Ask the Doctor

Q: How do you decide on what performance sites to use for the festival programs?

A: Site selection is one of our most difficult assignments.   Many factors enter into the process.  

First, we feel that the performance site should be a reasonable distance from the center of attraction.   Therefore, we search within a 25 to 30 mile radius.

Second, many directors desire a professional concert hall instead of a high school auditorium.   We are becoming more cognizant of this fact.   Cost becomes a major factor as many of the professional halls are quite expensive and union labor increases the price substantially.   Toronto, New York, Montreal and Chicago are premier sites where professional concert halls are home to Festivals of Music.   Other destinations will be added in the near future.

Obviously with professional concert halls the acoustical factors are quite favorable.   Other auditoriums are evaluated with acoustics, size and ease of movement given careful consideration.   A warm-up site of suitable size, in close proximity to the performance venue and free from environmental concerns are additional factors given careful scrutiny.

As you can see this is no small item in festival preparation.   Hopefully I have answered your question as it pertains to the Festivals of Music program.   On your next Festivals of Music performance please give us a call concerning the site selection or any other part of the festival.   I wish you continued success.

Dr. James R. Wells

President

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