Author: James Paul Sain
Subject: SCI-V: A KUDO & A COMPLAINT
Friends and colleagues:
In my "few" years as a composer I have been to a plethora of conferences and festivals, here and abroad. Many have "required" attendance as a condition of performance. Having organized nearly 20 events of this type myself, I understand the motivation of such a stipulation. The sense of community generated by such a critical mass of composers can be obtained in no other way.
I too have been to events that did not require attendance as a condition of performance (though, as with all events, I've tried to be there for the entirety - sometimes falling a bit short I must admit). In those events where attendance was not required, I am disappointed when I hear a terrific new work only to look for the composer standing at the end of the performance to find no one. I see that as an opportunity lost by both the composer and the audience. It is not just the pure adoration given with applause or kind words lost. It is the dialog missed afterwards that often leads to greater appreciation and increased knowledge of our craft. This doesn't begin to mention the friendships and life-long collegial relationships that often result. I met many of you reading this right now at an SCI or other societal event. It is with great pleasure I get to hear "JIM!" when attending our conferences. I enjoy reciprocating and initiating such greetings myself.
I hope each of you will consider hosting a regional or national conference in the future. If there are several of you within a geographical area then why not collaborate? This is another foundation upon which our organization sits. Without SCI conferences we would not be even having this discussion. If you've done it previously ... think about doing it again, or even mentoring a newer member through the process. I do hope you'll consider this challenge. I personally look forward to assisting you in every way possible and the national office will do the same.
I thank each of you that have hosted an SCI conference. Thanks for the lively discussion.
Take care Jim Sain
On Apr 18, 2013, at 8:05 AM, Paul Epstein wrote:
[...]
Subject: SCI-V: A KUDO & A COMPLAINT
Friends and colleagues:
In my "few" years as a composer I have been to a plethora of conferences and festivals, here and abroad. Many have "required" attendance as a condition of performance. Having organized nearly 20 events of this type myself, I understand the motivation of such a stipulation. The sense of community generated by such a critical mass of composers can be obtained in no other way.
I too have been to events that did not require attendance as a condition of performance (though, as with all events, I've tried to be there for the entirety - sometimes falling a bit short I must admit). In those events where attendance was not required, I am disappointed when I hear a terrific new work only to look for the composer standing at the end of the performance to find no one. I see that as an opportunity lost by both the composer and the audience. It is not just the pure adoration given with applause or kind words lost. It is the dialog missed afterwards that often leads to greater appreciation and increased knowledge of our craft. This doesn't begin to mention the friendships and life-long collegial relationships that often result. I met many of you reading this right now at an SCI or other societal event. It is with great pleasure I get to hear "JIM!" when attending our conferences. I enjoy reciprocating and initiating such greetings myself.
I hope each of you will consider hosting a regional or national conference in the future. If there are several of you within a geographical area then why not collaborate? This is another foundation upon which our organization sits. Without SCI conferences we would not be even having this discussion. If you've done it previously ... think about doing it again, or even mentoring a newer member through the process. I do hope you'll consider this challenge. I personally look forward to assisting you in every way possible and the national office will do the same.
I thank each of you that have hosted an SCI conference. Thanks for the lively discussion.
Take care Jim Sain
On Apr 18, 2013, at 8:05 AM, Paul Epstein wrote:
[...]