This is a continuation of my series of blogs on how we prepare for Orchestra Kentucky concerts. Today, we turn to the job of the music librarian and how musicians prepare.
Once the programs are set, music is ordered. Some music is purchased and some is rented. We purchase music far in advance so that the librarian may process it and the concertmaster may complete the bowings.
Processing a new composition involves making sure that the parts are complete, cataloguing it, and preparing a storage envelope so that it may be shelved. The first violin parts are then sent to the concertmaster for bowing. You may have noticed that string players move their bows in the same direction at concerts. That's no coincidence. It is the job of the concertmaster to determine how the bows are used. It is an important job because bowing effects the sound created by the section. Generally, a down bow (starting at the bottom end, or frog) creates a harder note beginning than an up bow.
Once the concertmaster completes the first violin parts, copies are sent to the principal (first chair) second violin, viola, cello and bass. They use the first violin part as a guide to complete the bowings of their section. This is important because often the entire string section has similar passages, which must be bowed identically.
Upon receiving the bowings back, the librarian copies them into all of the other parts. This must be done before music is distributed to musicians so that they may practice their parts with the correct bowings.
The music librarian's job doesn't end there. He must make sure that all musicians hired for a concert receive their music. Since Orchestra Kentucky is not a full time orchestra, much of the music must be copied and mailed. The music is copied so that originals are not lost in the mail. We always purchase a sufficient number of originals parts, which are in fact used at the concerts.
After the concert, the librarian collects the music, puts it in order (the same order that the instruments are listed in the score), and either files it in the orchestra library or ships it back to the rental agency.
One note about rental agencies. Unfortunately, publishers discovered that they can make a lot more money renting music than selling it. For example, Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring is only available by rental. It costs about $500 for one performance. Conversely, music may be typically purchased for between $70 and $100--and it can be played again and again! Orchestra Kentucky's music budget is about $15,000 per season.
Once the musicians receive the music, the practicing begins. Of course, musicians are constantly practicing to maintain their level of performance. All Orchestra Kentucky musicians are professionals. There are no students on stage. They have invested thousands of hours to play at a professional level. Our musicians come from several hundred miles away. Some play with the Louisville Orchestra. Others are freelancers in Nashville. Some teach at universities like MTSU, WKU, UK and U of L. All of this means that the musicians must balance responsibilities between full-time jobs and other gigs.
One note about hiring. The orchestra's personnel manager meets with the conductor to determine personnel requirements for the season. The conductor communicates his preferred list of players. There is a core of about 55 musicians who play all of the concerts. The principal players (first chair players) auditioned for their spots. They are the leaders of their section, playing all solos and offering constructive criticism to their section so that it may play at the highest level. They offer consistency by their continued presence. They are paid more for this responsibility.
Sometime in late spring, the personnel manager sends out offers to musicians for the following season. His job doesn't end there, though. Conflicts arise. Musicians become ill. Emergencies occur. The personnel manager is responsible for replacing these musicians. In short, he is responsible for insuring that a complete orchestra of professionals is on stage for rehearsals and concerts.
Orchestra Kentucy's spends over $200,000 per season for orchestra musicians. That does not include approximately $85,000 for guest artists. This is by far the most expensive aspect of running the orchestra. And it should be. The musicians are the orchestra's greatest asset!
Tomorrow I will talk about how concerts are paid for. After all, there is no free lunch. Or fee orchestra, for that matter.
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