Reader Response: More From Philadelphia Patrons
Mon, Jul 7, 2004
by Drew McManus
The email messages from Philadelphia Orchestra patrons keep pouring in. Everyone has an opinion about the topic which range from concern to disgust. But it’s the letters from patrons which have really caught my attention. Many patrons seem to be using the tone and outcome of the labor negotiations as the deciding factor regarding whether
Another Orchestra Is Gone
Fri, Jul 7, 2004
by Drew McManus
Although it was posted here on Arts Journal a few days ago, I wanted to mention that another small orchestra recently closed its doors forever: the Chamber Orchestra of Albuquerque has announced they will file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. I don’t claim to know what impact the ensemble had on the local Albuquerque community, but
A Few Odds And Ends Plus Translating Some Spin
Thu, Jul 7, 2004
by Drew McManus
I just received word that the Philadelphia Orchestra musicians have posted a web site designed to offer their side of the negotiation story. I’m told that it’s a work in progress and new information is being added almost daily. You can find the new site at: http://www.philadelphiaorchestramusicians.org/ I also wanted to point out that I
Reader Response: Controversy Over Commissions
Wed, Jul 7, 2004
by Drew McManus
Several orchestra managers and industry insiders wrote in with concerns about my ideas surrounding the use of commission based compensation in the orchestra industry. In general, they all took issue over my suggestion that commissions should be included as a portion of some executive and staff member compensation. All of the emails I received were
Reader Response: “More POO At The POA*”
Tue, Jul 7, 2004
by Drew McManus
Ok, the catchy title for today’s article isn’t my idea. It was the subject line from an email I received from a Philadelphia Orchestra patron, Eric Bruskin. Eric wrote in to ask a few poignant questions and offer some of his observations about how the POA board of directors has decided to use the orchestra’s
A Quick Pointer To Some Recent Developments
Tue, Jul 7, 2004
by Drew McManus
I just received word that in today’s Philadelphia paper featured competing Op-Ed pieces about the situation in Philly. One view represents management the other represents the players: Management’s piece Musician’s piece Both are worth taking the time to read and I’ll decipher the spin here in the near future.
How Tuba Players Are Going To Save Classical Music
Mon, Jul 7, 2004
by Drew McManus
Step 3, the final step in the series How To Save Classical Music, will focus on changing the internal attitudes among the stakeholders in an orchestra. In order for orchestras to become financially and artistically healthy places that facilitate an exciting atmosphere for creating music, there needs to exist an exciting internal culture they can
What On Earth Is Going On At Philadelphia?
Fri, Jul 7, 2004
by Drew McManus
On Tuesday, July 13th, a big blue banner link on the home page at the Philadelphia Orchestra entitled “Securing The Future, Negotiations Update” appeared. This was quite a surprise to see since it’s customary for both sides involved in a contract negotiation to have a press blackout. According to a representative from the AFM Symphonic
Mixed Messages From Philadelphia
Thu, Jul 7, 2004
by Drew McManus
Let’s try an exercise in understanding today; we’re going to walk a mile in another man’s shoes. Imagine: You’re a middle manager at a fictional company we’ll call Widget-Tech. Widget-Tech is a business with under 100 employees and has recently had a couple of bad years. The big bosses at Widget-Tech have put together a
Unemployed In San Antonio
Wed, Jul 7, 2004
by Drew McManus
There has been some good news coming out of the San Antonio Symphony administrative offices lately, such as the announcement last month that they will resume making music on September 17th, 2004 and the securing of a sponsor for some of their children’s concerts. Unfortunately, that’s about all of the good news so far. Since
