The primary purpose of Bach in the Subways is to bring live Bach to as many people around the world as possible – especially to those who would not normally hear it. We believe this is a fun & exciting way to get more people turned onto classical music!
As the stewards of this movement we ask that all who join us for Bach’s birthday celebration respect the following guidelines, which have been set up through trial and error to preserve both the unity and core spirit of Bach in the Subways – generosity, inspiration, and joy.
Money
Aside from the Bach, what has always made Bach in the Subways so special is that money is entirely removed from the equation.
No money can ever be accepted for a Bach in the Subways performance, nor can any commercial transaction occur immediately before, during, or after Bach in the Subways performances. We respect that some musicians make a living by busking and selling CDs, and we certainly have no desire to interfere. Rather we invite those who wish to join us to offer their music freely for a few hours once a year for J.S. Bach’s birthday. In the early years founder Dale Henderson performed the Cello Suites in the subways of New York City 2-3 times a week, but we would never ask anyone else to do this for free. All Bach in the Subways musicians perform because they want to, and with the full understanding that money is in no way involved.
No musician can ever be charged a fee to participate in Bach in the Subways. Although we are a grassroots, community oriented, volunteer organization, we have learned through experience that fundraising is sometimes needed to cover costs. However the wonderful Bach in the Subways musicians are already generously donating their time and music and can not be asked to give of their money as well.
Social Media
Since we’re all about getting the world excited and enthused about classical music, we’re always delighted to share about cool music projects on our social media – just let us know! We also deeply appreciate the hard work of Bach in the Subways organizers and musicians around the world and believe they deserve access to our social media. However the more united and focused we are as a movement, the greater our power to increase overall awareness and enthusiasm for classical music. Do not open your own Bach in the Subways social media account. Instead, contact us and we will either grant you editor access to an already existing account for your region/language or create a new one under our social media network and make you an editor.
Website
To help Bach in the Subways remain a unified movement we must keep bachinthesubways.org the main site. Do not start your own Bach in the Subways website. We are delighted to grant local organizers their own pages – email us at info@bachinthesubways.org to get started.
Performances Not for Bach’s Birthday
For Bach’s March birthday celebration Bach in the Subways is shared freely with the entire world. During the rest of the year we request that anyone wishing to use Bach in the Subways’ name or graphics email us at info@bachinthesubways.org for permission.
Politics
Under no circumstances can Bach in the Subways ever be used as a platform for politics, religion or any other philosophy, view, or agenda outside our sole purpose: to bring Bach to as many people as possible.
Legal
Please email info@bachinthesubways.org concerning all issues involving contracts using the Bach in the Subways name.
