Classical Music Never Looked So Good
Mon, Jan 1, 2005
by Drew McManus
I published an article today at The Partial Observer which examines several new concert halls that have been or will be opening up across the world. One thing they all have in common is that they are truly striking buildings in their own right; from ultra modern through traditional neo classical designs. For further reading
The Turnover In Music Faculty At Interlochen
Sat, Jan 1, 2005
by Drew McManus
Recently, the Interlochen Center for the Arts website posted the faculty list for the 2005 summer camp season. The list goes a long way in helping to clear up much of the ongoing discussion regarding exactly how many music faculty were dismissed in the recent”Thanksgiving week Massacre.”
How NOT To End Your Year
Fri, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
Awhile back I wrote about a very clever organist who made what would have been an otherwise run-of-the-mill wedding ceremony a real treat. A friend of mine sent an audio clip of another organist who managed to turn a run-of-the-mill Halleluiah Chorus a real “laugh out loud” treat (although I doubt they intended for this
Beginning To Examine The Events In New Jersey
Thu, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
What makes one orchestra better than another? What makes an orchestra good? What can an orchestra do to improve its artistic product? I started my analysis of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s Report of Trustee Review Panel by writing those questions down on paper and then writing down answers as they popped into my head.
Knowledge Of Music Helpful, But Not Necessary
Tue, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
Do you think it would make sense that a person responsible for selling classical music should have intimate knowledge of and experience with classical music? In the orchestra business it seems that those requirements are becoming optional. With the increased pressures of selling more tickets right now, the business appears to be moving more and
Putting The Money Where You Need It The Most
Mon, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
Two recent donation events in the industry point to an important issue that has been hobbling efforts to use contributions to their best effect. The Detroit and Ft. Wayne organizations have both received large donations geared to underwrite their general operating expenses. “General operating expenses” is a catch all phrase used by orchestra administrators to
Have a Hassle-Free Holiday
Fri, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
If your work schedule has been as busy as most over this holiday season take the time to relax a little over the next few days. If you want something to occupy your mind think about what I should have included on my “Top 10 list of orchestra related gifts” you could have purchased or
Looking Back At The Money Drug
Wed, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
Back in March I published an article entitled The Money Drug which examines a very real problem in the industry that deals with musicians and managers. The article examines how musicians in the mid and top level orchestras compensate unhappy working conditions and artistic dissatisfaction with an ever increasing need for added compensation.
A Note To The MET Just Relax
Tue, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
A few days ago Norm Lebrecht published a piece about how he was hired by the MET to provide commentary for their UK and European broadcasts but then fired shortly thereafter before ever working on a single broadcast. According to his article Norm claims that one of his BBC executives said the MET decided to
An Unorthodox Method For Supporting Your Orchestra
Mon, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
A member of the Toledo Symphony recently forwarded a link to a political cartoon which appeared in the Toledo Blade that does a wonderful job at highlighting the impact of sacrifices which players sometimes make. It’s well worth your time to go take a look.
