By Michael Schulder How can the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s 12th Man be a game-changer? The 12th Man, in football parlance, refers to the fans. 11 men from each team are on the field. The 12th Man fills the stands. The home team feels its energy – and transfers that energy into its performance. Many of us who are closely following the ongoing developments at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – the ASO – are part of its collective 12th Man. We are its fans and supporters. Many of us are current donors. Others of us may become significant future donors. We recognize the immeasurable value that this artistically preeminent orchestra adds to our city. With no ASO performances on the horizon, and the symphony currently locked out of Symphony Hall, the 12th Man’s attention has turned to what’s happening off stage. We must be determined to help answer the question: how can we change the course of this current crisis from its lose-lose direction to a win-win? How can we change the game? |