Fourth electronic survey in as many seasons shows positive gains in key areas
The results of the fourth electronic survey that the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra has conducted since – and including – its 2003-2004 Season are in, and they show some positive gains in key areas. The survey, conducted between June 12 and July 15, 2007, solicited input from concertgoers, volunteers, musicians, board members, donors, educators, staff, and others. Here are the key findings (all increases are in comparison to the 2005-2006 Season survey results):
87.10% of respondents (a 4% increase) would recommend the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO) to a friend or colleague.
94.30% of respondents (a 3.40% increase) gave high ratings to the image of the DPO in the community, with slight increases in the number of respondents giving high ratings to the overall concert experience, the level of entertainment value of DPO performances, and the importance of a top-level orchestra for Dayton and the Miami Valley.
86.60% of respondents (a 3.40% increase) gave high ratings to the Dayton Daily News Classical Connections Series programming, as did 83.72% of respondents (a 4.28% increase) to Demirjian Chamber Series programming,.
68.8% of respondents (a 3.20% increase) felt the balance between familiar and unfamiliar composers and music was about right, and 73.60% of respondents (also a 3.20% increase) felt the balance between programs featuring DPO conductors and guest conductors was about right.
in addition to the DPO, 80.80% of survey respondents also enjoy attending museums, 74.00% enjoy attending live theater, and 69.90% enjoy attending movies.
Comments typical of the open-ended responses received include:
“Great orchestra in a great hall. The concerts we heard were top tier all the way, a thrilling experience.”
“I’m proud we have the DPO as part of our city’s culture and recommend it every chance I get.”
“Having lived in very sophisticated, large metropolitan areas, having to live in Dayton has been quite difficult. There are a couple of gems here, DPO being one of them. The quality presented at each and every concert rivals any we have ever experienced, including the great European orchestras.”
“I particularly enjoy local bands and vocals from our area schools as pre-concert entertainment.”
“I like promoting upcoming, young artists…such as the young female violinist (Nicola Benedetti – ed.) during the ’06-07 concert season.”
“It is easy to get in a rut and I think Neal tries to keep the DPO and Dayton audiences from getting stuck in one. I will continue to attend all the performances even if I am not sure about the program because there is always something to enjoy.
“When you offer interaction between the guests and students either as master classes or Q and A, it inspires the students and adds great value in how the DPO gives back to the community. Thank you for making it available.”
“To evaluate and improve the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, we have listened to – and continue to consider – survey respondents’ opinions and suggestions,” Curt Long, DPO Executive Director, states. Due to the amount and high quality of the response, the DPO decided after the 2003-2004 season to conduct the survey on an annual basis. “We encourage honest and complete feedback and are always eager to hear how we’re doing, both on general issues and specific concerts.”