THE PARTY IS AT THE OPERA! • “NUTS & BOLTS” OF RADIO BROADCASTING

Note: Both of today’s stories are based on items I read in the Classical Music Rising (CMR) newsletter. CMR [link] is a collaborative project managed by the Station Resource Group of leading classical stations to shape the future of classical music radio. To subscribe to the CMR newsletter, please contact Wende Persons, Managing Director, at wende@classicalmusicrising.org.

DRINK AT THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA & GET STONED AT THE COLORADO SYMPHONY

The San Francisco Opera has created quite a stir with some Bay Area opera-goers by changing its food and beverage policy to allow alcohol drinks into the concert hall. 

According to the Classical music blog Slipped Disc [link] the new policy is a six-month experiment. Drinks must be in an approved cup with lid, available at all bars in the War Memorial Opera House.

The new policy met with considerable disapproval. 

On the right are a few of the comments that Slipped Disc received.

Not all of the buzz has been negative. 

Some patrons feel the new policy is not a big deal. 

They point out the other theaters around the world have allowed alcohol drinks in theaters for many years.

A few patrons have enthusiastically applauded the change because they feel the booze may enhance performances. 

One imbibing patron said:

“Wagner listening needs beer – preferably strong and dark. Can’t imagine red wine with German opera.”

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH

Promo Photo for Classically Cannabis

The Colorado Symphony is sponsoring a series of events called Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series. The events are held at Denver’s Space Gallery and feature performances by Symphony ensembles. Plenty of food, some infused with marijuana, was available to patron over the age of 21.

The events are sponsored by Colorado’s cannabis industry and are intended to be an “experience for music lovers.” Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

 There have been no reports of problems at any of Classically Cannabis events.

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: HOW CLASSICAL MUSIC RADIO BRINGS THE MAGIC TO LISTENERS

One of the most helpful aspects of Classical Music Rising is their attention to the operational aspects of “making radio.” Stations use various types of music scheduling and automation devices and software to create the air sound. Websites need organizational templates to present the content.

CMR conducted a Nuts and Bolts survey to learn what systems stations are using. You can download the complete results here.

What music programming system do you use?

Four out five stations reported they use Music Master [link], a major player in scheduling systems for radio and television stations and online programming providers. Music Master is based on the station’s music library. The database contains attributes of each piece of music in the library such as the composer, performers, era of the composition and recording, tempo and mood.

What automation system do you use?

Automation systems are the “spine” of the broadcasting chain. Stations that use automation systems (some stations don’t use them) make certain that various audio events occur at the right time and in the ride order. Stations that make the most use of automation systems interface with outside programming services such as Classical 24 and WFMT’s Beethoven Network.

Use of automation systems at stations is sometimes controversial with staff members because the systems often replace human hands. The two leading automation suppliers (for surveyed stations) are Wide Orbit [link] and Enco [link]. 

What website solution do you use?

Anyone who has created a website knows that there are many ways to build the site. I create SPARK! using a free Google Blogger template. 

Surveyed stations most often use Core Publisher [link] and WordPress [link]. 

Core Publisher is provided by NPR Digital Services. WordPress is private, for-profit vendor.