Results of 2011 Survey

This year we surveyed the audience on our first night, July 22nd. Thanks to everyone who participated. The results help clarify who attends our concerts, and why. The numerical responses help us obtain grant funding. We particularly appreciate reading all the comments about what you liked a lot, and what you liked not so much. That data will guide our preparation for next year.

In all, 76 surveys were returned. The ratings were overwhelmingly positive, and the comments provided much-needed feedback. Many people provided contact info that we will add to our data base. A few people enclosed donations. Most of the surveys were returned on the first night.

From the survey we learned that 94% of respondents said they would recommend the concert to others. More than 1/3rd were attending for the first year, and over 75% planned to attend more than one concert.

General observations

Here is a selection of the general comments we received. The writers made lots of good points. Responses appear where necessary.

"Kevin encouraged us to come to the Festival. It has been an incredible experience – the beautiful setting, the remarkable quality of the musicians – the Parker Quartet, Elizabeth Joy Roe and tonight Deanne Meek! Thank you for a wonderful experience."

"Beautiful playing. I look forward to the rest of the festival."

"I especially liked the cello group playing Villa Lobos – very exciting! I also liked the voice pieces, showing the voice as an instrument also. "

"Verne was great – educational and friendly. Parker Quartet was amazing, as were all musicians."

"Keep Kevin Krentz, he’s amazing!"

"We liked the pre-concert lectures, and Kevin Krentz’s intros and comments. Three Funny Pieces were fun and a good comic relief from the more serious pieces. It’s good to have new music add to our concert experience."

"Best organized year yet. "

"Love the festival! Kevin has done an outstanding job. Love the Barn venue. This year’s food was very good, if a bit skimpy on the portions. Two chicken skewers would be better than one."

"It just gets better every year."

"Great venue and program. I liked hearing the musicians speak."

"Lovely venue, lovely music!"

"Thank you! The venue is charming. The pre-concert lecture was extremely beneficial and informative. The snacks were tasty and the performances outstanding."

"Verne Windham was a terrific speaker. His comments on the musical program and introductions were highly informative and well-spoken."

"Having an experienced quartet in residence is a real bonus – and a great way to build the festival (it has been done before to equal great effect)."

"For the size and scope you’ve established I think you’ve gotten everything just about right! The acoustics were very good."

"Thank you very much for all your work. Adding your festival to our list of activities has made that much more memorable in our visit with our longtime friends."

"The musicians seem relaxed and comfortable on stage, like old friends. You must treat them well." Yes, we do. We work to build a fun, enoyable society for the musicians. Each musician stays with a host family during the week. That promotes interaction between the musicians and the community in a variety of settings. The 2011 season featured scheduled activities including river rafting, boating, mountain-biking and hiking. Would you like to get involved?

"Food was exceptional and a bargain!"

"Good coverage! (of festival in the Methow Valley News)"

"You are doing great!"

"I liked the idea of “coming down off the mountain” and spreading out the venues in places more people from the valley could afford to come hear this beautiful music. I would have come to every concert had it not been cost-prohibitive." —The Signal Hill Ranch venue is provided for our use during the festival free of charge through the generosity of its owners. If you must miss one of the concerts, you are welcome to attend the free "open rehearsal" sessions scheduled in our program guide.

"What about a special children’s concert – where they are shown the instrument, given its name and then hear a short solo; then all together as chamber group, explaining the piece briefly and allowing children to MOVE to the music as they listen, instead of sitting in chairs – seated on floor/grass in the front section." —We are looking at moving our free student concert to an afternoon time-slot that might be more amenable to young children. We think that children relate best to other young people playing.

"Three porta potties were not enough. Thanks for adding a fourth." —It took us a while to figure out the right number; sorry about that; you were not the only person to notice.

"Why not partner with the Methow Valley tourist lodging to provide packages combining festival tickets with lodging, and perhaps meals at local restaurants?"

"This year’s concert series was outstanding; each year getting better! The Student Showcase evening [deserves] a printed program. They were phenomenal."

"I would like an evening that makes classical music accessible to a “beginner’s” ears. I feel that while I enjoy most music, classical is harder to relate to. How about a “classical music for dummies” night? Another idea – an open forum where the audience can question/engage with the musical director and/or performers." —Be sure to attend one of the pre-concert lectures by Vern Windham or Lynette Westendorf next season; they are both very approachable and love answering questions.

"Perhaps a special pass price for the entire festival." —Ask and ye shall receive! Talk to our business manager at 996-6000 and ask for the package price.

"Would be a good idea to send out updates about the festival months in advance – doesn’t cost money to send email." —We're slowly working our way into the 21st century.

"You are doing a great job. I hope the festival can continue to be of this quality and sustain itself." —So do we.