The Musicians’ Voice is an open forum for discussion about the state of union affairs. The letters here do not necessarily express the views of Local 802. E-mail letters to Allegro@Local802afm.org or write to Allegro, Local 802, 322 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036. Letters must be no more than 300 words.

LET’S GET THE NATION INTERESTED IN THE ARTS

Paul Molloy’s article in the last issue – “The Arts Are Under Attack (Again!)” – so clearly echoes my sentiments about the arts in the U.S. It’s so clear that progress in society equals progress in the arts and there is ample evidence to prove this. So why aren’t more people energized around this issue?

I encourage readers to send or e-mail Paul’s article to lawmakers, blogs, web sites, magazines and newspapers. I think it’s time to bombard the media on every level possible to raise awareness.

I am a busy violin teacher at the Kaufman Center and at the Steinhardt School at NYU. Even though I’m busy, I don’t want to sit on the sidelines about this issue, since it does basically determine the quality of our society.

I’ve been a Local 802 member for many years. I’m also a member of the Suzuki Association, the Associated Music Teachers League, the American String Teachers Association and Americans for the Arts. My question to all of us is: who is speaking for us artists on a national level? Who is organizing on our behalf to save the arts? Is there even a Facebook page about saving the arts? If not, there really should be.

I would love to be part of a national initiative to force lawmakers to wake up and smell the coffee! If there are any fellow members who are interested in kicking around these ideas, please e-mail me at Chris.Pors@gmail.com.

–Christiane Pors-Sadoff

REMEMBERING WILLIAM VORSTEG

I would like fellow musicians to know that William B. Vorsteg, my husband of 27 years, passed away on Jan. 3 at the age of 78. Those who knew him may remember that he played violin with the New Jersey State Opera and various quartets, and occasionally with Eve Queler’s orchestra in New York City. He played a violin made by Sergio Peresson and studied privately with Ivan Galamian for many years. Although he became a professional court reporter and formed the American Reporting Company, music and violin playing were always part of his life. He was a true musician at heart, a man of exceptional qualities and he will be greatly missed. Beside myself, Bill is survived by our identical twin sons, John and Thomas, and brothers Robert, David, Stanley, Michael, Raymond, Richard and Lawrence. He is also survived by his sisters Angela and Rosemarie. I would love to hear from any of Bill’s colleagues or friends. E-mail me at CeciliaAngell@gmail.com.

–Cecilia Angell Vorsteg