I understand that for the festivals, there is no good answer. I can’t blame them for stretching out the decision making as long as possible since conditions change so fast. However, barring a miracle, there will be no quick cure or vaccine that will allow for a full return to normal in the next couple months. We are happier just making the decision now to cancel.
I’m curious how students and parents are seeing the proposed video options from some of the festivals. I truly applaud such initiatives in these unprecedented times. However, and this is certainly my opinion only, is that for performers the virtual experience will be lacking. For instance, Heifetz’s half tuition still seems very expensive for a virtual experience, although I admit my opinion is biased by our financial circumstances! I can imagine that for composers, a virtual experience could still be quite worthwhile - I assume the tuition will be reduced to account for unused room and board? Disagreements, insights, contrary thoughts all welcome!
Meadowmount announced early last week that they do not wish to offer an inferior program through virtual technology, and that they have set May 15th as the deadline for deciding if they will open the school for 2020. This makes perfect sense given Meadowmount’s immersive experience. Health concerns aside for a minute, my family’s other issue is the uncertainty of our financial situation in the coming weeks and months. Praying for a quick recovery from this awful state of affairs.
While not a summer program, Classical Singer announced they will conduct their annual Convention and Competition online. Masterclasses, Voice Second and Final Rounds and Judging via Zoom and Youtube. It should be interesting. Im impressed how fast they pulled all of this together. The event was to be held in Washington D.C the last weekend of May. The hotel they booked is completely shut down for months. This probably doesn’t bode well for WNO which is set to start a month after that and house the kids on American University Campus. Im preparing for a cancelation.
@IronCitEE : I like the Meadowmount approach. A lot of the benefit of these camps comes from being around other musicians all the time, practicing, getting ideas off each other, listening to each other.
A program on the west coast that my S is hoping will not cancel is built around an orchestral and chamber (string quartet) experience. At least for this program, going online is not a good option, and while they have not made a decision yet, things dont look good at this point.
I just heard from the West coast festival I referenced earlier, Music Academy of the West. They just announced that they will make a decision by May 15th about how the program will proceed.
@Musicaspirant composers don’t benefit that much from virtual programs, because the main reason for doing summer festivals and programs is to have a piece performed by musicians, and recorded. I suppose somehow musicians could be recorded in their separate homes and then put together but that sure is a stretch. Festivals and programs that composers attend do have lessons, masterclasses, and presentations to peers but honestly, it’s all about having a piece played
I would add that few composers just sit in a room and compose, even those who hear music in their heads. It really helps to be physically present, try some things out, and even be able to hear things like resonance. The sheltering at home affects them as well as musicians.
@compmom , point definitely taken! But on the other hand, in your experience, would it nevertheless be helpful for a composer to have even virtual interactions with people who are established in the field, just to “make contacts” (I hate that expression!) and get “known” by a few more people? It also seems that it would be good just to have something to work on during the summer–not much else is going to be happening, I’m afraid… Serious question.
@AsMother programs are all structured differently and I can certainly imagine some might be of benefit, particularly at the undergrad level. It really depends. Perhaps some review of past works (with recordings), or interactions as a new work is being developed. Instruction on theory, orchestration, analysis. Learning about technology and software for electroascoustic work. All kinds of possibilities. So I did not mean to dismiss all positive outcomes!
I agree regarding “in person” events". So hard to get a true feel for a performance through a video. I think I posted previously about my D struggling with video auditions/performances, bc her in person audition/connection is so strong and her video audition…lacks.
Everyone is doing their best and I can say for a program we paid $85 …well switching to video is acceptable…however, I would be weary to do such with a few thousand dollar program. As it stands, my d’s teacher tried Zoom lessons and due to lag and what not, it really isn’t preferable. This is a new world we are living in, and hopefully this is a one in a hundred years virus…
I heard that Brevard has cancelled their summer music festival.
Interlochen is still on as of today, but we are not optimistic things will stay that way. The last communication we received from them was March 26th. They said they were moving their tuition due date out to June 1st and keeping tabs on the situation.
I am sorry for all those who were anticipating summer festivals - studying with new teachers, collaborating with others from different schools, working with different conductors and chamber coaches. It can be a life enriching experience for those who can participate.
I do think that canceling is prudent until there are treatments or a vaccine. Many students from all over, many instructors in the age risk categories, travel required from all points of the globe. Sleeping quarters that are often shared, cafeterias with little room for social distancing, cramped quarters for chamber rehearsals, close orchestra seating, on and on.
One of “ours” was at Music Academy of the West years ago under healthy circumstances. During orchestra rehearsals from the student seated behind, our kid picked up a whopper head cold with loss of voice and the kind of symptoms you see coming toward you from across the room. The two former MAW students are now working orchestral performers in different orchestras (or were before the orchestras called in “act of God clauses”). They run into each other occasionally and joke about the spreader being “Typhoid Mary”. That was in a healthy environment - I can imagine much worse now especially with asymptotic spread.
