The Negotiation Process: How It Works
Tue, Aug 8, 2010
by Drew McManus
The first step in understanding how your local orchestra functions as an organization is to understand the basic principles behind the document that deals with nearly every facet of its operations: the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Every major orchestra in America, regardless of union status, has some form of a contract that exists as a result of collective bargaining. This contract governs all issues related to musician compensation, benefits, work conditions, and the dismissal process.
What To Expect In Detroit
Mon, Aug 8, 2010
by Drew McManus
The 8/12/2010 edition of the Detroit Free Press published an article by Mark Stryker which reports the Detroit Symphony Orchestra musicians have scheduled two self-produced concerts in September. Stryker correctly observes that this is an ominous sign regarding the potential for both sides to reach an agreement before the current contract expires on 8/29/2010 and
An Ugly War Of Words
Fri, Aug 8, 2010
by Drew McManus
No, this isn’t about any of the current labor disputes. Instead, this is about an online feud between Greg Sandow and Heather Mac Donald. If you aren’t aware of what’s going on here’s the 10 second synopsis: Mac Donald wrote an article titled Classical Music’s New Golden Age (meaning now) but Sandow didn’t like what
Super Sam Vs. The Prophets Of Doom!
Thu, Aug 8, 2010
by Drew McManus
On 8/9/2010, Minnesota Orchestra violist and blogger Sam Bergman posed the following question: “For exactly how many decades do we plan to allow the prophets of doom [which links to Greg Sandow’s blog] to continually shout from the mountaintop that orchestras are withering on the vine before pointing out that their dire predictions have been
12th Annual Peggy Glanville Hicks Address
Wed, Aug 8, 2010
by Drew McManus
Established in 1999 to honor composer Peggy Glanville-Hicks, the Peggy Glanville-Hicks Address is an annual forum for ideas relating to the creation and performance of Australian music. The 12th Annual event featured a piece by conductor Simone Young titled Music in the age of soundbites and although it is a lengthy piece, it is well
Cleveland Orchestra Wins Lawsuit
Mon, Aug 8, 2010
by Drew McManus
When the jury concluded deliberations in the lawsuit filed by of Cleveland Plain Dealer former classical-music critic Donald Rosenberg against the Cleveland Orchestra and the Plain Dealer, the orchestra and paper emerged victorious. And although a number of characters in both organizations are sharing in a collective sigh of relief, the victory is, at best,
AFM Calls Out The League
Fri, Aug 8, 2010
by Drew McManus
The August, 2010 edition of International Musician published an article by Christopher Durham, American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Symphonic Services Division (SSD) Director and Assistant to the President, titled Quality Leadership Is Essential in Difficult Times. Don’t let the obvious nature of the title fool you, the article essentially levies blame on much of the
Venture Crosses The Finish Line
Thu, Aug 8, 2010
by Drew McManus
There’s nothing quite as gratifying as completing an enormous project and the Venture Project has been precisely that. The programmers have completed every task and we’re in the process of packaging everything up and using the final product to generate the remaining content needed for the sales site. However, that doesn’t mean you have to
Late Night Airport Blogging
Wed, Aug 8, 2010
by Drew McManus
Funny things pop into your head when you find yourself in less than desirable places. Tonight, it’s all about hearing words come out of your mouth that you never thought you’d ever say…
AFM Calls Out The League: Observations