tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.comments2024-02-19T14:12:41.470-05:00Ever Up and OnwardEarl MacDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01005699518764748768noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-84902783442182705782024-02-19T14:09:46.311-05:002024-02-19T14:09:46.311-05:00I have a Heintzman upright grand for sale Vancouve...I have a Heintzman upright grand for sale Vancouver area. LAte 1800s. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-19399337602256549082018-04-11T22:54:20.842-04:002018-04-11T22:54:20.842-04:00I think you are doing a lot to increase audience a...I think you are doing a lot to increase audience attendance at your university's jazz concerts. It is hard to market a jazz concert in any context as jazz is just not a very marketable genre in today's age, I would know, being a jazz musician myself. One thing WCSU does is has a guest artist concert where they hire a semi-famous jazz musician to come to the school for a day to provide clinics, and at night, perform with some of the jazz ensembles. A big name will always help attract more concert-goers. Another thing WCSU does is has their jazz concerts on Thursday and Friday nights, or Sunday afternoon. Maybe changing the time of the event will help get more attendance.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00210792161748275832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-32835652163580015862018-04-11T22:47:45.713-04:002018-04-11T22:47:45.713-04:00I think you are doing a lot to help increase atten...I think you are doing a lot to help increase attendance to the jazz concerts at your university. It is hard to get a big crowd out to jazz concerts as jazz is just not a marketable music genre in today's modern time, I would know as a jazz musician myself. One thing WCSU would do is have a guest artist concert where they bring in a semi-famous jazz musician who plays with some of the student groups. Having a big name always gets the attention of concert goers. Another thing WCSU does is have their concerts on either Thursday or Friday nights, or Sunday afternoon. Maybe changing the time of the concerts could increase concert attendance? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00210792161748275832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-30239575026805257122018-02-07T17:19:56.417-05:002018-02-07T17:19:56.417-05:00Up a half-step in bar 1 gives the first dominant, ...Up a half-step in bar 1 gives the first dominant, then down a 4th, up a minor 3rd, down a 4th, up a minor 3rd, down a 4th.<br /><br />ii of the root chord V-I V-I V-I<br /><br />You should know but don't need to reverse engineer the flat VImaj7 or the IIImaj7.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-15274134937432750022017-04-03T15:53:38.594-04:002017-04-03T15:53:38.594-04:00Hi Professor McDonald,
As a recent UConn Music D...Hi Professor McDonald, <br /><br />As a recent UConn Music Department graduate, I know for a fact that there are always posters and people talking about when and where your concerts are, so there is always promoting for your concerts. After reading your post and all the comments, I would absolutely agree with Drew P. when talking about live streaming. There are many schools that live stream concert and it can be an easy way to get people to see and hear your ensemble if they can not make it to the recital hall. This can also bring more exposure because if they are achieved, high school groups or anyone else could watch them whenever they want until that video is taken down. This can work for recruiting purposes to be able to pull up all different charts your band has played to peak potential student interest. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09984247823863283555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-87038862801411484472017-04-03T09:08:47.785-04:002017-04-03T09:08:47.785-04:00It's so true. Getting hyped up for a gig afte...It's so true. Getting hyped up for a gig after weeks/months of preparation just to be greeted by a crowd of less than 15 people is a buzz kill to say the least. Not only does it feel like time has been wasted to a degree, but it also can be outright embarrassing and morale busting. <br /><br />I'd have to agree with Michael A's recommendation involving live streaming. Great tool. Facebook live streaming is growing especially quickly, and all you need to do is get people to like your page. Once you've achieved this, your live streams will pop up you followers news feed as they scroll down. It's such a great way to get people hearing your band without having to come out to a show, and will likely result in those people making plans to get out to your next show once they've heard how killin you sound on the live stream. I've come across and heard so many things on my own news feed that otherwise would've never turned up on my radar.<br /><br />Hitting the local hang, wherever that may be is most definitely a great way to immerse your band in a culturally relevant environment as well. Less formal settings such as these might make the experience for the band more enjoyable and less disappointing in terms of crowd expectations, and might ultimately result in gaining a larger following in the end. In the end jazz is a social music, and it's great to bring it back to the source. From what I understand, you are already doing this to a high degree with the UCONN Jazz band(s). <br /><br />I wish you luck in solving the audience riddle and look forward to hearing about effective strategies you discover in achieving higher turn outs. All the best.<br /><br />Drew Plourd Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05373612613678396697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-78422318296406844522017-04-02T19:51:50.018-04:002017-04-02T19:51:50.018-04:00Hi Professor MacDonald, I wonder if you should con...Hi Professor MacDonald, I wonder if you should consider weighing the attendance of your jam sessions into your concert attendance count. I just graduated from the UConn Music program (loved working with you in orchestra) and I remember always being deeply jealous that I worked Tuesday nights and missed these jam sessions. As far as I could tell from my peers, these nights were always well attended and at an excellent venue!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11328573805882245564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-69025078517777493212017-04-02T19:12:20.152-04:002017-04-02T19:12:20.152-04:00Hey Earl,
I'm sorry you're not filling ...Hey Earl,<br /> I'm sorry you're not filling up your concert halls for these concerts! I would definetely have to say that it is largely due to the weekday concerts. I think if on a Friday, you would get a larger amount of people, especially other music student support. With music students being so swamped with classes and practicing, it is unlikely they would have time to go to a concert during the week. Also, I think a jazz concert to kick of the weekend would be a desirable, relaxing night out for many people.<br /> I see that you try to have high schools come to UCONN, but what about having a jazz festival and inviting a guest artist to headline, but do clinics and masterclasses with your groups(s) and also perform with them at the weekend concert? That is what my alma mater, WCSU does, and it is sold out every year. It's a huge hit not only to the WCSU students participating, but to outside the WCSU community and to the high school jazz students. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07303084793039172882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-58538507888684663342017-04-01T12:57:42.135-04:002017-04-01T12:57:42.135-04:00Having been involved in performance groups for a l...Having been involved in performance groups for a long time, your situation is not unique. Filling the house is a challenge for school music concerts, youth theater productions, community music groups, and university ensembles-all of which I am routinely involved in. I have seen (and tried) all the same recruitment techniques. I am not sure there is a solution. I think that the perspective to maintain is to perform with the same quality whatever the size of the audience. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11988241017531754961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-40183673082206155772016-05-02T07:10:12.156-04:002016-05-02T07:10:12.156-04:00I think you're doing a great job of promoting ...I think you're doing a great job of promoting your concerts even though the turn out hasn't been that great. The only suggestion that I could make is have the concert on a weekend evening instead of Monday or Tuesday. Also have a potluck reception afterwards where students can bring hour d'oeuvres to enjoy after the show. Maybe the weekend party vibe would increase your audicnce numbers.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07681135811859494040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-48085033766795798022016-04-25T10:08:57.243-04:002016-04-25T10:08:57.243-04:00Hi John. I agree that "jazz is a different a...Hi John. I agree that "jazz is a different animal"; it is for this reason that we changed the primary location of all UConn jazz concerts to the bookstore coffee shop across the street from the music building. This setting has worked much better and we have generated a larger, weekly following.<br />It should be noted that for years, jazz musicians worked hard to get jazz into the concert halls, so "it would receive the artistic respect it deserved." Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) should be applauded for what they have accomplished, but as a musician, I still tend to agree with you --- jazz works best in a club, performed for an intimate audience.Earl MacDonaldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01005699518764748768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-71499990312941309742016-04-24T23:20:08.166-04:002016-04-24T23:20:08.166-04:00As somebody who is not a jazz musician, I don'...As somebody who is not a jazz musician, I don't really think jazz always fits a 300 seat concert venue. You sit quietly and listen to choral, orchestral, and band ensembles; jazz is a completely different animal. Traditionally, people went to jazz concerts to socialize, enjoy a meal or libation, and most importantly, dance! I suggest a change in venue for a more authentic experience not just for your audience, but for your students. Maybe that's booking the concert at a nearby jazz club or large restaurant. Maybe there's a venue on campus where there could be a dance floor and tables instead of rows of seats. Maybe the concert is catered or has a cash bar (might be a stretch). A Jazz concert shouldn't just fulfill an academic requirement, but an event all people can enjoy whether or not they are jazz aficionados.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01269991879778085372noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-32595110869820367862016-04-18T15:58:03.801-04:002016-04-18T15:58:03.801-04:00From my own personal experiences, jazz today defin...From my own personal experiences, jazz today definitely appeals to a more mature audience - you'd be hard-pressed to find members of a younger generation who passionately love jazz (and who also aren't music majors!) That said, if we as band directors are searching for more exposure and a full house any way we can get it, our advertising needs to appeal to this older (maybe even much older) generation: the old-fashioned way. Why not advertise and post flyers in senior homes, churches, and the good old hard-print newspaper? What about country clubs and yoga classes, local coffee shops and music stores? Seems like an awful lot of work for one person to handle, but with the rest of the ensemble pitching in to help advertise, it's a lot of ground the whole team can cover. In my opinion, it's definitely worth a shot when you've got nothing to lose by trying!Dale Baldwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11592395618505465604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-82087732954915378612016-04-17T22:37:15.660-04:002016-04-17T22:37:15.660-04:00Great post! You definitely do a lot of promotion. ...Great post! You definitely do a lot of promotion. While I think youtube and live streaming are great, I don't think live concerts can be replaced. The interaction between musicians and audience is irreplaceable. <br /><br />As for the low attendance, I think there aren't enough people that appreciate jazz. It's usually just musicians, and even then it's almost always the well-educated ones. Abraham Deshotelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03361877512962527187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-48279392028653966792016-04-15T10:54:22.802-04:002016-04-15T10:54:22.802-04:00I would hate to think that concerts are obsolete. ...I would hate to think that concerts are obsolete. I'm sure I don't go out to see live music as much as I should, but I acknowledge that it's important. Live streaming is absolutely no substitute. Hearing the sound of a real instrument played by a real person right in front of you is something that can't and won't be replaced by recordings or videos even if they are live.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11371492537220207875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-14391353920962733532016-04-15T10:53:26.117-04:002016-04-15T10:53:26.117-04:00I would hate to think that concerts are obsolete. ...I would hate to think that concerts are obsolete. I'm sure I don't go out to see live music as much as I should, but I acknowledge that it's important. Live streaming is absolutely no substitute. Hearing the sound of a real instrument played by a real person right in front of you is something that can't and won't be replaced by recordings or videos even if they are live.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11371492537220207875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-55127874116099444962016-04-05T19:44:03.323-04:002016-04-05T19:44:03.323-04:00I agree that it is sad your music majors are not h...I agree that it is sad your music majors are not happily attending concerts. As an undergrad, I had to attend 7 concerts on campus every semester. At first, the freshmen always grumbled on their way to their first few concerts. Usually by the fourth or fifth concert, they were hooked. I had semesters in which I attended 15 concerts, simply because I wanted to hear the music and I wanted to support my friends. Conclusion: Mandated concert attendance can actually work wonders for building community and morale! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08743007517088910412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-33070693742245207152016-03-31T10:02:59.098-04:002016-03-31T10:02:59.098-04:00Thanks for sharing these thoughts, Michael. It wa...Thanks for sharing these thoughts, Michael. It was nice to hear from you! I hope your studies are going well at Bridgeport and that you are still actively composing! All the best, EMEarl MacDonaldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01005699518764748768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-30483213015584931992016-03-30T09:41:54.858-04:002016-03-30T09:41:54.858-04:00Hey Earl! Hope things have been well for you! I...Hey Earl! Hope things have been well for you! I'm starting my Master's now at Bridgeport to become a certified K-12 music teacher.<br /><br />Since I was at UConn for 4 years and took some of your classes I can understand your problem.<br /><br />A few things that may help you out:<br /><br />1. UConn's Music Department had a really intensive schedule for all students. At least when I was there until 2014, it was near impossible to schedule things with other students (rehearsals, performances, gen. ed classes). Being in a public university it is tough sometimes to schedule anything with people. Everyone is fighting for scraps of time. My first two years Orchestra was only one night a week. Then two nights a week. It was hard at UConn to get people on your time. I feel like this is a huge part of the problem with concert attendance too. Even with student recitals, etc.<br /><br />2. You may have a point about over-saturation. That is a long list of ensembles and scheduling their performances can make it difficult to get enough people to go to all these events. Perhaps combining certain ensembles? Although that would sacrifice more opportunities for students, so I can understanding not going that way.<br /><br />3. Interesting point about technology and live streams. I think a large part of marketing is being able to relate to your audience. Nowadays, many people in my generation and younger are totally on the internet. Perhaps streaming a live jazz event would be a better way to reach more of an audience. Your ensembles can stream from their studio so you don't need to move equipment, and people can watch from their homes. Personally it's a feature of technology that I love despite that some people are very adamant about having the feel of a live performance. Honestly I think technology should be getting used more often in more of our lives (online classes, video classes, etc.)<br /><br />I hope any of these thoughts help, hope you solve some of these issues too. It'd be great to talk to you again. God bless.Michael Albainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08704766292064839683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-1912761735513281892016-03-30T09:32:27.780-04:002016-03-30T09:32:27.780-04:00As a former UConn student (also in orchestra), Mon...As a former UConn student (also in orchestra), Mondays definitely don't help. Orchestra rehearses Monday and Wednesday night so there's a large chunk of possible audience go-ers and their friends. Even Wind Ensemble members rehearse earlier on those days and typically won't feel like going out afterwards.Michael Albainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08704766292064839683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-2932962567633915532015-07-02T12:20:16.169-04:002015-07-02T12:20:16.169-04:00Earl, thank you for posting it! Best, MigiwaEarl, thank you for posting it! Best, MigiwaMigiwa Miyajimahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11246429568617205885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-44124533564347408522015-06-28T12:54:32.597-04:002015-06-28T12:54:32.597-04:00Thanks for posting this, Earl! The concert was gre...Thanks for posting this, Earl! The concert was great.Deanna Witkowskihttp://deannajazz.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-50454320535034725932015-05-12T19:25:56.448-04:002015-05-12T19:25:56.448-04:00Reposted from Facebook:
I've been thinking ab...Reposted from Facebook:<br /><br />I've been thinking about this lately Earl. I almost decided to do a digital only version of my new big band record. I think I probably will in the future, but every time my band plays live I end up selling quite a few CDs - plus it's nice to have something you can touch.<br /><br />You mentioned sellin download cards for iTunes at shows, which is interesting. Though I think buying one isn't as satisfying. You can't listen on the drive home and it just doesn't feel as tangible. If I were to do that, I'd make sure that iTunes had a digital booklet with personnel, notes and solo assignments. I hate getting albums and not knowing who plays on it.<br /><br />Also I just love reading liner notes! I may be in the minority though...Tyler Mirehttp://www.tylermiremusic.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-32554782391294484062015-04-22T12:58:58.571-04:002015-04-22T12:58:58.571-04:00Nice ideas Kyle. Thanks for contributing to the c...Nice ideas Kyle. Thanks for contributing to the conversation.Earl MacDonaldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01005699518764748768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3275787030763289108.post-40512396779837649692015-04-20T13:20:16.958-04:002015-04-20T13:20:16.958-04:00Hey Earl,
The first thing that comes to mind read...Hey Earl,<br /><br />The first thing that comes to mind reading your post is the possibility of flipping the "opener" model that you have created. I think you had a great idea in getting high school bands to come perform, but it was probably a bigger deal for the high school bands than it was for you guys. If that's so, would it be possible to slot your Jazz Band as an opener for larger musical events on campus? <br /><br />To the extreme, would it be possible to open before the national touring acts that come through? You could play some standard repertoire, but maybe students could create jazz arrangements of the visiting artist's tunes. If it were conceivably possible to play in front of a filled Gampel and KILL it, some of those students are bound to come to the next show.<br /><br />Even if this is too large a scope to be possible, the general principle is to bring your band to the audience, rather than waiting for the audience to come to you. If you can get your band on a stage in front of people, and you have something that's worth hearing, people will respond.<br /><br />Another possibility would be to try and have the Jazz Ensemble sponsor events that were more than just a concert. Maybe you could play while members/ students of the dance department taught students how to dance to the music you play. <br /><br />I also think students would respond to the "Jazz Club" atmosphere if it were presented to them as an option for entertainment, and maybe you could host a regularly occurring concert where students could come and sit comfortably and chat, eat, drink (probably non-alcoholically), and play games while the band played. I don't think there's any shame in "giving people a reason to come." For many the music is enough, but others need to be baited- and with luck they'll stick around once they hear what you've got.<br /><br />Just some ideas that occurred to me, I hope they are constructive!kylejohnryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07820767381738512784noreply@blogger.com