Everything That's Wrong With This Business (and how to fix it)
Mon, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
Thank goodness for the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. On 6/1/2011 Stewart’s guest was Bill Moyers and their discussion about the current failings of journalism in response to an increasingly obfuscation oriented environment might as well have been about the orchestra business. In short, Moyers doesn’t like to interview politicians because their language is designed
Rep. Betty McCollum Pushes Through 37.5% Cut For Military Bands
Fri, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
The 5/26/2011 edition of the Shoreview Post reports that a mere four days before Memorial Day, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) successfully pushed through an amendment in the House of Representatives to cut funding for the US Armed Forces music programs by 37.5%… Rep. McCollumn’s initial target for funding cuts was Defense Department sponsorships of NASCAR
Events Heat Up In Louisville
Thu, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
Following the 5/31/2011 bankruptcy hearing for the Louisville Orchestra (LO), which coincided with the expiration date of the organization’s collective bargaining agreement with its musicians, the Louisville Orchestra Musicians Association (LOMA) published a press statement claiming that the LO has “terminated all the orchestra’s musicians.”…
Audition At The O.K. Corral
Wed, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
On 5/27/2011, WQXR published an article by Corinne Ramey that examines when musician openings in orchestras go unfilled. Ramey does a great job at covering the issues related multiple season vacancies created by mutual agreement between the orchestra association and the musicians. At the same time, there are occasions when long term vacancies are the
Editorial Cartoon Day: Philadelphia
Tue, May 5, 2011
by Drew McManus
It seems that Peter Dobrin’s article in the 5/29/2011 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer about the Philly Orchestra’s just released strategic plan has garnered a great deal of attention (we’ll be looking at all of that later in the week) including none other than Dixon, the ever-sharp creative force behind the hit orchestra biz comic
Happy Memorial Day
Mon, May 5, 2011
by Drew McManus
Whether you’re home all day enjoying the holiday with family and friends or your orchestra is putting on a performance today, try to take a few moments to remember the reason for the holiday. Furthermore, take a moment to remember that the single largest employer of full-time professional musicians is the United States Armed Forces…
All About Emmanuelle
Fri, May 5, 2011
by Drew McManus
There was definitely no shortage of attention focused on Emmanuelle Boisvert’s decision to leave her position as concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for an associate concertmaster position at the Dallas Symphony. According to a Google News search, the related Associated Press article was picked up by more than 100 outlets in addition to more
Reading Between The Lines In Detroit
Thu, May 5, 2011
by Drew McManus
Following the news that Detroit Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Emmanuelle Boisvert decided to leave her position for an associate concertmaster position at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony issues a brief statement from board chair, Stanley Frankel. Frankel’s statement could perhaps best be described as profoundly indifferent…
Detroit Concertmaster Leaves For Dallas
Wed, May 5, 2011
by Drew McManus
Breaking News: Long time Detroit Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Emmanuelle Boisver announced today that she will be leaving her position for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra where she will serve as associate concertmaster. Her reasons are clearly stated in her full press statement (available below) and her decisions could be construed as a very public vote of
Mid Week Link Love
Wed, May 5, 2011
by Drew McManus
Yesterday’s 2300 word post needs a little counterbalance so today is going to be a diminutive yang to that XXL yin. First up is a nod to the 5/21/2011 Syracuse Post-Standard which reports that a new orchestra to replace the defunct Syracuse Symphony Orchestra is underway. Over at non divisi, Frank Almond would be happy
