As The Presser Foundation’s Graduate Music Fellow, I have the opportunity to experience various performances hosted by many different music organizations. This month, I chose one of the newest grantee partners of The Presser Foundation, Fire Museum Presents, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting creative music in Philadelphia.
After attending two of their events, I also had the chance to chat with Steven Tobin, the director of Fire Museum Presents (Fire Museum), and learn more about the visions and goals of his organization. He shared with me his passion for supporting diverse and innovative artists.
Vision and Mission
At the core of the Fire Museum lies a powerful mission statement:
“Fire Museum Presents curates accessible musical performances in Philadelphia that bridge the gaps between tradition and experimentation, local and global.”
Tobin dissected this mission:
- Accessible Venues: Fire Museum seeks out diverse venues across Philadelphia. From intimate spaces to grand halls, they partner with venues across Philadelphia to ensure that music reaches every corner of the city, infusing the city’s streets with music and sonic atmospheres.
- Affordability: Most Fire Museum events are low-cost or even free. Their commitment to affordability ensures that everyone, regardless of financial means, can experience the magic of live music.
- Breaking Boundaries: Genres are mere labels. Fire Museum defies these boundaries, presenting a wide variety of music that resonates with passionate audiences. Whether it’s jazz, contemporary, or global traditional tunes, they celebrate the rich tapestry of sonic expression.
- Connecting Audiences and Artists: Fire Museum acts as a bridge, bringing together artists and audiences. They curate performances that resonate, creating a shared experience that lingers long after the last note fades.
- Enthusiasm for Sonic Diversity: Above all, the Fire Museum wishes to share their enthusiasm for a diverse sonic world. Music knows no borders; it speaks a universal language that unites hearts and souls.
An example that ties these elements together: one of the most recent performances hosted by Fire Museum that I attended was the Nakatani Gong Orchestra. I attended the concert thinking about how a gong orchestra could create interesting sonic experiences with only 16 gongs. As a composer, I know that gongs are delicate instruments that can be easily overplayed. Additionally, gongs are expensive and difficult to transport, so contemporary composers rarely have the opportunity to write music using them. Imagine my surprise when I saw 16 gongs on stage, all being played by a single musician!
Nakatani created a wide variety of sounds with those 16 gongs, from calming to terrifying. He used extended instrumental techniques to create sounds that I had never heard before. He even designed his own bows to use on the gongs. The ensemble was not only musically engaging, but they were also beautifully choreographed. The sound of the gongs traveled from different parts of the concert hall, haunting us with their beautiful overtones.
I was truly impressed by Nakatani’s performance. He is a master of his instrument, and he created a truly unique and unforgettable experience for the audience.
Goals and Aspirations
Tobin shared that Fire Museum’s goals align closely with their mission. They aspire to:
1. Diversify Programming: As a nonprofit organization, Fire Museum aims to expand its repertoire. More genres, more artists, and more sonic adventures. They seek funding to make this vision a reality.
It is important to note that inviting the audience to different sonic realms can be risky and scary for many organizations, as they are concerned about meeting their audience members’ expectations. However, I believe that it is the job of anyone in the field of music to break the chains and invite each other to listen to something that might not be so familiar to us. This is how and why diversifying programming is important.
Diversifying our listening habits can help us to appreciate different cultures and perspectives. It can also help us to discover new music that we might not have otherwise found. Additionally, it can help to break down stereotypes and prejudices about different genres of music.
2. Provide Affordable Programming: While diversifying, Fire Museum remains committed to affordability. Their events will continue to be accessible, ensuring that music remains a gift for all.
This commitment is pivotal, as affordability plays a transformative role in democratizing the live music experience, and dismantling economic barriers that could otherwise impede access to cultural enrichment. As both an artist and educator, witnessing grassroots organizations such as Fire Museum champion the democratization of the arts and its universal accessibility brings me immense satisfaction.
3. Be Global and Experimental: Fire Museum’s programming reflects this balance. Approximately 75% of their offerings delve into experimental, contemporary, and jazz realms. The remaining 25% celebrates “global traditional” sounds, honoring cultural heritage.
We find ourselves in an era where championing underrepresented voices stands as a crucial objective for arts organizations. It is imperative to emphasize that addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is pivotal as we move forward. Yet, from my perspective as a composer of color, I contend that the challenges related to DEI extend beyond the mere programming of concerts and music events. Diversification, to me, transcends various dimensions. It involves not only the race, heritage, gender, sexuality, and socio-economic status of composers or artists but also encompasses their artistry and aesthetics. Such a comprehensive approach is essential to combat prejudices and stereotypes that unfortunately surround underrepresented artists.
Undoubtedly, there is always a risk that some individuals may not be receptive to new and diverse musical experiences. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that the potential benefits of broadening our listening habits far outweigh the associated risks. It heartens me to witness smaller arts organizations, such as Fire Museum and many others, embracing this challenge and bravely leading the way.
Why Cultural Exchange Matters
Finally, Fire Museum believes that experiencing different cultures through art enriches lives. Tobin explained why:
- A World of Music: Imagine a mosaic from every corner of the globe. From Indian ragas to African drumming, from Celtic ballads to Japanese koto melodies. Each note carries a story, a history, and a connection to humanity.
- Enriching Lives: It’s a privilege to witness the creativity of others. Fire Museum believes that no one should miss out on this enrichment. Art transcends borders, fostering empathy and curiosity.
So, next time you attend a Fire Museum event, remember that you’re a part of a global mosaic. Let the music ignite your soul, and may Fire Museum Presents continue to kindle the flames of artistic exploration.
