Community Learning
Thu, Mar 3, 2014
by Drew McManus
I’m off to Chattanooga, TN today for client work and to take in everything the newly dubbed Gig City has to offer. The trip brought to light an interesting confluence of thoughts from two Inside The Arts authors on the concept of genuinely learning from the community. First up is Joe Patti’s 3/17/2014 post and
Memphis Closes Annual Deficit Shortfall But Still Cagy About 2014/15
Tue, Mar 3, 2014
by Drew McManus
A handful of traditional media outlets are reporting that the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has apparently raised enough bridge funding to make it to the end of the current season but there is no word on what is planned for 2014/15. Likewise, there is no word on what sorts of adjustments may be made to
Peninsula Symphony Update: Police Arrest Former Executive Director
Mon, Mar 3, 2014
by Drew McManus
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
by Drew McManus
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
by Drew McManus
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
by Drew McManus
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
by Drew McManus
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
Talking Big Data With The SoundNotion Crew
Mon, Mar 3, 2014
by Drew McManus
Last Sunday, 3/9/2014, I had the pleasure of appearing on SoundNotion.tv and in addition to talking about Minnesota’s CEO, Memphis’ future, and The Met negotiations, we also covered everything you wanted to know about the Orchestra 990 Database Project but were afraid to ask (because that’s how the SN.tv crew rolls). It was a great
Get Your Pledge On
Fri, Mar 3, 2014
by Drew McManus
We’re going to continue taking a cue from public radio with another variation on their more successful pledge drive themes, as defined by June Thomas’ excellent 2009 article in Slate Magazine on the topic of public radio pledge drives, to help promote the Orchestra 990 Database Project’s Kickstarter campaign. Today’s Appeal Is About Momentum: The Time Is Now
An Overwhelming Culture Of Façade