few weeks were gonna have Maynard Ferguson.

[Christopher Lair]

While the situation with Florida Phil is unfortunate, I'll have to disagree with your opinion of the state of music in Florida. With a little research, you'll quickly find regional orchestras going strong all over Florida. It's only a matter of time until Florida Phil reforms in some fashion, perhaps under a different name. Public support is relatively strong here, especially with so many retirees and the fourth highest population in the US (soon to be third over NY). Music education programs in Florida seem to be doing something right as well, with such high retention rates. Having experienced local cultures with considerably lower levels of support for music and the arts, my humble opinion is that the arts in Florida are doing just fine.

[Alex C]

I don't know enough about the specific situation to comment except to say that what orchestra management ..... riddled with politics.

When you are speaking of the management of an activity that derives its financial assets from the trough of public taxes it's absurd to express surprise that politics are involved.
"Cheerfully yours"........

No surprise was expressed.

I don't know what percentage of the FL Phil budget was tax money but I would bet that the trough of public taxes was not involved in a large way, especially when you compare the huge outlay (hundred$ of million$) for new sports arenas for the Cowboys, Cardinals and Colts, just to mention the ongoing projects that I know about. I'm sure Metro Miami has laid out similar amounts for local sports teams (which is a nod of agreement to the original post).

To clarify: the problem with the FL Phil seems to have involved personal politics and did not involve "political" politics or even tax money. Check out the link in my first post in this thread.

[TubaRay]

I can say that might not so good relationship with my school band director isn't good because of how much I do care about music and playing. It has been mainly his lack of appriciation for the Tuba/Sousaphone section, mainly conflicting with marching band.
-tubachris

Since I myself am a band director, I can't help but wonder why you don't have a better relationship with your director. I only wish I had people in my band with your level of interest in all of this. So who is responsible for there not being more relationship there? Is it you or the director? or both? Does he/she know how interested you are? I have to doubt that you realize how much goes into the job of band director. Your director is likely to be your single best resource in the music area. I know my high school director was. I spent time with him and pumped his brain every chance I got. This helped me learn a LOT! I'm sure there were times he would rather I have let him along, but in the final analysis, I believe he was very happy to have someone to share his knowledge with.

In short, I would recommend you at least re-think your relationship with your director(or directors). Unless one or both of you are jerks, this could prove very rewarding. After you develop this, it should be easy to ask him questions concerning things like entering festivals, etc. He would probably share with you the logic he has used in determining what events to attend and what events to skip.

[TubaRay]

*and no, I don't believe that taxpayers should be raped to build either arenas OR concert halls.

I don't believe taxpayers should be footing the bill either, but they are. This is nothing more than "corporate welfare."

In San Antonio, we have an interesting series of sports events which have taken place. Back in the sixties, the city built the old Hemisfair Arena as part of Hemisfair '68. When the Spurs came to town(as part of the old ABA) they occupied that arena. Then the city voted to build the AlamoDome. As soon as that was completed, the Spurs moved into the dome. Soon after that, the Hemisfair Arena was torn down. The reason give for its destruction was that it had a number of expensive repairs which would be necessary. Oh, yes. By the way, when the Spurs moved into that arena, the city (literally) raised the roof of the building to add additional seating.

Well, anyway. The Spurs after a short time occupying the AlamoDome, began making noise about needing a new place to play. Though I don't remember it actually being said, it was certainly implied that if they didn't get one, they would have to consider moving somewhere where it would be built for them. In two separate polls, our citizens nixed the idea. Shortly after that, the Spurs won their first NBA championship. Very soon after that they managed to get building a new arena onto a ballot, and it passed. (They will not need to send me a thank you note. I voted against it.) I have lost track of the number of taxpayer dollars which have been spent for the Spurs. Don't get me wrong. I like the Spurs. As pro franchises go, I believe they are one of the best. I just think it is high time that these businesses(and that's what they are) pay their own expenses. Meanwhile back at the AlamoDome, the building is simply losing money. I suspect if someone on TubaNet wanted to simply take the building off the city's hands, the city council would probably consider doing it.

An interesting sideshow of all this plays out this way. During the playoffs when the Spurs won their first NBA title, they were playing in the dome. Many, many people went to those playoff games. At lot of them were in the nosebleed sections, but they were able to attend. A couple of seasons later, the Spurs were on their playoff run for the second time. This time many of those who went to the playoff games, and who had most likely voted for building the SBC/AT&T Center, weren't able to go. There weren't enough seats, and those that were available were very expensive. Talk about irony.

I cheer for the Spurs occasionally from my living room. I have lived in San Antonio since 1979 and have attended a total of three games. Two of those were free tickets to a luxury box in the AlamoDome. The other I paid for playoff tickets in the old Hemisfair Arena when I took my son to see the Spurs lose to Golden State. That was the only time I have bought tickets.

My attitude is that when a team threatens to leave town, every city ought to simply ask them how soon they can leave. I have wondered why the city will spend millions of dollars to build a sports facility so a team can come in and charge high prices for tickets, when they wouldn't give me a nickel to build a restaurant(if I wanted to do so). This country is so sports crazy right now.

All that being said, and the city let the San Antonio Symphony cancel a full season for lack of funding. I have never heard of anyone suggesting they build a concert hall for them. They perform in the Majestic Theater, here. Having had the occasional opportunity to perform there, I can say that I really like it. It is a nice place to play and pretty decent for the audience, as well. I'm sure Lee Hipp would have a few complaints, but I believe it is better than their former home.

I don't know exactly why I got so worked up here, but this much I know: "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take this anymore." Unfortunately, I don't know what to do about it as long as the majority of people seem to be willing to tax us all half to death.

[king2ba]

I dont want to complain, or "rant." I dont mean to either. Perhaps my lack of experience in the music world due to my situation, and me expressing how I feel, can come out to a form of complaining. I wish I can learn the same information as most of you out there, but I just cant get the same information that all of you can. That seems to be my problem.

OK Chris....you win. Time to put your money where your mouth is. I just got an e-mail back from the district chairman for Broward County....a tuba player by the way. I proposed to him that we have a Broward Country Tuba Day. This would be a day where any tuba player in the county (or other counties for that matter) could come and participate in a few sessions with the local pros and finish the day with a tuba ensemble reading session. I got a thumbs up.

I'll get back to everyone with a day and what the schedule will be like. (My guess is the date will be February 20....a Monday) This will more than likely be held at my school and we'll try to make it like a mini conference. It'll be free. The kids will only need to bring lunch money. (Open to the public as well!)

How's that sound?

[tubagirl5]

Check out the Naples Philharmonic, or take a longer road trip to see the Florida West Coast Symphony (in Sarasota) or the Florida Orchestra in Tampa. These are the closest to your area I believe. You can't go wrong with the orchestras (Cleveland, Philly, etc) passing through as well. The FWCS and FL orchestra offer student rush tickets (with ID) at the box office before each concert. The web sites have more info. Naples may as well, but I don't know. Go see as many concerts as you can afford!!

[king2ba]

Huh, thats the last thing I would think that they would do. Well thank you for doing that, I would never thought of anything like that. Let me know if you need help with anything. Im not the brightest kid here, but when I want something to get done, I wont stop until it is done.

-tubachris

OK...start passing the word around...band directors will be notified soon.

- Monday, February 20
- South Florida Tuba/Euphonium Day - any low brass player from the area is more than welcome to attend
- Nova University Upper School Band Room (I'll give out directions later)
- Bring money for food (there is a good "all you can eat" place on the University Campus and we'll have snacks and drinks available, too!)
- Right now we have 3 master classes plus lunch and a tuba/euphonium ensemble reading session scheduled - hopefully we'll pick up at least 2 more master classes, but I'll get the exact schedule to everyone once I talk to the presenters that said they would come by phone...I spent all my breaks today on the phone and in front of the computer!
- Everyone should bring their instruments
- Oh yeah....IT'S FREE!!! (Except for lunch and snacks!)

[king2ba]

sweet......

-tubachris
(Isnt that where FYO rehearses? And is that Homecountry buffet your talking about?)

Yes, USchool is where FYO rehearses, but not the same building that FYO is in. USchool has 4 buildings, and I need to find out how big the croud will be before I know what room in what building we'll use.

No, not Home Country Buffet. That's at 595 and University Dr (technically, I guess it's at Nova Dr and University), but either way it's not that close! The "all you can eat" place is part of Nova Southeastern University. It's pretty good, too.

[king2ba]

were you the one that played the piano, too?

[king2ba]

Well, dig you, Mr. Russo. A mover and shaker...

Yeah...the Mr. Russo part still makes me laugh! Once the kids get to know me, they call me Roo-roo, though! That makes me chuckle even more!