Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

Why Do You Rob a Bank

Fri, Apr 4, 2005
When asked why he robbed banks, bank robber Willie Sutton answered, “Because that’s where the money was.” Sounds like a simple plan and simple plans usually work best (unless you’re like Willie and simply want to break the law).  When the orchestra business examines their audience and realizes they need to start attracting a younger

Some Brief Views On Competition

Wed, Apr 4, 2005
There was an interesting article in the April 24th edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune by Valerie Scher which examined whether or not is was beneficial to have a number of outside orchestras visit a city which hosts a full time orchestra. The piece does a good job at examining both sides of the equation

Another Name For The TAFTO Contributor List

Wed, Apr 4, 2005
Joining the discussions surrounding the Take a Friend to Orchestra program in May is none other than William Eddins, the newly appointed music director for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.  Bill is a rising start in the world of conducting, and he has a sincerely unique outlook on the future of classical music.   There have

What’s Behind Door Number Three

Tue, Apr 4, 2005
Times are tough all over for orchestras, and not just in America.  A recent article in Deutsche Welle reports the Berlin Symphonic Orchestra closed up shop after they failed to secure some last minute funding from government sources.  The article goes on to report that the orchestra managers attempted to raise funds privately but were

In Oregon, It’s All Covered In The Contract

Mon, Apr 4, 2005
There’s a big fuss brewing in Oregon over an the issue of artistic review.  If you’re not familiar with that concept and how it relates to orchestras, it’s the process whereby a tenured musician can lose their job due to artistic reasons (their playing isn’t as good as it should be). In short, it’s how
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