On Wednesday (7/25) on Polyphonic.org, Ann Drinan reports on the “Learning from New Ensembles” session at the League of American Orchestras’ Conference in June. The article includes extensive quotes from session moderator Norman Ryan, vice president of composers and repertoire at Schott Music, and panelists Amy Garapic, co-executive director of Contemporaneous ensemble; Beth Perdue Outland, vice president of community engagement and strategic innovation at the Indianapolis Symphony; Jen Richards, managing director of eighth blackbird; and Julia Rubio, executive director of the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra. Topics in the wide-ranging discussion included performing in nontraditional venues, repertoire, connection with community (“We don’t use words like ‘minority’ or ‘inclusion’ (i.e., we’ll bring you into our world). We use ‘socially responsible’ rather than ‘outreach.’ We are normalizing diversity rather than bringing in minorities to the concert hall,” said Julia Rubio of Black Pearl), and the changing organizational culture at orchestras. “Start with community needs—know your community needs, and musicians are part of that,” said Beth Perdue Outland of the Indianapolis Symphony. “Don’t leave them out. Get them involved in building community relationships. How are they involved—because they’re the people with sticky tentacles who are going to draw people back as well. And also risk-tolerance – you have to develop a comfort for failing.’ ”
Posted July 26, 2013
