“We Can’t Be At The Mercy Of Every Economic Cycle”
Tue, Dec 12, 2009
by Drew McManus
Today’s headline is a quote from Dennis LaBarre, Cleveland Orchestra’s board president elect. An article in the 12/20/2009 edition of the Cleveland Plain Dealer by Zachary Lewis does a good job at examining the challenges in store for the organization. I was pleased when Lewis contacted me to ask about current thinking throughout the field
7-11
Mon, Dec 12, 2009
by Drew McManus
At last week’s Midwest Clinic, a colleague asked about the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra’s (HSO) impending bankruptcy. She was curious why the board decided to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy (known as reorganization or rehabilitation bankruptcy) as opposed to Chapter 7 (also called liquidation bankruptcy). At the core of the conversation was the HSO’s plan to reorganize
Secret Lives Of Great Composers
Fri, Dec 12, 2009
by Drew McManus
You have to love serendipity. A few months ago, I came across a new release in my neighborhood book store, Secret Lives of Great Composers: What Your Teachers Never Told You About the World’s Musical Masters by Elizabeth Lunday. I spent a good 20 minutes reading the book and was going to buy a copy
Build a Private Teacher Outreach Program You Can Be Proud Of
Thu, Dec 12, 2009
by Drew McManus
Bill Eddins posted an excellent article called “The Missing Piece” on 12/13/2009 which espouses the idea that in conjunction with significant financial gifts (think eight figures) “each and every member of the orchestra commits to going into the community and teaching deserving students for four hours a week…for free.” In response to Bill’s piece, I
Welcome Midwest Conventioneers!
Wed, Dec 12, 2009
by Drew McManus
The 2009 Midwest Clinic, an international band and orchestra conference, is in full swing here in Chicago. The convention regularly brings somewhere in the neighborhood of 15,000 conventioneers to town for a vast array of education related activity (full list). I’ll be attending the convention today, Wednesday, 12/15/2009 meeting with clients, colleagues, and friends and
The First Step Toward Cultivating The Fruit Of Social Media
Tue, Dec 12, 2009
by Drew McManus
On Monday, 12/14/2009, Marc van Bree published an article at his blog, Dutch Perspective, announcing the results from his Orchestras and Social Media survey. In addition to a downloadable copy of the full report, there’s an excellent slide presentation on the key findings and recommendations. Van Bree’s survey is the first I’m aware of that
A Scenario Of “Bad Things?”
Mon, Dec 12, 2009
by Drew McManus
In case you missed the big news from last week, Cincinnati arts patron and philanthropist Louise Nippert announced that she is giving Cincinnati arts organizations $85 million. According to Cincinnati Enquirer music critic, Janelle Gelfand, Nippert’s gift is the largest “single gift by an individual to a Cincinnati arts organization.” Flying under the radar of
Here It Is, Your Moment Of Holiday Zen
Fri, Dec 12, 2009
by Drew McManus
You know it, you love, it, and it just isn’t the holiday season without it: The Messiah Organist On Crack. If this holiday classic is new to you, give it moment and hang in there until the end; I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s 0:43 of unfiltered Messiah goodness. [audio:hownottoendtheholidayseason.mp3]
Holiday Extremes Meme Of Four
Wed, Dec 12, 2009
by Drew McManus
It has been awhile since a good meme of four has gone around the cultural blogosphere so in the spirit of the holiday season, let’s start one: The Holiday Extremes Meme Of Four. Although garden variety memes are always great fun, wouldn’t it be entertaining to toss a twist into the mix. To that end,
