Power of Inclusion – ProMusica Chamber Orchestra: Caring for Musicians

The majority of musicians, both contracted and substitute players, at the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra in Columbus, OH come in from out of town for every concert cycle. For many years, they were all housed in a hotel. But as CEO Janet Chen explains, about ten years ago, efforts to build relationships with audience members led to a homestay program, with community members hosting individual musicians for the five days of services each month. Board members and subscribers were early participants, and as the practice has grown organically, now almost every traveling musician has a “home away from home” with a regular host. “We try to pair people who have a shared interest or lifestyle,” Chen says. “For example, some hosts are amateur musicians, so we will match guests who play the same instrument. What’s lovely is seeing reciprocal generosity develop over the years—some hosts now drive their musician to or from the airport, and animal-loving musicians are known to walk their hosts’ dogs.”

Ellen Connors, Principal Bassoon, comes in from St. Louis. She says that “our hosts are some of our most active and enthusiastic supporters. When we stay with them, we see how hard they work for us and what the orchestra means to them.” Substitute Horn Matt Oliphant agrees. “I’ve felt very welcomed, shared meals, and met people’s kids and grandkids. My relationship with my host makes the trip to Columbus every month or so an easy choice.”

Of course, these homestays save the orchestra on accommodations. More important, they have led directly to growth in musician chair sponsorships. A decade ago, 65% of the orchestra was underwritten, and now every musician is sponsored. “The formative chair sponsors would speak enthusiastically about their musician friendships,” Chen recalls, “and before we knew it, we had unsponsored musicians asking if they could help with finding an underwriter; and then we had a waitlist for donors who wanted to sponsor the next musician who would become available. It was a great problem to have!” Concertmaster Katherine McLin says “With our sponsors, we become part of their family, celebrating birthdays and weddings together and, on the other side of the spectrum, honoring our bond by playing at their funeral. We share a deep love of the organization and are invested, literally and figuratively, in its health and prosperity. This creates a unique community that I have yet to find in a performing arts organization elsewhere.”

Music Director David Danzmayr does his part in making musicians feel a sense of belonging. “He cares about the musicians—both contracted players and subs,” Chen says. After rehearsals he’ll go out with musicians for a bite, along with Chen herself. “It shows he’s there with them offstage as well as onstage.”

Chen says that the ProMusica community is like extended family to the musicians. Recently the orchestra hosted a book launch for Principal Cello Marc Moskovitz, who is also an accomplished author. Donors, audiences, and half the orchestra attended. “Being a chamber orchestra, more intimate in size, maybe it seems more natural,” Chen speculates.

ProMusica’s culture of caring for musicians is also reflected in staff hiring. The team is integral to ProMusica’s supportive culture, and values transparency and input from all voices. For example, Chen and Danzmayr share the state of the organization at an annual musician townhall gathering, and welcome ideas, questions, and feedback. Chen’s frequent “Janet Time” newsletter to the musicians, staff, and board shares exciting news, recognition of staff or a musician who has gone above and beyond, and sometimes less-good news like the loss of a funder or community challenges. Chen says that “ProMusica puts our people first.” Musicians know they can come to Chen anytime. “After years of supporting authenticity and openness, it eventually becomes part of our DNA.”

Photo: ProMusica Chamber Orchestra musicians throw a surprise birthday party for CEO Janet Chen. Photo courtesy of ProMusica Chamber Orchestra.