Music Committees

When I wrote my dissertation back on the topic of Orchestral Programming, one of the questions I asked the 20 American music directors I interviewed concerned their feelings about working with Artistic Advisory or Programming Committees. A number of music directors dislike working with such groups because they feel their abilities to act as the artistic leader is somehow hindered or questioned. I was reflecting on this issue yesterday because I happened to meet with music committees for both the Elmhurst Symphony and the Apollo Chorus on the same day.

My own experience with Music Committees has been very positive. Invariably, I find the input of a group of people with vested interests in the programming and success of the organization strengthens the process. I have never had a problem with exerting my artistic vision and creativity for the ensemble. Sometimes committee members offer great ideas I would had not considered. In any event, budgetary realities are usually a much bigger challenge than differences in opinions or musical tastes.

The members of the Music Committees I work with often have a good feeling for the predilections of our audience members and the musicians themselves. I consider programming to be an art unto itself. Given that I try to pour all my imagination and knowledge into formulating season offerings, it is also very nice to have a whole group of people who have bought into the plans for the year before they are presented to the rest of the organization as a whole.