Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

More Under The Heading “Not Everyone Is Cancelling”

Fri, Aug 8, 2020
The Seattle Symphony Orchestra (SSO) recently announced plans to begin performing live concerts via streaming platform as a cornerstone of 20/21 activity. If their county government engages Phase 4 of their reopening strategy during the season, they plan on introducing in-person audience live concerts. According to the SSO’s press statement, streamed performances will include guest

#TBT Modifiers Matter

Thu, Aug 8, 2020
Granted, today’s #TBT post is only a few months old but the most recent batch of cancellation notices arriving in my inbox indicate we could all use take a breath and remember that modifiers matter. There are still far too many instances of adjectives and adverbs that project a defeatist attitude when messages should gravitate

When It Comes To Diversity, Are We Just Churning Butter With A Toothpick?

Wed, Aug 8, 2020
I keep meaning to find time to write something on the topic of diversity and representation in response to an article on that subject by Anthony Tommasini in the 7/16/2020 edition of the New York Times. In a nutshell, Tommasini attempts to support the conclusion that diversity on-stage can be improved if orchestras abandon screened

New Union Rules Provide A Glimpse Into The Future Of Our New Normal

Tue, Aug 8, 2020
Visit ArtsHacker.com
Recently, Joe Patti published an article at ArtsHacker that examines a COVID-19 reopening guide from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union which has members working in performing arts venues, convention centers, movies, and television productions. If you work in an environment that employs IATSE members, it is worth reviewing the guidelines

State Of Employment Poll & Review August 3 – 9

Mon, Aug 8, 2020
Following last week’s increase in overall under-employed and unemployed statuses, responses remained steady at those new levels. Weekly Report Responses from Administrators continue to show a migration from those indicating being furloughed to fully laid off. The only real uptick this last week was the increase in those working at reduced hours and pay. Salaried musicians