This is my first post, although I’m a long time reader. My string player, current junior, has been interested in a number of conservatories including Eastman. We were rather disturbed to read that the orchestra has decided to tour China without three of its S. Korean members for whom visas could not be obtained.
We wondered if there are any current Eastman orchestra parents or students who had “inside info” on the decision. We find the decision upsetting in that current students (who are paying tuition after all!) have been excluded from what is, presumably, a tour to promote and recruit for Eastman. We understand the circumstances are perhaps complicated, but don’t see the level of student support I would hope to find from Eastman. Seems Eastman gets the win in continuing with their tour recruitment strategy at the expense of current students. Looking to see if there is some nuance that can keep Eastman on the list for my child.
I am posting a link to the news article. If this is not allowed, the article pops up when “Eastman China Tour” is googled. https://13wham.com/news/local/politics-invades-eastman-philharmonia-tour-to-china-south-korean-musicians-unwelcome
Thanks.
I heard about this and read the article cited above. My student is a senior there and she hasn’t heard much. This is a relatively new policy, and the article makes it sound like ESM didn’t know about it until visas were denied, which surprises me with 25% international students. I believe this policy on banning performers is due to the influence of k-pop and other S Korean contemporary culture.
Some students of the philharmonia will have this tour on their resume and some won’t. Doesn’t seem fair to me at all. Can you imagine the power imbalance of being one of those denied students and meeting with the dean on this topic? With future auditions and opportunities on the line, recommendation letters…
Correction to my note above - the performance ban mostly impacts kpop performers, but the ban is not related to the popularity of kpop, etc.
I agree that this was a bad decision. I wrote a letter to the administration about it and urge others to do the same. What if China had refused Visas to Black students? Gay students? Where is the line?
I read the article as well. The ban has to do with the decision by the US to place weapons in South Korea (as a protection against North Korea) and China’s displeasure with that military move.
I am also horrified by this decision! This is about money, pure and simple. The Dean says he is opposed to discrimination personally BUT…and goes on to explain why it’s ok in this instance. As Pee Wee Herman said, “everyone always has a big but”.
He also states that the 3 South Korean students in question said they supported the tour so that made him feel better. Of course they would say that! Can you imagine the peer pressure??? And I am very sad that the other students didn’t say no way.
Very sad and very concerning.
I wrote to the Dean, and he responded immediately saying that the decision is still in process and that he appreciated my concerns, which others share. My son is upset about it as well. He’s a jazz student and said, “Our entire culture is about supporting ‘section.’ If my band can’t go somewhere, I don’t go either.”
Hopefully they will make the right choice.
Thank you all for your replies. @Violinmomaz sums it up for me - "Very sad and very concerning. " We will be unable to keep Eastman on the list under current leadership.
@Musicaspirant and @Violinmomaz – we received an email today that the tour is being canceled. I am very happy to hear this and glad that the administration listened to the community’s concerns. My student wrote a letter as well and received a response directly from the Dean.
Thank you for posting. I concur that this was the correct response.