Considering an Arts Administration degree?

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Then you should go out of your way to obtain a copy of: Joe Maddy of Interlochen, by Norma Lee Browning.  Published in 1963 by Henry Regnery Company, Chicago, IL.


 


Even if you’re not considering an arts degree, you should read this book to learn about how an arts organization can start from nothing, survive the depression, and constantly control of its own future. 


 


Unfortunately, it’s out of print, but you can still find several used copies around at www.alibris.com.  Read it cover to cover and you’ll learn more about how to actually build and maintain an arts organization in addition to receiving critical insight on what constitutes a good philosophy and ethical standards for arts managers.


 


NOTE: Be careful not to confuse this book with another entitled Joe Maddy of Interlochen: Portrait of a Legend.  This is not the same book.  And if you go to Amazon.com they do not have any used book dealers with the correct book, you will need to go to Albris.

About Drew McManus

"I hear that every time you show up to work with an orchestra, people get fired." Those were the first words out of an executive's mouth after her board chair introduced us. That executive is now a dear colleague and friend but the day that consulting contract began with her orchestra, she was convinced I was a hatchet-man brought in by the board to clean house.

I understand where the trepidation comes from as a great deal of my consulting and technology provider work for arts organizations involves due diligence, separating fact from fiction, interpreting spin, as well as performance review and oversight. So yes, sometimes that work results in one or two individuals "aggressively embracing career change" but far more often than not, it reinforces and clarifies exactly what works and why.

In short, it doesn't matter if you know where all the bodies are buried if you can't keep your own clients out of the ground, and I'm fortunate enough to say that for more than 15 years, I've done exactly that for groups of all budget size from Qatar to Kathmandu.

For fun, I write a daily blog about the orchestra business, provide a platform for arts insiders to speak their mind, keep track of what people in this business get paid, help write a satirical cartoon about orchestra life, hack the arts, and love a good coffee drink.

View all posts by Drew McManus | Website

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