Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Post

On this episode of Arts Engines, Aaron Dworkin spoke with Marvin Curtis, Board President of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, about the role of board members in advancing DE&I efforts. Curtis emphasized the need for authentic, community-centered approaches to change. Takeaways from Marvin: ▪️ Collaboration with Decision-Makers: Open dialogues with the Conductor and Executive Director ensure that DE&I efforts are deeply embedded, not just performative. ▪️ Action and Accountability: It's critical to establish benchmarks for progress, such as increasing board diversity and programming works by composers of color. ▪️ Community Focus: Initiatives like offering Spanish translations at concerts demonstrate how to prioritize inclusion and cultural relevance. Curtis urges us to "be BOLD" in the face of resistance, especially as conversations around justice face backlash. With opposition, the commitment to equity is crucial, as Curtis says, “At the end of the day, it's about being present and working for better futures in music.” #Arts #Culture #Music #Orchestras #BoardLeadership #Community #Justice #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion

Check out this insightful blog post delving into the meaning behind "Don't Bring Me Down" by Electric Light Orchestra and the mystery lyric that began as a joke. It's a fascinating exploration of the song's backstory and its cultural impact. Dive into the post here: https://ift.tt/gL8y7ev

On this episode of Arts Engines with Aaron Dworkin, he speaks to Eduardo Delgado, Public Programs Director of the New World Symphony, who shares how the symphony harnesses evolving technology to realize its artistic vision of fostering meaningful connections with the community. For Eduardo, community engagement isn't just about outreach—it's about building genuine connections in public settings. By collaborating with trusted community leaders, the symphony seeks to bridge the gap and cultivate authentic relationships with the communities they serve. As Eduardo notes, trust is earned, not assumed, and partnerships must be approached with humility and mutual respect. One shining example of the New World Symphony's commitment to accessibility is the "Wallcast" program. What began as a modest endeavor with concerts on TV screens has blossomed into full-screen projections on building walls, offering free concerts in the park—a testament to their dedication to breaking down barriers and bringing music to all. But innovation doesn't stop there. Recognizing the need for inclusivity and diversity in their audience, the symphony pioneered the "Mobile Wallcast" initiative. By taking the concert experience to communities, they're ensuring that music transcends physical boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences across Miami. At its core, this is more than just about music—it's about understanding and embracing the spaces where art breathes and evolves. Partnerships, Eduardo emphasizes, must be reciprocal, honoring the excellence that exists in every corner of our communities. Yet, we must tread with care and mindfulness. The New World Symphony, like any other organization, must be committed to entering communities where their presence is welcome, ensuring that projects and programs are co-created and mutually beneficial. Change takes time—but the rewards are worth it. #Arts #Culture #Music #Programming #Community #CommunityEngagement #AudienceEngagement #NewWorldSymphony #Miami #Florida #Technology #Artistry #Collaboration #Accessibility #Innovation #Trust #Change

On this episode of Arts Engines, Aaron Dworkin speaks with Alex Laing, President and Artistic Director of Gateways Music Festival, Inc., and 2018 recipient of the Sphinx Organization's Medal of Excellence. Together, they explore Gateways’ historic programming and Laing’s approach to leadership in this era for the arts. "It's possible," Laing reminds us—a simple yet motivating statement. His words resonate with the relentless effort that defines life as an artist, arts administrator, or simply someone striving for growth. Whether practicing for the next gig, crafting a grant narrative, or committing to personal well-being, the work is ever-present. As "The Good Place" (yes, please watch!) tells us, life’s value lies in the effort we put into it. Laing’s perspective underscores the importance of effort and belief: while we can't always predict when or how our goals will manifest, the act of striving shapes not only our outcomes but also the world around us. For me, this is a call to hope—that my work might contribute to a better future, even if its full impact unfolds beyond my lifetime. Laing also reflects on the unique joys and challenges of being both a performer and an administrator. Artists navigate cycles of creation and reinvention, often contending with societal stereotypes like the “starving artist.” Administrators, on the other hand, grapple with bureaucracy and the long timelines of institutional change. Yet, finding joy in these paths is part of the journey—a joy that fuels progress and creativity alike. As more musicians of the global majority enter the U.S. arts and culture sector, the question becomes: how can artists, administrators, and organizations support this transformative moment? Progress is happening, but true change demands a collective effort to shift the dominant cultural frameworks. It requires us to believe, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Brené Brown might put it, in the power of interconnected liberation: “There is no us versus them—only us.” Laing acknowledges that tough days are inevitable, but it’s how we respond that truly matters. For him, the future is full of possibilities, shaped by many ways forward. #Arts #Culture #Music #Programming #NonprofitLeadership #Future #Mindfulness #Equity #Inspiration

Learn the intriguing story behind the creation of Electric Light Orchestra's hit song "Don't Bring Me Down" and the mystery lyric that started as a joke. Discover the unique blend of past and future sounds that influenced this timeless track. Read the full post here: https://ift.tt/9qFgHYS

Did you know that if an Oscar speech runs longer than 45 seconds, the orchestra will begin playing over the speaker, hinting that their time is up? Curious about some interesting facts behind the famous golden statuette? Check out the dashing dashboard my brilliant colleagues - Loredana Lazar and Beatrice Georgiana Gramu - created about the Oscars. #BIBits #BrillioRomania #ThePowerOfData #dataanalytics

On this episode of Arts Engines, Aaron Dworkin speaks to Kathy Schuman, Vice-President & Artistic Director of the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, who talks about the importance of setting when presenting the arts. Space is an integral part of sound's formula. At Caramoor, you might witness an artist who has performed at Lincoln Center, but the mostly outdoor venues at Caramoor add a unique dimension to the music. I often joke that universities tend to have sub-par rehearsal spaces, so performing in a resonant space can make everything magical. Yet, that magic requires artists to adapt their sound to various spaces, ensuring their performance is as impactful as possible. This adaptability makes Kathy's job exciting as she plays matchmaker between sound and space. Kathy has observed several trends in arts programming: - Following the 2020 murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and other victims of police violence and white supremacy, there has been a push to diversify music, especially classical music, to represent all experiences. - There is growing excitement around "Under 40" artists who bring intersectional approaches to their work. - Programming is not universal; each space has its own set of assets, challenges, donors, audiences, and community context. This means avoiding the "Arts for Art's Sake" mentality and instead collaborating with various stakeholders. For example, Kathy might recruit a well-known musician for new music or have a new artist play a well-known repertoire to ensure audience connection while balancing experimentation for relevancy, niche audiences, and the unique personality of the space to learn what the community wants. During tough times, Kathy reminds herself that nothing will fall apart, such as when a concert is rained out. She also leans into her network for new ideas and problem-solving. #Arts #Culture #Music #ArtsEngines #Caramoor #PerformingArts #Programming #Space #NewYork #AaronDworkin #KathySchuman #Dance #Presenting #Sound #SayHerName #CommunityEngagement #RacialReckoning #Musicians #Artists #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Accessibility #Representation #Intersectional #Collaboration #Exploration #Networking

On this episode of Arts Engines, Aaron speaks to Tammy Yi, Music Education Professor at Chapman University’s College of Performing Arts, who work is a masterclass in blending education, cultural advocacy, and community engagement, all underpinned by a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the arts. At Chapman, Tammy isn't just educating future music teachers; she’s transforming the way they understand and interact with music. By founding the first Collegiate Mariachi Ensemble in Orange County, Tammy is empowering her Mexican-American students and introducing culturally responsive pedagogy. This initiative does more than teach music—it creates spaces of belonging and showcases the richness of diversity within educational settings. Tammy’s impact extends beyond the university. As a conductor for the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, she collaborates with leading figures in El Sistema-inspired programs, advocating for actionable social change. Her work highlights the importance of understanding cultural identity, not just in terms of race or ethnicity, but as a complex web of influences that shape our values and interactions. Tammy acknowledges the resistance she’s faced in her field, particularly against efforts to challenge and dismantle Eurocentric ideologies in music. Her approach is both introspective and educational—encouraging others to explore their own cultural identities and understand how they influence their work. She emphasizes the need for educators and artists to develop racial consciousness and be mindful of how their actions can either support or undermine DEI efforts. Tammy’s advice to those in the arts is clear: stay focused on the communities you serve, remain open to listening, and always strive to understand and address the impact of racial trauma. The work may be challenging, but it’s essential for creating an inclusive and equitable environment in the arts. “Use the arts to share our stories, to listen, and to co-create.” #Arts #Culture #Music #Education #DEI #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #PerformingArts #FirstGeneration #HigherEducation #ArtsEducation #Mariachi #ChapmanUniversity #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #YouthOrchestra #ElSistema #MusicEducation #SocialChange

On this Arts Engines episode, Aaron Dworkin interviews Jérémy Jolley, Senior Director of Education & Community Engagement at the Seattle Symphony, about how their approach to access is transforming relationships with the community. Space is sacred. Conversations around capitalism often highlight how third spaces—places between home and work where ideas flourish, connections deepen, and creativity thrives—are disappearing. For musicians and other arts professionals, these spaces are vital to their growth but frequently inaccessible due to financial barriers. So, how do we share art with the world if we lack the space to do so? The Seattle Symphony has embraced this challenge through its Community Stage Fund, launched during the pandemic. This program opens the doors of Benaroya Hall to local artists and organizations, granting access to spaces and equipment at little to no cost. This initiative reflects a growing trend: arts organizations reimagining their role as civic institutions. A symphony’s impact can go beyond performances to nurture relationships, foster trust, and empower communities. By sharing space generously, the Seattle Symphony has built connections that spark creativity and offer new pathways for engagement—whether it’s inspiring attendance at a concerto or cultivating lasting partnerships. As Jérémy Jolley noted, community engagement is sensitive work that requires listening. Yet, it’s through this intentional approach that the arts can honor the whole human experience. #Arts #Culture #Music #Seattle #CommunityEngagement #Education #Partnerships #GivingBack #Access #ResourceSharing #ArtsEngines

Today, we reflect on the poignant story of Andy Gibb, the talented younger brother of the legendary Bee Gees. In our latest blog post, we explore the remarkable but tragic journey of this gifted musician, who soared to fame yet faced profound challenges. Join us in remembering not only Andy but also other musicians who left us too soon. Discover the insights and tributes by reading the full article here: https://ift.tt/uDn8tEW.