Great Falls deserves answers about what happened to the Chinook Winds
The Great Falls Symphony board voted to sunset the group, but hasn't said much about why. That needs to change.
Let me just start by saying I recognize and appreciate that it takes courage, a considerable time commitment, and strong passion for music and deep understanding of fundraising to be on the board of directors for a symphonic orchestra.
Those who are doing it in Great Falls — know that I see you, I know some of you, and I certainly can understand that when it comes to making difficult choices affecting the community and the lives of the musicians who perform here, it must be stressful, especially when it comes to financial decisions about keeping the organization afloat.
That said, Great Falls was robbed today, and someone needs to say it.
The Chinook Winds have been performing in Great Falls, and other places in Montana, for at least 30 years. Now the musicians in that highly regarded group received word that they no longer have a job. Via email. During the weekend.
I know it’s never a good time to do this, but, in my eyes, the timing couldn’t be worse.
The Great Falls Symphony just had their annual fundraiser recently. Was not enough raised? What was the number that was needed? Was that communicated to the public?
Also the Symphony last October was able to re-negotiate its contract with the City of Great Falls and the Mansfield Center to help them save money. They’re going to be searching for a new musical director soon, as well. What’s going on if they did that, shouldn’t that have helped? I can’t be the only one wondering this right now.
What I’m getting at is that I wish we, the public, were more informed about how this decision could happen. Did anyone know that this was on the table? Who was and who wasn’t? Were the members of the Winds aware?
I wish before this happened that we had options laid out in front of us and we understood why this was the only decision that could be made regarding the future of the Winds.
It’s not like they’re a new organization, either. They’re a respected bunch of professionals who have weathered many storms before. What changed now? What did they do in the past to raise money that could not be done now? Why weren’t any of these issues made public? Just…why?
There’s anger some are feeling over this. It’s justifiable. I also recognize that these decisions are never going to be popular. But, now that we’re here, I think the public deserves to hear the truth about why this had to happen from the people who voted to sunset the program.
What else did they try? Were any other options considered? How much money did they need to keep the group afloat? How much money is being spent on other salaries? Why was the news given to the performers via email on the weekend?
As someone who has covered the symphony with the Great Falls Tribune, and as someone who has become friends with several people who have worked with the Chinook Winds and Cascade Quartet, I know maybe better than anyone about the dynamic value and love these musicians brought to Great Falls. Which is why I’m shattered over this news and want to find out more about what happened.
What’s next? Could the Cascade Quartet be next? We don’t know. And we should be given the truth from the organization that made this decision. That’s the least we, and the musicians who lost their jobs, should be afforded. Should it not?
Musings in Montana is the personal Substack of Jake Sorich and is not associated with any organization or business in Great Falls or anywhere else in Montana.
I think we all know the answer to the question”why on the weekend via email?”. I believe the director and administrator just received bonuses or raises. Not a good look when you’re firing people.
what about the new hire? what are the administrators getting paid?