Over the past few weeks, the Seattle newspapers have been reporting on growing labor tensions between the Seattle Symphony and their musicians over the status of their pension fund. So far, details have been slim but the issue of orchestras and pension funding should be of the highest priority for every professional ensemble. Granted, it may not be a very sexy topic but left unattended, an underfunded pension plan can wreck long term havoc on an institution. As such, this article takes a closer look into Seattle’s issues…
Year: 2007
This Is What I’m Talking About
The benefits of getting players in contact with listeners isn’t a one way street. The trick is finding ways to foster interaction that doesn’t make players talk at patrons. Instead, sincerity is the key and if you’re fortunate you’ll get a happier, more satisfied player as well as a happier, more involved listener. If you’re really fortunate, you’ll even end up with happy cows… Keeping The Cows Happy by Holly Mulcahy
It’s High Time For a Smile
Before heading into some serious discussion about pension plans and other such non-funny topics, everyone deserves a good smile first. In this case, not every crossover idea is a good one…
Concentrated-Dose Strength Adaptistration
Before he became president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Jim Undercoffler was Dean of the Eastman School of Music. And before he moved from one position to the other, the folks at Polyphonic.org had Jim sit down with me to host a video interview. Although the interview actually took place almost two years ago, I recall the discussion being frank and invigorating not to mention I had a great time. In short, Jim was a great interview host.
That 38 minute interview is now available at the Polyphonic.org website in nice bite-sized chunks, each focusing on a wide range of topics from labor relations, what’s good and what’s not-so-good in the business, instinctual behavior, the real value of collective bargaining agreements, the politics inside the business, my overall impression of American orchestras, and much, much more…
Everyone Has Their Price
As the old adage goes, “everyone has their price” and thanks to a pointer from Joe Patti (a.k.a Butts In The Seats blogmaster), blogs are no exception. In fact, the folks over at the Business Opportunities Weblog Network have an applet they say will tell you exactly how much they think your blog is worth…