Why Do You Rob a Bank
Fri, Apr 4, 2005
by Drew McManus
When asked why he robbed banks, bank robber Willie Sutton answered, “Because that’s where the money was.” Sounds like a simple plan and simple plans usually work best (unless you’re like Willie and simply want to break the law). When the orchestra business examines their audience and realizes they need to start attracting a younger
Some Brief Views On Competition
Wed, Apr 4, 2005
by Drew McManus
There was an interesting article in the April 24th edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune by Valerie Scher which examined whether or not is was beneficial to have a number of outside orchestras visit a city which hosts a full time orchestra. The piece does a good job at examining both sides of the equation
Another Name For The TAFTO Contributor List
Wed, Apr 4, 2005
by Drew McManus
Joining the discussions surrounding the Take a Friend to Orchestra program in May is none other than William Eddins, the newly appointed music director for the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Bill is a rising start in the world of conducting, and he has a sincerely unique outlook on the future of classical music. There have
What’s Behind Door Number Three
Tue, Apr 4, 2005
by Drew McManus
Times are tough all over for orchestras, and not just in America. A recent article in Deutsche Welle reports the Berlin Symphonic Orchestra closed up shop after they failed to secure some last minute funding from government sources. The article goes on to report that the orchestra managers attempted to raise funds privately but were
In Oregon, It’s All Covered In The Contract
Mon, Apr 4, 2005
by Drew McManus
There’s a big fuss brewing in Oregon over an the issue of artistic review. If you’re not familiar with that concept and how it relates to orchestras, it’s the process whereby a tenured musician can lose their job due to artistic reasons (their playing isn’t as good as it should be). In short, it’s how
TAFTO Continues To Take Shape
Mon, Apr 4, 2005
by Drew McManus
I published an article today at The Partial Observer which examines some of the fundamental purpose behind the importance of enabling patrons to help cultivate the audience of tomorrow. A number of contributions from the special guest writers have begun arriving at my email door and I have to say they are really top notch
And You Thought Things Were Changing
Fri, Apr 4, 2005
by Drew McManus
One of the chief complaints I have about this business is its apparent inability to establish an appropriate frame of reference. For example, things change slowly in the world of orchestra management, so slowly that it seems like even an evolutionary timeline measures change in smaller intervals. Adequate levels of adaptation have been absent for
Take A Friend To Orchestra Update
Thu, Apr 4, 2005
by Drew McManus
Preparations for Take a Friend to Orchestra month are in full swing. There are a few more names to add to the existing list of guest contributors: Paul Bailey: Musician & composer Henry Fogel: President, American Symphony Orchestra League Kyle Gann: Composer, musicologist, and music critic; The Village Voice Frank Manheim: Knowledgeable nonprofessional classical music
Is All Of This Really Interesting
Wed, Apr 4, 2005
by Drew McManus
A few days ago, Greg Sandow presented a scenario and posed a good question regarding whether or not the average patron would be interested in all of the non artistic issues within their local orchestra. In particular, he was wondering if a concert review of a last minute change in repertoire (which as a result
Nashville Symphony’s Music Director Passes Away
Tue, Apr 4, 2005
by Drew McManus
I received the sad news yesterday that the Nashville Symphony’s long time music director, Kenneth Schermerhorn passed away early at the Vanderbilt Medical Center on Monday, April 18th, 2005. Maestro Schermerhorn led the Nashville Symphony for 22 years and oversaw everything from the organization filing for bankruptcy in the 1980’s through their recent grand accomplishment
