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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Playing the Maestro blog tour - Guest Post by Aubrie Dionne


State of the Orchestra in Today’s World

One of the reasons why I decided to write Playing the Maestro was to bring attention to classical music. Sure, there’s smooching, romance, adventure, and wickedly evil deceit, but underlying all of the personal dramas is the story of a struggling orchestra and what it has to do to survive in today’s modern world.

With American Idol, sold out rock concerts, and Lady Gaga’s theatrics, classical music can seem very stuffy and boring. Less and less people go to orchestra concerts, and I consider classical music a dying art form. The NH Symphony- the first orchestra I soloed in front of in high school, went out of business years ago, and orchestras all over the country are struggling- the same struggles you’ll read about in Playing the Maestro.

The sad part is, classical music improves test scores, it makes kids smarter. It teaches them discipline, perseverance, and how to use their hands to do something other than play video games and text. It is totally worth it and essential to a well-rounded society. Besides that, it’s part of the classics like Pride and Prejudice in literature, and part of history. It shouldn’t die along with the white wigs and tights.

The main hero in the story, Wolfgang Braun, makes it his life mission to replace every video game controller with an instrument. We need more of these heroes today.

What do you think about the decline of classical music in today’s society? Do you think it should be saved?

Blurb:
Melody Mires has sworn off dating musicians, but when the sexy European conductor Wolf Braun takes over her struggling symphony, her hesitation almost flies out the window with the notes of her flute—until he opens his mouth. Wolf is arrogant, haughty, and seems to have a personal vendetta against Melody. Oh, and he’s her boss. If she wants to keep her job as principal flutist, she’ll have to impress Wolf while simultaneously keeping her undeniable attraction to herself.

Wolf came to America to get as far away from his past as possible, and to recover some of the swagger he had as one of the world’s best maestros. He never imagined being forced to reassess the entire orchestra’s talent—and potentially fire anyone who doesn’t make his cut. Dating the attractive flutist is out of the question, but as their feelings reach a fever pitch, can they risk both their careers for a chance at love?

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11 comments:

  1. I've heard good things about this book!

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  2. I love classical music, but I agree, it really does seem to be struggling to survive in our modern world, which is just so sad...

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  3. Thanks for having me on your blog, Christine!

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    1. It's my pleasure! Love your post. I also love seeing the support for classical music here.

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  4. Sounds like a wonderful book!

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  5. I LOVE classical music and agree! I think there should be more books and more focus on it! This story sounds fantastic - adding to my to-read list!

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  6. WITHOUT A DOUBT! WE NEED CLassical music. Ironically, I am listening to it now. Instrumentals are so exquisite in their delicate tones. The world would be such a SADDER place without the classical nuances of music.

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  7. Thanks to everyone! Aubrie is a fantastic writer. She's a flutist, so this post comes right from her heart.

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  8. I loved Playing the Maestro and can't wait to read the sequel.

    And it's so sad how the arts are suffering. More and more schools are cutting their art and music funding too. It makes me sad because arts/music brings so much joy.

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  9. Yes, classical music should be saved. Yes. Yes. Yes. I can't imagine a world without it. I grew up with classical music and so have my children. I hope their children grow up with the sweet sound of Bach.

    Playing the Maestro sounds awesome. Classical music and romance. What more do you need!

    Hayson

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