Let me tell you a little bit about the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra. It began back in the 1960's and up until a few years ago had a pretty low profile. The budget was limited but the dedication of volunteers, players and the conductor, Dr. James Mark, kept it going. Dr. Mark was my conducting teacher at Mount A. and never once have I heard a single person say anything negative about him. Never once have I heard him raise his voice at a student or ensemble. A true gentleman, to say the least.
Lately the NBYO has succeeded in taking some high profile trips such as China, Carnegie Hall and Italy. Much of this was made possible by the hard work of the chair of NBYO's Board, Ken McLeod. This Board also recently launched the 'Sistema' program, which is an excellent initiative that provides orchestral instruments and training to children in the Moncton area, regardless of their financial status.
But here's the conflict: it appears that the NBYO is considering replacing Dr. Mark with a Venezuelan conductor connected to Sistema. After more than 15 years of dedication the Board is trying to push Dr. Mark aside over the objections of many in the orchestra, who feel that Dr. Mark is an excellent conductor. Dr. Mark himself has said he does not want to leave the NBYO. It really bugs me that such a dedicated man would be bulldozed in an attempt to build more prestige for Sistema.
In NB we often think our people are not as good as outsiders but we need leaders who understand New Brunswick and its situation. Dr. Mark rountinely travels all over our rural province in an attempt to give young musicians a chance to audition. He knows who the active teachers are, and has given years of his life to build this orchestra.
I support the Sistema program but I think NBYO is "cutting of its nose to spite its face," as we say around here. Dr. Mark deserves our loyalty and he should leave at a time of his choosing, not because of someone else's ambition.
3 comments:
As always, we said and logical in its approach. Too often I have seen people rolled over because someone, or a small group, take an aggressive role in promoting a certain "cause", loosing sight of the bigger picture. When "banded" together (pardon the obvious pun), many voices accomplish wonderful things. Here is my two cents in support of the cause. JFC
I think a lot of excellent musicians and artists could sympathise with this problem. It's an issue that goes beyond New Brunswick, that's for sure! Those who take their inspiration from religion are probably thinking of the quote: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth..." As for me, I wonder when we'll let go of the idea that you must leave home base to succeed...
I agree with Anonymous. A small group has lost sight of the bigger picture. The orchestra cannot be about one person. It's about the community. I think the growth and direction of NBYO is exciting.
Post a Comment