Orchestra Governance Essays

Here’s a breakdown of who’s who in orchestra governance and how they fit together… I took some time recently to review the essays on orchestra governance, which examine the good, the bad, and the ugly issues related to those who have a hand in how orchestras function. They’re always available in the right hand navigation column under “Resources” and since Adaptistration launched nearly two years ago they have always been among …

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How GuideStar 3.0 Encourages Institutional Transparency

Regular Adaptistration readers know how much I like GuideStar, the online service with a mission to revolutionize philanthropy and nonprofit practice with information. With regard to orchestras, GuideStar provides an invaluable service by making IRS Form 990’s available to anyone with a computer and an internet connection. I use it so much, I keep a shortcut bookmark tab on the top of my web browser. On June 1st, 2005 GuideStar underwent …

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Representative Behavior And The Dangers Of Universalism

It’s come to my attention through several reader email messages that I have failed to point out an important point in previous articles about Blair Tindall’s new book that what she discusses regarding the free wheeling lifestyle of classical gig musicians in New York City during the 80’s is just that; the free wheel lifestyle of classical gig musicians in New York City during the 80’s. Those depictions certainly aren’t representative …

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Dallas’ New Sales Plan

The Dallas Symphony has started a new ticket buying program called Impromptu, which is essentially something like a flex subscription package without the subscription. It’s an intriguing idea which continues the efforts of orchestras to move away from relying on the old, tired subscription model. In general, much of the complaints surrounding subscriptions have been centered around time or money and in the case of Impromptu, Dallas seems to be focusing …

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