Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

Drew McManus

Digital Strategy Done Right

Tue, May 5, 2012
Today’s post is an unmitigated must-read for anyone involved with arts marketing. Recently, Austin Lyric Opera (ALO) Marketing Director, Marc van Bree, published an extraordinarily detailed series of articles that covers everything related to the ALO’s 2011-2012 season website redesign and associated digital strategy update. The series not only serves as a superb guide for

Invasion Of The Job Snatchers?

Mon, May 5, 2012
Zombieland 2: Tell Us How You Really Feel
Over the course of last week, a couple of regular readers pointed out two separate labor but related labor disputes. Both issues surround hiring practices and first up is the Fresno Grand Opera (FGO) where musicians recently went on strike hours before a scheduled event featuring soprano Renee Fleming. The other situation is on the

No Love Lost

Fri, May 5, 2012
When it comes to attention grabbing headlines, Norman Lebrecht has a particular gift and he posted a doozy on 5/3/2012 at Slipped Disc that makes it plain as day how he feels about Tony Woodcock, President of the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) and the institution’s recent decision to renew his contract.

Enter The Contingency

Thu, May 5, 2012
As part of my responsibilities as a board member for Baroque Band (a period instrument group here in Chicago), I recently drafted an addendum to our bylaws that provide for the creation of an official contingency operating fund; colloquially known as a rainy day fund. In this instance, it’s a sign of growth combined with

Collateral Damage

Wed, May 5, 2012
Yesterday’s post about the American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) $1.75 million pension obligation settlement with the Philadelphia Orchestra Association (POA) generated some intriguing feedback. In particular, one comment stands out in that it brings up some relevant issues regarding how all of this may impact other orchestras that are part of
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