By Robert Field
The dream of husband and wife team Fran Veri and Michael Jamanis and those others, public and private, that helped bring about the Pennsylvania Academy of Music can yet be achieved… but much depends on the actions of PAM’s Business Committee.
PAM’s future can far transcend what would be the circumstance if it were but a school for local students whose parents would like them to learn to play a musical instrument. As an international music school for talented high-school age musicians from throughout the world, PAM’s potential impact on the future of the City, and secondarily the County, is unparalleled.
First, without PAM, to what use can this $32 million dollar facility be put? Art Mann, Chair of PAM’s Business Committee, likens it to the proverbial ‘white elephant’. When an ancient Asian king desired to destroy a member of the nobility, a gift was given that required so much upkeep as to be financially ruinous.
Second, what is UNCB bank to do with a structure that represents around $9 million in debt, a significant chunk of its capital? Perhaps a buyer will emerge for the single purpose structure, despite its extraordinary cost of operations. Otherwise, PAM donors may be its best prospect if and when PAM’s revenue can be expanded and its expenses reduced, a mammoth undertaking, if indeed possible.
Third, the Brunswick Hotel remains closed, although it can readily qualify for an Occupancy Permit. If PAM is to become a boarding school for musicians, the Brunswick’s ample lower level meeting room space, several floors of rooms, and its pool and ample common areas are key. (The long closed movie theatre might also be put to use.) This would provide ‘base business’ and needed activity for a hotel that has been virtually dormant on the Lancaster scene for three decades, despite the fact that it is fundamentally a superior facility to the recently completed Marriott Hotel. (It was opened as a four star Hilton as compared the three star Marriott.)
Fourth, a flourishing PAM and revitalized Brunswick would revive Lancaster Square, helping to attract a user to the empty former Bulova (Hess Department Store) Building.
Fifth, downtown Lancaster would benefit greatly from having a music academy campus in its midst. Shops and restaurants would spring up to serve the students. Family members and tourists would be attracted to the year-round programs. The city would bask in the same prestige that Julliard brings to Manhattan and Curtis to Philadelphia.
There is much that can be justifiably criticized about how much money was spent, for the inept and conflicted board leadership, and the inexperienced management by artists since PAM’s inception. The question now is whether Business Committee Chair Mann and committee members Mary Burton and Jon Tryon can take effective steps to turn the institution around.
It will take much dedication and work, bold actions, ‘tough love’, a strong vision, and the courage to forge ahead. Once it is apparent that business competence is present, donors will rise to the occasion because PAM is much loved. (Certainly the Steinman Foundation’s and Lancaster Newspapers, Inc.’s generous cooperation helped to make the current arrangement possible.) However, if we don’t see signs of radical changes at PAM over the next couple of months, it is unlikely we ever will.
In conclusion, this isn’t just the future of a music school for kids. PAM, far more than the almost $200 million Convention Center Project, can alter for the better the entire future of our community. Seldom has so much depended upon so few.
Yes, but… none of this alters the fact that the members of our community (generally speaking) do not consider the arts to be a priority in their lives, and without their support there cannot be a future for PAM.
Very much appreciate the thoughtful, well-reasoned article.
Artists, whether visual or performance artists, are notoriously ill-equipped to handle the business aspects of a venture this large. Hopefully, a strong business management team has been put in place, and hopefully the Founders of the school have the good sense to leave the business and financial practices in competent business management hands and keep their focus where it should have been all along — on the education and inspiration and mentoring of young people, and on the performance aspects of their vision — their own continued excellence as performers, and bringing in world-class musicians and performers to elevate and enrich Lancaster concert-goers.
Wishing them the best!