Violins whined, drums thumped and piano keys sang Saturday evening in Dodson Auditorium when the Music and Dramatic Arts College Council hosted a live broadcast of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Though the turnout was slim, those in attendance did more than watch the broadcast — they participated, joining audience members’ applause displayed on screen who were actually more than 1,000 miles away.
“We got a decent turnout,” said Carly Zimmerman, MDA College Council president. “We’re learning from this.”
Attendees paid $5, which partially went toward a fundraiser for MDA. Half the proceeds went to SpectiCast, the company that broadcasts the orchestra, and the other half went to MDA, though its members insist the broadcasting was more of an exposure opportunity than a fundraiser.
“We’re really doing it as more of a service,” said Matt Murray, MDA College Council member at large.
Council members said the broadcast was a test run for the future when they hope to do something like this again, possibly for free, which they think may increase turnout.
Zimmerman said SpectiCast charges a minimum to broadcast the orchestra, but the college council will try to negotiate.
“Something like this is to transmit an appreciation for music,” said Collin Barry, MDA College Council treasurer. “It’s important for everyone to have an appreciation for music.”
The college council members also said it’s important for them to keep pressing the worth of music amid the budget cuts looming over the school.
As a result of the cuts, the school hasn’t being able to attract as much out-of-state talent because of the lack of scholarships now awarded, some members say.
“A large percent of our school is out of state, and a large percent is on scholarship,” Barry said.
The philharmonic broadcast lasted about two hours and included music composed by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, the Russian composer of several ballets including “The Nutcracker,” and James MacMillan, modern Scottish classical composer.
The MDA college council will put the proceeds from the broadcast toward its upcoming events, including its “Mystery Dinner Theater” on April 2.
 
_____
Contact Andrea Gallo at [email protected]