The Texas Ballet Theater began using taped music for its performances 3 years ago citing financial hardship. By cutting live music in both its Dallas and Fort Worth performances the company has "saved" money even while musicians have lost a substantial portion of their annual income and struggle to make ends meet. The result has been a drastic reduction in the quality of performances, fewer ticket sales, lower revenues, moving to less desirable venues, and a downward spiral of confidence and support for the company. Ballet with taped music is neither "world-class" nor a complete performance. If the TBT brings back its live orchestras it can once again claim artistic excellence, use the $1.5 million it has amassed by not having an orchestra to reintroduce that expense into the budget, and offer the the audience and dancers the full experience they deserve. It will not only help spur our area's economy by putting musicians back to work, but it will also provide inspiration and beauty during very difficult times.