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[Thomas W. Bethel]

We just got through recording a concert of classical music for a local regional youth orchestra. It was good to see 40 or so young musicians sitting on the stage playing classical music together. They are from many different high schools and some are home schooled and they represent a good cross section of the student musicians who are still playing classical music. The audience was small but enthusiastic even clapping between EVERY movement. It gives me hope that classical will be around for a while.

It is really too bad that so many schools have cut out their music programs to save money or they have reduced their school music program to the point that the only ensemble they have is the marching band.

This particular youth orchestra has been around for a long time and I started recording them 40 years ago. The ensemble is getting smaller every year but today's concert really sounded good. The staff and the students deserve a BIG pat on the back for sticking with it and for doing their part to save classical music.

FWIW and YMMV...  

[cass anawaty]

Thomas W. Bethel wrote on Sun, 25 October 2009 21:33

This particular youth orchestra has been around for a long time and I started recording them 40 years ago.

They must be pretty old by now.  

Just kidding, Thomas.  There wasn't a music program at my school, and it probably wouldn't have taken me 40 years to get here if there had been.  I enjoy seeing that as well.

[Jerry Tubb]

Thomas W. Bethel wrote on Sun, 25 October 2009 16:33

It gives me hope that classical will be around for a while.

Classical music is good for the soul.

On my truck's FM radio I generally tune in the local classical station (KMFA 89.5) for the drive home from the studio every night.

Something about the long bowed string sections' chorus effect that's very soothing to the ears.

I have a feeling that people will still be listening to Bach, Mozart, & Beethoven long after we're all dust.

Cheers - JT

[Cooker]

Jerry Tubb wrote on Mon, 26 October 2009 00:03

Thomas W. Bethel wrote on Sun, 25 October 2009 16:33 It gives me hope that classical will be around for a while. I have a feeling that people will still be listening to Bach, Mozart, & Beethoven long after we're all dust. Cheers - JT

I personally don't have much hope. Last time I went to a concert audience were either old, young (likely %90 music students) and probably some relatives of the musicians  

Classical music won't die thats for sure but it will fade till it gets hard to find a chance even listening to it.

But its great for education, every kid should learn an instrument and classical music is the intelligent way to do that.

[stevieeastend]

Classical music doesn´t need hope. It acutally gives hope..

[Adam Dempsey]

I recall a collaborative effort between my high school's concert band (I played trombone) and another school well known for its music program. Despite all rehearsals going well it was one of those weird times when, come concert evening, the nerves in my lips simply packed up and went totally AWOL... Trying to play, all I could do was blow air. So I had to mime!
(ok.. that's out of my system now!).

I was off to see the new doco film "In Search of Beethoven" yesterday but the free pass wasn't valid on discount days. Great reviews though.

The Deutsche Grammophon "9 Symphonien" (1963) CD box set with the Berlin Philharmonic and Karajan (Cat 429 036-2 GX5) is brilliant.

all fwiw..

[Jerry Tubb]

Cooker wrote on Mon, 26 October 2009 05:07

Classical music won't die thats for sure but it will fade till it gets hard to find a chance even listening to it.

Perhaps I'm spoiled 'cause I live in a college town.

The University fosters classical music, huge faculty of world class professors.

And there is the Austin Symphony as well.

One of my best friends teaches orchestra in high school.

Another good friend is the classical recording engineer at UT.

Another is the guitar prof at UT, and yet another at OU.

And as I mentioned we have a top notch classical FM station.

Even many of the medium sized cities in Tejas have orchestras.

So I'm surrounded with it... thankfully.

'course it's not gonna blow hippety hop off the charts, but that's a whole other kettle of wax.

Classical music is universal and timeless imo.

Cheers - JT

[Tim Halligan]

stevieeastend wrote on Tue, 27 October 2009 03:08

Classical music doesn´t need hope. It acutally gives hope..

Very true.

Cheers,
Tim