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Boulder's 'pay-to-play' orchestra lands another gig
Apr 29, 05:56 PMBy Pete Vriesenga
The Cherry Creek Chorale has provided welcome employment for DMA members for many years. These productions are costly and we are forever grateful for CCC’s efforts to stage such events and hope they can continue into the future.
But, as stated in CCC’s 2011-12 Season Flyer, CCC has engaged the Boulder Symphony Orchestra (BSO) for concerts scheduled on October 14, 2011 and May 18, 2012. Sadly, freelance musicians are again learning the hard way that they cannot possibly compete against two publicly-funded organizations that choose to pool their resources in this manner.
Under the baton of Maestro Devin Hughes, the Boulder Symphony has hit the ground running by undermining the local industry with their SCFD-funded ‘pay-to-play’ business model. The BSO’s new home at Boulder’s affluent First Presbyterian Church is yet another creative collaboration. This deal is paid for entirely by the musicians who now perform free for Sunday services as well as three performances of Glory of Christmas. Additionally, BSO musicians must pay $25 per concert set to play in the orchestra, all of which applies to BSO’s necessary match to obtain SCFD funding in the first place.
I met with Maestro Hughes this past December over a cup of coffee. I tried to explain why it is improper for BSO to use their tax-exempt status and public funding in a manner that unfairly competes against an established industry. I reminded Devin that his actions, also the BSO board of directors, are putting professional musicians out of work while damaging an economy that otherwise fuels our cultural infrastructure and provides a welcome tax base.
Maestro Hughes had little comment except to boast of the great job he’s doing.
Comment
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Musicians have been pimped by the conductor and board of BSO who said without a vote, “We give your services to a wealthy church for free,” (when once we were paid there). It’s sad to see a great church like First Pres. participate in this exploitation that’s ethically indefensible at a time when the economy is already floundering.
— N. Melcher · Apr 29, 09:01 PM · #
It is also sad that the conductor and board of the BSO have lost sight of the mission of a community orchestra as compared to the mission of a professional orchestra. The DMA supports community orchestras as being a healthy part of a community, serving the needs of folks who enjoy playing their instruments and playing symphonic repetoire, but are not interested in a music career. Unfortunately, SCFD Tier III refuses to distinguish between professionals and amateurs, indiscriminately funding amateur groups at the expense of professional groups. By providing this kind of funding for amateur groups, the SCFD has created an environment where money flows up to executive directors and music directors, while the slaves (musicians) are not paid, and worse yet, must pay for the privilege of helping a few have a career. Welcome to the new orchestra model where the serfs serve the needs of a few. Talk about an economic impact!
Thomas Blomster, Vice-president, DMA
— Thomas Blomster · Apr 30, 10:18 AM · #
The SCFD once seemed like a great way to positively impact the cultural environment of Denver and other counties. However it seems that this tax has had the unintended consequence of putting professional musicians under seriously difficult economic circumstances, and at the same time boosting the amateur and hobbyist musicians. I played for the Cherry Creek Chorale for many years and am very disappointed to lose that income to an amateur orchestra. Unfortunately this is not unique situation. It almost appears that Denver has become and amateur city when it comes to supporting the arts. I am going to think twice the next time a new tax bill comes out.
— Daniel Leavitt · Apr 30, 01:23 PM · #
Thomas Blomster and I have been discussing the issue of unfair competition with the Michael Hancock, James Mejia and Chris Romer mayoral campaigns. We’re trying to get a sense for who is the strongest supporter of working musicians, and also use this opportunity to get their attention while they’re still campaigning and willing to listen.
In a meeting with two insider/supporters with the Hancock campaign, the term “unintended consequences” came up just as Dan used above. I responded saying that this unfortunate situation is anything but unintended. I have repeatedly raised this issue directly with SCFD administrators and the SCFD board over the past 15 years. SCFD has made NO EFFORT to correct this injustice. That is also why 80,000 union members in the Denver Area Labor Federation gave “no endorsement” to SCFD’s reauthorization in 2004.
I expect that the SCFD board is now embarrassed by the shameful behavior that is now exhibited by the likes of the Boulder Symphony and Lone Tree Symphony. But the facts show that I brought this matter to their attention over and over, only to be disregarded. What we are observing now is quite deliberate.
— Pete Vriesenga · May 1, 12:47 AM · #
The SCFD now has a box to check about whether the ensemble is compliant with FLSA. It is my hope that the results will have an impact. The effort to fund a first-rate professional ensemble, employ real professionals, and produce innovative and high quality concerts (comparable with other big cities) is quite difficult in this climate. I urge Pete and Tom to keep talking about this, because I’m sensing that there is a renewed interest in quality, and recognition that FLSA is a crucial ingredient. Keep it up!
— Cynthia Katsarelis · May 12, 11:01 AM · #