Drew McManus
State Of Employment Poll April 13 – 19
Mon, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
Since the onset of coronavirus related shutdowns, orchestras have been laying off and reducing hours for administrators and musicians alike. This weekly poll is designed to help provide a snapshot of stakeholder employment status. For staffers and managers, the questions are straightforward. Music directors (employee or independent contractor status) and staff conductor positions should respond
State Of Employment Poll Results And Ongoing Tracking
Fri, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
At the time this was written, the State of Employment poll from earlier this week asking orchestra administrators and musicians about their work status following the onset of coronavirus related shutdowns has generated more than 150 responses. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to respond and thanks to that sample size, this will
The Cost Of Fear And Hubris
Thu, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
Last week, the Kennedy Center’s executive leadership decided to set aside established stakeholder relationships and strike out on its own by unilaterally declaring that most employees would be laid off or furloughed within a week’s time. Health care would be terminated one month following the official layoff date if the shutdowns continued. Fast forward to
This Might Be Awkward
Wed, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
It looks like the New York Philharmonic has been compelled to hire back two musicians it dismissed in 2018 for misconduct. Principal oboist, Liang Wang, and associate principal trumpet, Matthew Muckey were dismissed following an investigation overseen by former federal judge Barbara Jones of the Bracewell law firm. Fast forward 18 months and arbitration
State Of Employment Poll April 6 – 12
Tue, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
While it’s a sensitive topic, we all know performing arts orgs have been laying off and reducing hours for arts admins and musicians. What I’m not seeing is very much data about where things are from week to week and while I’m not able to set up a scientific poll right now, that doesn’t mean
