We have all heard the news about the demise of the Columbus (Ohio) Symphony. But did you know that most Central Ohioans are still enjoying live music throughout the summer without the Picnic with the Pops series?

Just this past weekend we had the Jazz and Ribs Festival in downtown Columbus, The Worthington Civic Band gave a Concert at Worthington on the Green and the Scioto Valley Brass and Percussion Co. played in front of a very large audience at Central College in Westerville, Ohio. This coming weekend we have the Dublin Irish Festival featuring many national, international and local musicians. The Brass Band of Columbus is booked for two sets (1 on Friday and the other on Saturday). This is but two of the summer weekends in Columbus. On any given weekend there is music to be heard from small groups to large 30-40 piece bands and even choirs. The people of Columbus are getting their music and many of them are responsible for making that music.

The summer tradition of listening to music outside while you enjoy dining is still happening without the Picnic with the Pops. And who is supplying the music; local musicians that play for the love of the art. Now I fully support the musicians of the CSO. I think many of the board members were in it for the prestige and not for the music and needless to say not for the musicians. But without musicians you have no music. But is Columbus short of music or musicians? No way!

Columbus has more Brass Bands than any other city in the U.S. At last count we have 7 active brass bands that perform for varied audiences throughout the year. This is not even counting the wind bands, choirs and orchestras that are active in the greater Columbus area. These organizations keep themselves running by the dedication of their musicians and their board of directors that are committed to the group. Most of the time, the boards are made up of the musicians themselves. My wife is the president of the Central Ohio Brass Band board of directors and she plays solo cornet with the group. Most of the remaining members are also musicians in the group. This is true with many of the organizations boards. Why do these groups thrive? The board members and musicians have ownership in the group and the mission. This is something that the CSO board of directors lacks.

Do we want the CSO back? Yes we do! But the board must be on the same page as the musicians and not loose focus of the mission- The Music. If the music is wonderful then the other benefits will come. In the meantime go check out some of the best music that your local musicians have to offer.