Re: Administration

Perhaps it is time to focus on the administrators that have enabled
microtonal music. There are numerous music librarians, music critics, radio
hosts, and philanthropists that have, in addition to concert producers,
brought microtonal music into the mainstream.

Now, before some of you argue off the cuff about whether or not microtonal
music is mainstream, a few points. First, practically every single
commercial I listen to, on a myriad of channels, uses microtonality to get a
viewer's attention. This includes all of the largest corporations.

Secondly, young people are as likely to give microtonal charms a chance than
they are to give classical music a chance. This is based on decades of
teaching. Thirdly, I'm writing on the subject and I'm travelling: the thesis
is holding up. People know what "microtonal" is and they are sympathetic.

This is LARGELY due to terriffic adminstrators that understood the challenges
that microtonal music had faced, an who were dedicated to making the
necessary changes. Names like Kyle Gann, John Schaefer, Frank Oteri, Betty
Freeman, and Joseph Pehrson spring to mind.

John Schneider and Neil Haverstick of begun microfest/stock traditions which
bring comfort and effectively support the efforts of the AFMM. The internet
has provided fuller access to those needing assistance. PITCH for the
International Microtonalist was originally designed to do that which is
increasingly provided by the internet. It should go online (once updated in
a new edition).

Administration is how I've made the majority of my living. I've been a temp
since the industry began. Learning to be a corporate secretary may be the
ideal way to learn to mainstream an organization, no matter how obscure it
may seem at first. Fundraising, powerful correspondence, a state-of-the-art
office, even the general support corporate personnel give to those working in
their midst are all of great benefit. I've written a few pieces, a few
articles, and fulfilled a slew of fundraising-related applications while
administrating. Oh, and I can type.

Administrating also means advanced networking: one is constantly in touch
with new individuals and organizations. This is essentially grass roots
organizing, no different than a political organization. And no one cements
or successes better than the the present generation of admistrators than
promote microtonality. Time to give them a shout of grateful recognition!

Johnny Reinhard, Director
American Festival of Microtonal Music
Afmmjr@aol.com

Johnny Reinhard
AFMM