Symphony says Cobb high school choirs not performing to give other schools a chance
Several upset Cobb parents alerted me to this story, but their version of why the Lassiter and Walton high schools choirs are not performing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra this year differs dramatically from that of the orchestra leadership.
The orchestra contends it has nothing to do with the lack of racial diversity of the two choirs, but reflects the need to give other choirs a chance to perform with the ASO.
To be fair to the symphony, I have seen several holiday shows over the years, all with different local choirs. I am uncertain why there would be any expectation that once invited, a choir would be back every year.
For the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, it never rains but it pours.
On top of money troubles and bitter ongoing contract negotiations, the ASO has provoked a nasty public backlash when it was reported that the orchestra disinvited choruses from Lassiter and Walton high schools from the ASO’s holiday programs because the choirs weren’t “diverse enough.”
Websites lit up with negative responses.
“The ASO has just lost my business,” posted Linda McMichael, mother of a Cobb County high schooler. “They should be sued for racism.”
Earlier this week, Stanley Romanstein, president and CEO of the ASO, told Channel 2 Action News, “We want the stages of the Atlanta Symphony, whether here, Verizon, or Chastain, to reflect the diversity of Atlanta.”
But contacted Friday afternoon, Romanstein said he was referring to the eclectic programming offered by the ASO. The symphony has previously performed with the like of ZZ Topp and Dolly Parton.
“My comment was taken out of context,” said Romanstein, “and I’m not very happy about that.”
To the rescue Friday came the ASO Players Association, making an offer to stage free concerts at Lassiter and Walton. “The musicians have felt kind of helpless through this whole thing, trying to repair the relationships with the community,” said players representative and ASO principal trombonist Colin Williams. “The only way we know how is by performing.”
Jay Dillon, spokesman for Cobb County schools, said he didn’t know whether the schools were aware of the offer. “I will forward it to them as it seems like a reasonable remedy,” he said.
Romanstein said the controversy developed through a “misunderstanding.” Four years ago, he said, the ASO invited the choirs at Lassiter and Walton to participate in the symphony’s yearly holiday performances, which include Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs and appearances by Santa Claus. The ASO has a long tradition of performing with amateur groups, including the Atlanta Boy Choir and glee clubs at Spelman and Morehouse colleges.
At the end of the 2010 season, the schools were told the ASO could collaborate with Grady High School in 2012.
“We wanted to make sure other people had a chance,” said Romanstein. “The directors were cordial and understanding and thanked us for the opportunity to sing with the ASO. … How this got twisted on Monday into a racial battle … is really alarming.”
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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126 comments Add your comment
PatDowns
August 18th, 2012
12:04 pm
@ bu2
August 18th, 2012
11:47 am
“Actually several commended the players for trying to make up for the sorry ASO administrators.”
No, you are wrong. NoahVale is the only one who commended the ASO PA through posts as of 11:51. And, since I brought it up – thank you ASO musicians for trying to bring a bit of sanity to a situation spun out of control…by both sides of the issue.
Out by The Pond
August 18th, 2012
12:06 pm
Am I the only who has noticed that it was only the East Cobbers who have interjected race into the discussion? Proud to have been an East Cobber since 1951. Maybe it’s time to move.
Follow the Course
August 18th, 2012
12:11 pm
I am reading these comments relative to “a poor choice of words”. These are educated people who actually (supposed to) know what they were saying. Therefore, a “poor choice of words” equates to a possible poor choice within management” … what “other areas within the ASO are there or have been “poor choices”?
Bernie
August 18th, 2012
12:18 pm
PatDowns @ 11:34 am – You are right, How could WE be so thoughtless!
Those ” POOR” little ASO association members, are now shaking pitifully in their little gated communities, and Condos worrying about if that are going to have next month’s homeowners association fees and enough to have their luxury cars washed and waxed. Because, some idiot in the ASO administration P’oD some of our financial benefactors from COBB county! It really breaks my little bitty, tiny, bleeding HEART!
Never mind the FACT that the ASO Administrators have refused to bend to the selfish will of the very spoiled and privileged housewives and children of COBB COUNTY! and DO THE RIGHT THING for the community AT Large!
How insensitive and thoughtless of All of US to make such offensive comments!
I too, am truly OUTRAGED! at such despicable BEHAVIOR! by the “POOR CHOICE” ( coded terms for agreeing with other non whites) of words by ASO Admistration……………..NOT!
Bernie
August 18th, 2012
12:25 pm
PatDowns @ 11:34 am – I am of the opinion the entire story should not have been here at ALL! Especially, in light of what transpired!
Gerry Lopez
August 18th, 2012
12:43 pm
If Romanstein had wanted to be clear about his definition of “diversity” he would have made it clear at the time he dis-invited the Cobb kids. He also needs to address why he agreed to let “select groups” of the Cobb chorus’ performance with the Grady chorus.
the problem is that Mr Romenstein lives a a bigger fishbowl than that encompassing the more tunneled visioned Mid Town Atlanta. It would be interesting to ask Stanley about how he is addressing the lack of diversity in his own organization.
ASO racism needs to stop
August 18th, 2012
12:43 pm
In general i agree that giving more high schools the opportunity to perform is good. But in this case, it does appear to be a racially motivated decision – just note the demographics of the high schools that get selected instead…ASO may have inadvertently used “diversity” to justify its decision but those words tell us a lot about what was on their minds.
Entitled to what?
August 18th, 2012
1:03 pm
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” or their talents, skills or abilities.
Sounds like this only applies to diverse children.
If the ASO wants different choirs, fine, so be it. But, there are much better ways to handle this. Maybe the ASO needs a PR specialist.
Shark Punch!
August 18th, 2012
1:08 pm
Anyone in Romanstein’s position should really have enough savvy to know what will happen when you accuse a group of lacking diversity nowadays. When you’re in the public relations game, you need to show some humility and own up to your mistakes (even the unintentional ones) instead of throwing a tantrum when you’re taken out of context.
Michele
August 18th, 2012
1:27 pm
NEVER will I ever attend another ASO event. This is reverse discrimination to the max, and the ASO should be ashamed. Would they allow an all black choir? Would they allow an all Asian choir? I believe so. Let’s get back to reality in this miserable city. Atlanta has truly lost it!
mountain man
August 18th, 2012
1:33 pm
Sounds like a case of foot in mouth disease. It is just like the Chik-fil-a flap. People will choose to either patronize ASO or not depending on their belief about its policy.
Parent Teacher
August 18th, 2012
1:51 pm
Why is this such an issue?
Because the predominantly white middle class keeps getting screwed. There are progams to help minorities, programs to help the poor, programs and tax breaks for the wealthy, tax breaks for corporations, etc… But nothing, absolutely nothing to help the average middle class citizen. People are fed up with favoritism for what ever reason and in this case it is rearing its ugly head as discrimination. It is time for the politicians to rcecognize that most of America is left out when decisions are made. Stop the social agenda from the GOP and the entitlements from the Democrats and get back to helping the struggling middle class.
SBinF
August 18th, 2012
1:53 pm
Oh yeah Parent Teacher, woe betide us all, white folks have such a tough lot in this country!
Pullease.
Far be it to assume that diversity means racial diversity.
Maureen Downey
August 18th, 2012
2:00 pm
@To all, After reading these comments, I have one prediction: The ASO will reconsider ever inviting a school choir to join its holiday bill.
I have to agree that many folks here are applying a limited definition to “diversity.” Anyone who has a child applying to college knows that diversity now refers to far more than race. When colleges seek a diverse student body, they are talking about geography, choice of majors, high school size, high school programs, income, extracurricular interests, talents and sports.
I also don’t get why it is wrong for a major metropolitan symphony to make an effort to have other high school groups featured. Sounds like the Cobb schools had a great run with the ASO. But there are hundreds of high schools in metro Atlanta.
Can’t chat any more as my prodigal college son is returning home tonight from eight months abroad. Using his return as a motivator to vacuum behind the couch.
Cheers, Maureen
Parent Teacher
August 18th, 2012
2:10 pm
@SBinF
You obviously can’t tell that I meant ALL middle class. It happens to be that it is mostly white.
Furthermore I don’t see you rejecting my piont. It sounds like you feel setting unfair rules to “equal the playing field” is what you want. Why don’t we handi cap the best to bring them down to the lowest. This is exactly what is happening.
Burroughston Broch
August 18th, 2012
2:17 pm
ASO has a long history of inviting the same choirs every year, Morris Brown and Gwinnett Young Singers being two in particular. Neither is “diverse”, but Morris Brown is given a free pass as it is almost all black. “Diversity” in today’s PC context means there are too many Anglos and not enough blacks and Hispanics.
It’s interesting to watch the ASO musicians (themselves a very un-diverse bunch) make political hay against the ASO management on this issue also.
SEE
August 18th, 2012
2:25 pm
Maureen stated:
“many folks here are applying a limited definition to “diversity.” Anyone who has a child applying to college knows that diversity now refers to far more than race. When colleges seek a diverse student body, they are talking about geography, choice of majors, high school size, high school programs, income, extracurricular interests, talents and sports.”
Right…ASO was referring to the choir members lack of extracurricular interests and narrow choice of majors. Come on…we all know it’s because they were ‘too white’. I see alot of bigotry on this blog against white people…’cause, you know, if you are white then you aren’t ever poor or discriminated against, everything is given to you, you never have to work for what you get. Thanks for letting me know. I didn’t realize, as I go without a cell phone and cable TV, can’t afford to fix my car, and living off of macaroni and cheese, that I’m among the “priviledged” group.
Really?
August 18th, 2012
2:25 pm
Well then if they want diverse, then STOP letting Morris Brown, etc do them….
Solutions
August 18th, 2012
2:29 pm
It is open season on the successful, hence the movement called the secession of the successful. The more the diversity crowd lowers standards, the more the successful leave the crowd behind. I urge a complete boycott of all things Atlanta by the successful in East Cobb! Do not donate to charities, attend events in Atlanta, or shop in Fulton or DeKalb county, if they reject our successful kids, then we reject Atlanta and all it represents.
Follow the Course
August 18th, 2012
2:32 pm
Ms. Downey … interesting comment … you expand the term “diversity” to enhance your argument … but also Yes to the ever expanding term “diversity” which is beginning to mean “exclsions” of the certain parts of the “middle class” .. I also have previously stated in other blogs that shools and universities should project on the stage and playing fields participants that represent the “diversity” of the enrollment. … IE UGA … in football should be required to have more other ethnic groups on the playing field … or stage …
Chuntter
August 18th, 2012
2:34 pm
Maureen, perhaps while vacuuming you’ll come across that AJC diversity question of mine you’ve swept under the rug?
Follow the Course
August 18th, 2012
2:38 pm
While I am here, I must say that we all have more in common than we do in difference … BUT the term “Diversity” and the outright plausible utilization drives a wedge between us all … “diversity is justified legal discrimination.
SBinF
August 18th, 2012
2:45 pm
“Furthermore I don’t see you rejecting my piont. It sounds like you feel setting unfair rules to “equal the playing field” is what you want. Why don’t we handi cap the best to bring them down to the lowest. This is exactly what is happening.”
I’m sorry, but that’s a load of malarkey. You are buying into the idea that any minority that accomplishes anything does so with special help. That’s untrue. I’m a minority, solidly middle class, and I’ve had to compete on an equal playing field the same as everyone else. I can agree with you statement that the middle class gets screwed, but that’s irrespective of race. My accomplishments in life, college, graduate school, employment, et al, have not come at the expense of an equally qualified Caucasian somewhere.
SBinF
August 18th, 2012
2:47 pm
And even IF the ASO is choosing minority choirs in the name of “diversity” (a point that I’m not conceding), who cares? It’s a private organization. This is not competitively decided, so they can pick whatever choirs for whatever reason. I am fairly certain that the choirs at Walton and Lassiter will continue to thrive either way.
Parent Teacher
August 18th, 2012
2:51 pm
I never said “any minoritytha accomplishes anything does so with special help.” The fact remains that the reason for the outrage on this subject is that “diversity” is again being used an equalizer rather than performance.
Further I said the middle class gets screwed while all other groups get special consideration. And yes this often includes minorities.
SBinF
August 18th, 2012
2:55 pm
WHAT PERFORMANCE?
This isn’t a competition! Have you even heard any of the choirs involved? The ASO can choose choirs for whatever reason the organization pleases.
SBinF
August 18th, 2012
2:57 pm
The point of the symphony’s outreach is not to support the “best” choirs (however you’ve decided to determine that). The aim is to provide an experience for many students in various demographics.
Melaine
August 18th, 2012
3:07 pm
If you’ve ever had a subscription to the ASO you will understand that the only diversity they really like is green. They are constantly asking for money. We had seats for the season in the past and were deciding on whether to not to subscribe to the ASO or the theater this year. They’ve made our choice for us. Thanks for the heads up!!
Follow the Course
August 18th, 2012
3:09 pm
Still here … reading the AJC Sports page … where is the “diversity” in the AJC “Super 11″ ?
Pride and Joy
August 18th, 2012
3:17 pm
Parent Teacher said it perfectly.
If you are a white middle class American you are screwed.
The NAACP is an organization for the advancement of colored people. No one complains it is racist but if there was EVER an NAAWP it would be called racist.
The Cobb sutdents got screwed out of an opportunjity only because they wre white. Maureen argues they’ve been invited for years…but it’s not the SAME STUDENTS, Maureen, don’t you understand that?
Cobb got the shaft simply because they were white. THAT IS RACISM.;
.
Noble Square Nupe
August 18th, 2012
3:24 pm
As i stated. I’m a former choir member from Walton and I am black. Im not going to lie and say that our choir was super diverse. But lets face it, if majority of african american students focus on other after school activites such as sports, the the diversity in arts programs (theater, band, orchestra, chorus) will be slim. Its not tge fault of the students. Hell its not anyone’s fault. And yet these students are being penalized. Walton’s choir travels and performs both domestically and internationally. Yes the east cobb community is financially blessed. But im sick of that being the reason why others think that we accomplished so much. We earned our achievements through hard work snd practice. We spent hours after school rehearsing. Ive seen other choirs in the city and they are pretty damn good as well. If aso wanted other choirs, then thats all they had to do. But adding this diversity crap as the reason is BS. First they will say refer to diversity as color. Next it will be gender. Soon it will be that there arent enough people with gray eyes. What does diversity have to do with artistic talent?
Solutions
August 18th, 2012
3:31 pm
I think we can kiss ASO goodbye……..
Roxy
August 18th, 2012
3:36 pm
Sadly, if your opinion isn’t the politically correct mantra as prescribed by Mr. Romanstein, you haters think we have problems-really? Here in EC, if our money isn’t diverse enough for the ASO, we have amazing and talented groups that sincerely and honorably appreciate community support.
Bernie
August 18th, 2012
4:20 pm
If the ASO, for what ever reason decides not to invite any future high school choirs, it will only deprive the children of this unique experience very few would ever have again and that’s a shame. All of the students, then can thank a very small group of vocal Cobb County parents who have acted childishly and very selfishly for no good reason at all.
Pride and Joy @ 3:17 pm – Says its racist despite the invitation of the same schools, it not the same students. A GED graduate would only have absurd reasoning.
Chuntter @ 2:34 pm – This one is in a world of their own. very scary!
Parent Teacher @ 1:51 pm – This one is Brain Dead..maybe a Parent. God help us if they are Teacher!
Michele @ 1:27 pm – This one…Ignorance gone wild!
ASO racism needs to stop @ 12:43 pm – Mentally handicapped, slow learner for sure! the user name says issues other than the ASO!
comments on the com mentors: Below are the Extremes!
Really? @ 2:25 pm – This one is seriously confused – MORRIS BROWN has been DEAD for YEARS! where have they been? this choir now probably consists of ONE!
Follow the Course @ 12:11 pm – “Poor choice” code for supporting status quo, believes shame for not supporting parents selfish desires! seeks no changes – leave as is! Typical Cobb County Republican!
PatDowns @ 11:34 am – Worried that ASO members are going to starve as a result!..they will just move to other cities. probably best anyway, Being that Cobb parents are acting like Cretins!
All of the other comments of charges of discrimination, You can bet they have not participated in or seen anything that is even remotely close to being ARTS related. They shake in fear, when they see more one other person that does not look like them! Reside and work far outside of Metro area! Avid Fox News watchers for sure!
Finally,
Solutions @ 3:31 pm – A Cobb County resident with a extremely high opinion of themselves. Statement does reflect reality! Cobb county is not THAT POWERFUL!
Trust ME!
CapricornToo
August 18th, 2012
4:51 pm
Morehouse sings the Christmas program with the ASO every year, and has for the past 30 seasons. Where’s the diversity there?
The management of this orchestra is hypocritial beyond belief and deserves to be fired if the orchestra is to survive in its present, world-class form. They drive the organization into a $20 million dollar debt and then alienate the suburban audiences who can afford to buy tickets. Just what is wrong with this picture?
Atlanta mom
August 18th, 2012
5:42 pm
So why do people here think the Grady choir is any less than Lasiter or Walton?
Follow the Course
August 18th, 2012
5:54 pm
CapricornToo – why alienate their base? some sub-plot here.
Chuntter
August 18th, 2012
6:07 pm
@Bernie:
Move out of your mother’s basement, find a job and pay some taxes, Bernie, And you’ll doubtless have less inclination (or time) to race-bait every issue.
You still write like a semi-literate, by the way!
Bernie
August 18th, 2012
6:12 pm
Chuntter @6:07 pm – Ahhh! The touching of the nerves! how sweet the sound!
Follow the Course
August 18th, 2012
6:29 pm
Bernie … please list all the code words us folks can’t use … please advise. Per you “diverse” view … I do not live in Cobb County but vote Republican from time to time … it is the person not the platform. Your “typical” personal attack … is “typical” when you can not support with facts but with loud aquisitions.
Bernie
August 18th, 2012
6:43 pm
Follow the Course @ 6:29 pm – Now that’s a change! especially when it has been your crowd who has been making all of the decisions! Listening to my kind has never been any of interest to you or your neighbors. go back and review my comment time stamp 11:29 pm – the correction. No comments from Maureen or the AJC or any other posters regarding the issue of the Children of Atlanta being forced to walk to school. Yet we are all embroiled in a heated discussion of denials by a SYMPHONY organization and persons with an excessive inordinate amount of high self esteem of themselves, because their child was told NO!
Do you not see the IRONY?
One group who has everything and is complaining….and the OTHER who has NOTHING and cannot BE HEARD!
Bernie
August 18th, 2012
6:45 pm
Or Seen……….!
KIM
August 18th, 2012
6:56 pm
Is anyone else just plain sick and tired of political correctness? Is anyone else tired of organizations have to worry with silliness like this?
Bernie
August 18th, 2012
7:05 pm
KIM @ 6:56 pm – its not about political correctness…its about Right & WRONG! The Coob County kids have had numerous chances, now allow other communities children to share in the same experience. its the ME..ME…ME , crowd all the time! there is nothing discriminating about suggesting or allowing others to join in the experience who have not in the past ever had the opportunity to share. Did not your
Mother or father encourage you to share? with others?
The World must share! this is what makes it better for ALL! if only one group gets to get on the ride and one else is that fair? is that so discriminating when others have never gotten on the ride AT ALL? I say …..thou Protested too MUCH!
KIM
August 18th, 2012
7:11 pm
The mistake for ASO was to ever have allowed only a couple of schools invited each year. Their development person should have seen that this was a no win situation. BUT, regardless of the Cobb parents who feel entitled, I say that ALL of us should support the ASO in every way possible. There is no way Atlanta can be considered an internationally competitive city without strong fine arts. The city must have strong schools, outstanding fine arts and museums and athletics. There has to be a strong sense of community–the metro community. Not just downtown nor just the suburbs. The “city” takes in all of that. Shame on pettiness. Shame on poor judgement.
Burroughston Broch
August 18th, 2012
7:12 pm
@Atlanta Mom
Because they aren’t. I have heard all three and Grady isn’t in the same league as Lassiter and Walton. Plus, the Grady folks have no idea because Atlanta City schools never participate in any state choral activities.
Regarding the ASO:
Their management isn’t diverse.
Their oversized staff isn’t diverse.
Their musicians aren’t diverse.
Their audiences aren’t diverse.
So why do they require that guest choirs be diverse?
Roxy
August 18th, 2012
7:18 pm
KIM- political correctness is code that means being qualified and outstanding doesn’t measure up at ASO and their DOWNTOWN agenda. In REAL life when a contract expires, it can be renegotiated or ended. No one believes that ASO didn’t have a very POLITICALLY CORRECT agenda which translates to bashing East Cobb for their superior accomplishments. Hey haters–get educated, get a job and buy the house next door–you, too, can attend Walton.
Tone Man
August 18th, 2012
7:54 pm
After reading all the ignorant, ill-informed comments both here and in the original story, I see metro Atlanta is just as stupid as it was when I lived there. You don’t deserve a symphony orchestra. Remain the small-minded, provincial, backwoods joke that you are.
CapricornToo
August 18th, 2012
8:13 pm
@B. Brock – I believe you’ll find the ASO hires on the basis of ability, not race. Same thing in the world of jazz. I wouldn’t want to live in a society governed by the obsessive race- counting some people here expect.
Sandy Springs Parent
August 18th, 2012
8:24 pm
Last Year I had the honor of being a chaparone for Ridgeview Middle School in Sandy Springs for a battle of Chorus’s compitition at one of the Atlanta City Schools. I believe it was MLK. All I know is that it was in a terrible are of the city with drug deals going on the corners, but when you arrived at the school, it was one of the most beutiful schools I had ever seen. The school was nicer than any I ever seen in any school district, in White areas or even Private areas, ( where Walker wins hands down for the best one to take your SSAT or SAT because it is a nice atmosphere). The compition included Middle schools from chorus’s from City of Atlanta, Fulton County and Several Private Schools. There may have been schools from other counties.
I went in with the 6th grade group and got to hear all the 6th grade contestants. The all black schools sounded like the Church Chourus featured in the Tyler Perry movies. They did not react well when the mostly black judges on the judges panel told then that was not what they were looking for, but more classical singing. You heard alot of crying. Next went several of the basically all white Private Schools, Galloway, Lovett etc… They on the other hand were flat. They had one of the white judges tell them that they did not have any tempo, any life to their performances. Again you heard alot of crying. Sitting through these harsh judging one after another was tough. Then you got to Ridegeview Chorus, which is pretty much 30% Hispanic, 30% Black 30% White and it was beautiful. The performance had everything the judges said they were looking for in all the other groups. Still as a mother you are sitting there worried it was going to be another ripping critique to 11-12 year olds. Instead it was a Bravo, that is what we were looking for. Now was it our talented teacher Dr. Messer, or that we have a truely Diverse Chorus. Is it that every single member of the Chorus, Band and Orchestra Knows that they will get to go to New Orleans in March, no matter how rich or poor they are.
Why shoulld Walton and Lassitor have a lock on being the only Chorus performing in front of the ASO, they don’t even allow Apartments to be built in their districts, that is how they keep them selves pure.