<p>I live in rural western Pennsylvania, so one would think I would never see classical music unless I went to Pittsburgh or the like. . .</p>
<p>so not true. In my county there are two major symphonies with salaried players, plus junior orchestras at both, plus concerto groups. Heading farther into central Pennsylvania are more chamber groups and another orchestra at our state college. Pittsburgh itself, in addition to the Pittsburgh Symphony, has the McKeesport Symphony, Edgewood Symphony, two youth symphonies, more concerto groups than I can name (Renaissance City Winds and Three Rivers Brass Band come to mind since we know musicians in both), several Baroque groups, two professional choral groups. . . All of this is within 45 minutes of my own home. Go farther out of state, but still within driving distance, and you have the Wheeling Symphony, WVU orchestra, Frostburg State Orchestra. . . </p>
<p>We can’t get to all the concerts we want to attend because there are just too many. </p>
<p>That is why I am constantly telling people there are many, many jobs in music. All of these groups do outreach to schools - really important for music to survive these days - and many offer summer camps, student recital opportunities and junior concerts. I think the classical world realizes it needs to reach children and is trying to do so.</p>