Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

Peninsula Symphony Update: Police Arrest Former Executive Director

Mon, Mar 3, 2014
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I’m taking a sick day so just a quick post today to point out an update to the orchestra embezzlement story at Peninsula Symphony last October. The orchestra’s former executive director, Stephen Jay Carlton, was arrested on charges of embezzlement, grand theft, and tax evasion. Thanks to a particularly industrious Adaptistration reader for gathering all

Wield Influence Just Like A Big Money Donor

Fri, Mar 3, 2014
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You’re in for a treat today because you’re going to learn how you can be just like a large donor; without needing all of that money. Moreover, we’re going to tie this into our series of posts that take a cue from public radio with another variation on their more successful pledge drive themes, as

Arts Org Telemarketer Exposes Tricks Of The Trade

Thu, Mar 3, 2014
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It was easy to miss, but the 3/11/2014 edition of Lifehacker published an article about how to get rid of telemarketers and the author, Erica Elson, made passing reference to her telephone sales position at an arts organization. She doesn’t name which organization she worked for but she goes on to reference details that make

@MN_Orchestra #GovernanceFail

Wed, Mar 3, 2014
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The Minnesota Orchestra Association (MOA) board is at it again; the latest news report describes an apparent decision to offer former music director Osmo Vanska a position as principal guest conductor while also retaining President & CEO Michael Henson. And while you can be certain there are some on the MOA board who see this

Quality Assurance Testing The Non-Artistic Concert Experience

Tue, Mar 3, 2014
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There’s an intriguing article in the 3/7/2014 edition of the Twinsburg Bulletin by Parker Perry where the author recounts a recent experience attending a Cleveland Orchestra performance at Severance Hall. The author, a college student, was attending a Severance concert for the first time and he provides a newbie’s perspective toward a number of elements