Letters of Support that were not printed in The Times

An outsider's perspective on the Shreveport Symphony situation:

I am a freelance musician from Dallas, and I perform regularly with the
Shreveport symphony. Much has been said in response to certain comments
regarding per-service pay increases attracting more and better
out-of-town players to the area. I would like to offer my perspective,
which may or may not be typical. I don't make much money on this gig,
but that is not the reason I continue my association with this ensemble.
If I were to remain on my home turf I could probably make the same
amount or more. I choose to play with this group for two primary
reasons. First, consistency - there is much artistic value in being part
of the same group of players. It's easy to show up here, plug myself
in, and feel comfortable and at home. A stable personnel situation
makes this possible - it fosters a genuine sense of teamwork. Second, a
good conductor has a big influence on my decisions for playing with
certain groups, and maestro Butterman is a top notch example. So,
compensation is not the overriding factor for me.

Being from DFW, I have the luxury many out-of-town jobs to choose from,
unfortunately my Shreveport colleagues don't have the same opportunities
to come and perform in and around the Dallas area. Financial realities
aside, the notion of "freeing them up" to take other jobs by cutting
services just doesn't make much sense, when one takes into account the
limited performance and teaching opportunities the Shreveport/Bossier
region has to offer. It just ignores the harsh realities and offers no
comfort or encouragement.

As an AFM union member, I support my colleagues in the symphony during
this troubling time. If events were to unfold in a way that treats the
musicians unfairly, or in any way violates any union rules and
regulations they have fought hard to preserve, I will of course refuse
any offers to perform here with this organization.

Both the town and the symphony of Shreveport have treated me well over
the years, and it would be unfortunate if the city were to lose this
fine performing arts centerpiece. It would also be personally
unfortunate for me to lose my professional ties with these great musicians.

Christopher Pike
Dallas, TX

The Honorable Lorenz Walker

City of Bossier City

Bossier City, LA 71171-5337

Another board, through its perhaps well-intentioned actions, is setting down the path to destroy the group with whose well-being it has been charged.

Make no mistake: the elimination of the core positions of a professional orchestra is tantamount to its destruction as a professional orchestra. How the board of an orchestra, its supposed trustees and guardians, can be pushing an agenda of destruction, is truly mystifying.. It seems like common decency for a suicidal board to step aside and allow others with ANY kind of vision and purpose to take their place.

It goes without saying that thriving arts in communities large and small, play a significant part in ensuring the quality of life of their residents.  An orchestra in its 60^th season is something to be cherished and protected.

I would call upon you and anyone in a position of influence to urge a change of direction for the board, if not its replacement.  The group of besieged musicians, whose livelihood is being threatened and whose contribution to their community is being disregarded, must be applauded for their resolve and supported by those in a position to do so. The success of an orchestra surely relies on visibility in a community and some kind of artistic vision. Both ought to be concerns of a board and management. Neither are achieved by its dissolution.

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Rance

Washington National Opera Orchestra Musician, Reston VA.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in support of the musicians of the Shreveport Symphony, who have in recent months come into conflict with the management of the symphony regarding their level of employment with the symphony.

A symphony musician must train his/her entire life to reach a certain level of what we would call "professional playing."  This process requires the discipline, focus, and intellect of an academician; and the physical stamina of a dancer or professional athlete.  These processes do not stop at a certain age.  Rather, this is a lifetime commitment in continuing to achieve excellence as a professional musician on both the intellectual and artistic levels. Once a certain level has been achieved, a professional musician must work all that much harder to maintain that level and progress to a higher level of excellence.

Unfortunately, a professional classical musician rarely enjoys the financial advantages of a professional athlete or the employment "perks" of a college professor.  A professional musician rarely has the opportunity to win an audition with a symphony orchestra (where there are more than likely hundreds of qualified candidates for one position) that offers a living wage plus benefits and retirement--industry standards that most employers provide to their employees in order to attract the highest standards possible.  Many professional musicians must seek employment in their field with orchestras that cannot afford such employment advantages.  But then again, most professional classical musicians accept the mantra that one is not in the field for money, but for the love of music.

In other words,  professional musicians are the real heros who keep regional orchestras alive by sacrificing employment in other industries that could be economically more rewarding.  A professional orchestra enlivens any civic community by attracting people to downtown areas, thus enhancing the economic possibilities for any city.

It is thus imperative that the Shreveport community recognize the gift that the city possesses and support its musicians.  Without the musicians, how could the Shreveport Symphony ever prove that it is an orchestra?

Please support the musicians of the Shreveport Symphony, realizing how much they have given of their lives for the love of music and how much they have given of themselves to keep the orchestra going during these difficult economic times.  Never lose sight of the fact that the musicians create the product that brings in the audiences and the economic support for the organization. 



Sincerely,
Rachel Cox
Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra
Fort Myers, Florida