One cannot say that orchestra members do not work hard, but it is not difficult to conclude that many musicians are getting greedy. The musicians in the Atlanta Symphony just agreed to a new four-year contract after walking out on September 22. The contract also assures 95 tenured positions in the orchestra. The musicians also agreed to perform for the Atlanta school system without extra pay. More orchestras should provide educational opportunities for the youth.
Education is the key to keeping classical music alive.
Dr. Allen Dennis, a conductor of youth and community orchestras, believes we have to get kids involved with classical music from a very early age. Musicians must be willing to help out the community. Janet Wolfe is the founder of the New York City Housing Authority Symphony. It consists of 60 members, but the performances are usually four or five people playing quartets and quintets. The musicians surely do not play for the money.