Answer to Question 1
Today many beiguan musicians have manual trades, while the social elite in Taiwan are more likely to send their children to study (Western-style) piano or violin. Belguan music is perceived as old-fashioned, working class and primarily associated with rural funerals.
Today beiguan musicians like Jianguan sizhu musicians, are proud of their amateur status, and the roots of their music also go back to opera. But beiguan emerged from opera that was performed primarily by sons of the social elite for ritual display (rather than by low-class professionals of the Jiangnan sizhu tradition of the past).
Answer to Question 2
Often a beiguan group is affiliated with a local temple, which provides rehearsal space in return for the ensemble's participation in rites and processions. In Taiwan, successful businessmen often provide funding to support the ensemble's activities and regularly invite members to socialize together.
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