The YSO is a great organization and I always enjoyed going to their concerts when I lived in the area. Classical music has been a niche market for a long time and while it is amazing to think of all the different ways we can experience music today it is also disappointing to see arts organizations like the YSO struggling. One big problem with classical music is we've made it too serious and sucked all of the fun out. Outreach programs like the Stained Glass Concert Series are great ideas, and I hope the concerts are well attended and the programs accessible for those who aren't regular listeners.
It is sad that Pilgrim Collegiate is getting torn down. The sanctuary is absolutely beautiful (one of the nicest in the city in my opinion) and I believe the stained-glass windows are Tiffany, so hopefully they will be saved by Faith Community or some other organization. While the building was in need of work when YSU took it over, the article fails to mention an important point. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe all the utilities in the building have been off for several years now. You cannot let a building like that sit empty with no heat, no maintenance, etc and expect it to last. YSU owns the property and can do with it what they like, but something tells me they wanted to tear down the church all along and just let it deteriorate until could justify their decision without getting too much flak.
The political climate is so toxic it doesn't matter who wins the election because as long as the opposite party is in control of the House or Senate they will make darn sure nothing gets done. What I really want to hear from the candidates is how they plan on getting through all the gridlock, political posturing, and finger pointing that is currently the norm in Washington.
"Four students already have been issued one-day suspensions after smoking cigars . . . in a move of solidarity, 41 football players said they would serve the suspension, too." In other words, the entire football team is going to skip a day of school. There isn't a high school student in the state that would consider missing one day of school a punishment. Regarding the champagne, I have no problem with parents giving it to their children at home, but I imagine the school has very specific policies regarding alcohol. If it is true that the coaching staff and administration knew alcohol was being served and allowed it to happen, they should be punished even more severely than the students.
It is really wonderful so see something like this happening in Youngstown. When this organ was installed in the 20s E.M. Skinner was the preeminent builder in the U.S. Today he is remembered and revered as one of the most important figures in the history of pipe organ building and represents American craftsmanship at its best. Unfortunately, many of his instruments have been lost or altered beyond recognition, and to have one in its original condition is a real treasure which could easily be considered priceless. Other important Skinner organs include one at Yale University, and, in Ohio, Severance Hall in Cleveland and the Cincinnati Union Terminal Museum Center. Thompson-Allen, who handled the restoration, was absolutely the right company for the job as they are experts in Skinner restoration and know how to do the job right. To have a comparable organ built new today could cost twice as much as this restoration did and would not include the historical importance. In addition to being used as a solo instrument, the organ will fill an important void with the Youngstown Symphony, which has not had a real pipe organ to play with as long as anyone can remember. Now they really have one of the best in the world at their disposal - they just have to trek over from Powers ;). Everyone in the area can really be proud of this, and I hope it is used often and made accessible to all who are interested. I don't live in Youngstown anymore, but hope to see and hear the organ on my next visit back. Lastly, it is always nice to read good news!
Struggling orchestra shortens season, takes show on the road
The YSO is a great organization and I always enjoyed going to their concerts when I lived in the area. Classical music has been a niche market for a long time and while it is amazing to think of all the different ways we can experience music today it is also disappointing to see arts organizations like the YSO struggling. One big problem with classical music is we've made it too serious and sucked all of the fun out. Outreach programs like the Stained Glass Concert Series are great ideas, and I hope the concerts are well attended and the programs accessible for those who aren't regular listeners.
May 1, 2012 at 4:35 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Pilgrim Collegiate Church to be torn down; hope for the Peck House
It is sad that Pilgrim Collegiate is getting torn down. The sanctuary is absolutely beautiful (one of the nicest in the city in my opinion) and I believe the stained-glass windows are Tiffany, so hopefully they will be saved by Faith Community or some other organization. While the building was in need of work when YSU took it over, the article fails to mention an important point. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe all the utilities in the building have been off for several years now. You cannot let a building like that sit empty with no heat, no maintenance, etc and expect it to last. YSU owns the property and can do with it what they like, but something tells me they wanted to tear down the church all along and just let it deteriorate until could justify their decision without getting too much flak.
March 1, 2012 at 4:34 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Obama should run scared
The political climate is so toxic it doesn't matter who wins the election because as long as the opposite party is in control of the House or Senate they will make darn sure nothing gets done. What I really want to hear from the candidates is how they plan on getting through all the gridlock, political posturing, and finger pointing that is currently the norm in Washington.
December 31, 2011 at 11:33 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Mooney investigation to take up to 2 weeks
"Four students already have been issued one-day suspensions after smoking cigars . . . in a move of solidarity, 41 football players said they would serve the suspension, too." In other words, the entire football team is going to skip a day of school. There isn't a high school student in the state that would consider missing one day of school a punishment. Regarding the champagne, I have no problem with parents giving it to their children at home, but I imagine the school has very specific policies regarding alcohol. If it is true that the coaching staff and administration knew alcohol was being served and allowed it to happen, they should be punished even more severely than the students.
December 17, 2011 at 3:07 p.m. permalink suggest removal
Hundreds celebrate pipe-organ rededication
It is really wonderful so see something like this happening in Youngstown. When this organ was installed in the 20s E.M. Skinner was the preeminent builder in the U.S. Today he is remembered and revered as one of the most important figures in the history of pipe organ building and represents American craftsmanship at its best. Unfortunately, many of his instruments have been lost or altered beyond recognition, and to have one in its original condition is a real treasure which could easily be considered priceless. Other important Skinner organs include one at Yale University, and, in Ohio, Severance Hall in Cleveland and the Cincinnati Union Terminal Museum Center. Thompson-Allen, who handled the restoration, was absolutely the right company for the job as they are experts in Skinner restoration and know how to do the job right. To have a comparable organ built new today could cost twice as much as this restoration did and would not include the historical importance. In addition to being used as a solo instrument, the organ will fill an important void with the Youngstown Symphony, which has not had a real pipe organ to play with as long as anyone can remember. Now they really have one of the best in the world at their disposal - they just have to trek over from Powers ;). Everyone in the area can really be proud of this, and I hope it is used often and made accessible to all who are interested. I don't live in Youngstown anymore, but hope to see and hear the organ on my next visit back. Lastly, it is always nice to read good news!
September 19, 2011 at 12:35 p.m. permalink suggest removal