The perils of the American symphony orchestra
At Sarah Lutman amplified, the newly released book from Stanford Emeritus Professor Robert J. Flanagan, The Perilous Life of Symphony Orchestras, Artistic Triumphs and Economic Challenges is reviewed.
Specifically, Flanagan looks at paths orchestras could take to arrive at a stronger operating platform. He examines historical trends and prospects for growth in ”performance revenue,” meaning ticket sales, revenue from recordings or touring, and other direct performance revenue (school concerts, etc).
He studies orchestras’ capabilities for growing “non-performance income,” defined as government grants and subsidy, private contributions, and endowment/investment income. And finally he looks at ways orchestras have reduced or might consider reducing or slowing the growth of performance expenses.
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One wonders how much impact this book will have given the rather cool response to the now-infamous Flanagan report, upon which I assume this book is based.
Another bell lift to consider
As an alternative to the Watt Lifter, the Bellrest comes in wood without a clamping mechanism. These devices are added onto the bell in order to raise the angle of the instrument and increase playing comfort.
The only caveat is that if you want a Bellrest from its maker Femenella, you will need to use measuring calipers in order to assure the best fit.
Engineered wood
Wood carver and engineer Rob Jones is probably best know to us horn players for his horn sculpture. He continues to gain attention for the many wood carvings he shapes and creates. This video gives another nice overview and in it Mr. Jones gives a few more details behind his marvelous wooden French horn.
Getting into the flow
James Boldin looks at Nancy Sullivan‘s new book Flow Studies for Horn.
Flow Studies for Horn is divided into three main types of patterns; slow, medium, and fast, though there is considerable variety within each section. For example, the “Slow Flow Studies” section contains scale and arpeggio exercises in several different keys, as well as a whole tone study.
The author suggests practicing the studies in a rotation, playing two studies from each section per day. By following this schedule, a player can cover the entire book in one week – once the patterns have been learned, of course.
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Getting to know you
Mary Pritchett Boudreault, a member of the Da Capo Brass, gets a nice write-up at the Delos web site.
Odds and ends
Getting recruited for the band
Derek Hull, 78, shares a memory.
It was this ability to play the French horn a little, and his general musical background, that helped Mr Hull get into the Band of the Royal Marines when he signed up for his National Service in 1952 at the age of 18.
He said: “The man who interviewed me wanted someone who could play on the march. Obviously, I couldn’t play the cello but I played him a few notes on my French horn and was signed up.”
He was posted to the Royal Marine School of Music in Deal, Kent, where he received a great deal of help from one of the sergeants.
(More.)
Random videos
Arkady Shilkloper demonstrates circular breathing.
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Eldon Matlick performs a Mozart rondo.
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Peter Kurau, with a flourish.
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Meanwhile in Lugano, Switzerland…
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