Michael Pratt, Director, Program in Musical Performance,
Princeton University
To the editor:
In response to “Buildings being challenged in tax-exempt lawsuit” in the 4/29 Packet, I’d like to offer an observation regarding Alexander Hall use.
As conductor of the Princeton University Orchestra, I am in charge of what is easily the single biggest user of the facility. In a given year, we are on stage around 60 times, of which all but eight are rehearsals. In those eight performances we offer to the Princeton community concerts of exceptional quality at a fraction of the ticket cost of the professional ensembles performing there. The same may be said of all the Music Department ensembles Concert Jazz Ensemble, Glee Club, Chamber Choir, Sinfonia, Wind Ensemble, Opera Theater, and the occasional senior thesis production that perform in Alexander. (They also rehearse there, although not as extensively as the Orchestra.)
So when Mr. Afran says of Alexander Hall that there is some “minority use by students, very little,” he needs to re-check his facts.
Michael Pratt
Director, Program in Musical Performance
Princeton University

