As I write this blog posting, the orchestra is preparing for its Notable Art event this weekend. On Saturday, April 28, 2007, The Encore (the volunteer arm of the orchestra) will present an auction of painted instruments to benefit the orchestra. Old, unplayable, violins, a bass drum, and cymbals, have been transformed into works of art by local, regional, and international artists. No, they haven't painted pictures of violins on a canvas. The artists are actually painting on the instruments themselves. I must say--they are all quite amazing. But that's not why I am writing this.
What is really amazing about the event is that fifteen artists donated their time and talents to benefit another arts organization. We all know about "starving artists." It would be one thing to create a work of art free of charge for a public building, a school, or some other more public cause. However, to labor on an instrument so that another arts group would benefit is...Did I say it? Amazing!
Thank you to all of those artists, starving and otherwise, who helped us put this event together.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Community Value?
I spent yesterday morning (5:30 a.m. until early afternoon) traveling to and from Frankfort to hear the orchestra's grant application read. We had applied for funding from the Kentucky Arts Council for general operating support. Arts organizations from across the commonwealth had gathered at a motel to hear a panel of out-of-state guests comment on their applications. The four panelists had the opportunity to comment on each application publicly. After that, they privately scored each organization. The scores determines how much, if anything, each arts group would receive from the state.
Anyone involved in grant writing will tell you that there are certain "buzz words" that grant readers look for. Unfortunately, they seem to change from year to year and with different panels. The buzz words for yesterday morning were "community value." With each application, the panelists often commented on whether the arts organization being discussed knew (and had articulated in their application) what value they added to their community. It got me to thinking. What value does the BGCO contribute to south central Kentucky?
One way to look at value is this: If the BGCO didn't exist, would it be missed? Here are ten ways I believe the BGCO adds value to south central Kentucky.
If the BGCO closed its doors tomorrow:
1) There would be no youth orchestras--70-80 kids would have no where to learn how to play orchestral music.
2) There would be no string academy--130 kids/adults would have to seek string instruction elsewhere (it would have to be out of town).
3) There would be no retro concerts--no Beatlemadness, Motownmadness, '70s Show, etc. etc.
4) There would be no free, July 4th concert and fireworks show at WKU.
5) There would be no concerts at Living Hope--no more Larnelle Harris singing Christmas songs with the orchestra; no more Tim King singing "MacArthur Park"; no more Sylvia Kersenbaum playing "Rhapsody in Blue".
6) There would be no children's cushion concerts at the Train Depot.
7) There would be no Perry Penguin's club for kids.
8) There would be no Bowling Green Chamber Singers to sing songs from Rodgers & Hammerstein and "Porgy and Bess".
9) There would be no Bowling Green Chamber Players to provide small ensembles for parties, weddings, receptions, etc.
10) There would be no professional chamber orchestra right here in Bowling Green.
I have listed ten ways the BGCO contributes value to our community. How does the BGCO make your life better? Please share your thoughts.
Anyone involved in grant writing will tell you that there are certain "buzz words" that grant readers look for. Unfortunately, they seem to change from year to year and with different panels. The buzz words for yesterday morning were "community value." With each application, the panelists often commented on whether the arts organization being discussed knew (and had articulated in their application) what value they added to their community. It got me to thinking. What value does the BGCO contribute to south central Kentucky?
One way to look at value is this: If the BGCO didn't exist, would it be missed? Here are ten ways I believe the BGCO adds value to south central Kentucky.
If the BGCO closed its doors tomorrow:
1) There would be no youth orchestras--70-80 kids would have no where to learn how to play orchestral music.
2) There would be no string academy--130 kids/adults would have to seek string instruction elsewhere (it would have to be out of town).
3) There would be no retro concerts--no Beatlemadness, Motownmadness, '70s Show, etc. etc.
4) There would be no free, July 4th concert and fireworks show at WKU.
5) There would be no concerts at Living Hope--no more Larnelle Harris singing Christmas songs with the orchestra; no more Tim King singing "MacArthur Park"; no more Sylvia Kersenbaum playing "Rhapsody in Blue".
6) There would be no children's cushion concerts at the Train Depot.
7) There would be no Perry Penguin's club for kids.
8) There would be no Bowling Green Chamber Singers to sing songs from Rodgers & Hammerstein and "Porgy and Bess".
9) There would be no Bowling Green Chamber Players to provide small ensembles for parties, weddings, receptions, etc.
10) There would be no professional chamber orchestra right here in Bowling Green.
I have listed ten ways the BGCO contributes value to our community. How does the BGCO make your life better? Please share your thoughts.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
BGCO applies for city funding
Many of you will remember that last year the Bowling Green Chamber Orchestra applied for and was denied funding from the City of Bowling Green. Those voting for funding were Mayor Elaine Walker and Delane Simpson. Those voting against funding were Brian Strow, Brian "Slim" Nash and Mark Alcott.
Last week we once again applied for funding. Mayor Walker and Commissioners Strow and Nash remain on the commission. New members include Commissioners Bruce Wilkerson and Joe Denning. I have personally spoken to Mayor Walker and Commissioner Wilkerson, who have both indicated that they will support our request. Members of our board have spoken to Commissioner Denning, who also supports the orchestra. Consequently, it appears that we have the three votes needed to obtain funding. However, we cannot take anything for granted. Please contact the entire city commission and ask them to support the BGCO.
Why should the city support the chamber orchestra? For one thing, of the four largest cities in Kentucky, Bowling Green is the only city that does not fund its orchestra. Owensboro, for example, receives $50,000 from the city (according to the last information I had on the subject).
Another reason for city funding is the fact that the BGCO provides a free, Fourth of July concert at Western Kentucky University's campus. The 70-minute concert also includes a free fireworks display. Last season we had over 15,000 people in the audience! This is our gift to the community, but it is the most expensive concert we produce. Doesn't it make sense that the city should support an arts event that is accessible to ALL of its citizens?
Although there are several other reasons for the city to support us, the primary reason is the "quality of life" issue. Isn't all government funding a matter of quality of life? After all, why do we want new roads? More police protection? How about parks? Golf courses? Skate parks?
In our own special way, we at the BGCO believe that we make Bowling Green a better place to live.
Shouldn't the orchestra that proudly bears the city's name receive its support?
Jeff Reed
Last week we once again applied for funding. Mayor Walker and Commissioners Strow and Nash remain on the commission. New members include Commissioners Bruce Wilkerson and Joe Denning. I have personally spoken to Mayor Walker and Commissioner Wilkerson, who have both indicated that they will support our request. Members of our board have spoken to Commissioner Denning, who also supports the orchestra. Consequently, it appears that we have the three votes needed to obtain funding. However, we cannot take anything for granted. Please contact the entire city commission and ask them to support the BGCO.
Why should the city support the chamber orchestra? For one thing, of the four largest cities in Kentucky, Bowling Green is the only city that does not fund its orchestra. Owensboro, for example, receives $50,000 from the city (according to the last information I had on the subject).
Another reason for city funding is the fact that the BGCO provides a free, Fourth of July concert at Western Kentucky University's campus. The 70-minute concert also includes a free fireworks display. Last season we had over 15,000 people in the audience! This is our gift to the community, but it is the most expensive concert we produce. Doesn't it make sense that the city should support an arts event that is accessible to ALL of its citizens?
Although there are several other reasons for the city to support us, the primary reason is the "quality of life" issue. Isn't all government funding a matter of quality of life? After all, why do we want new roads? More police protection? How about parks? Golf courses? Skate parks?
In our own special way, we at the BGCO believe that we make Bowling Green a better place to live.
Shouldn't the orchestra that proudly bears the city's name receive its support?
Jeff Reed
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