Drew McManus

"I hear that every time you show up to work with an orchestra, people get fired." Those were the first words out of an executive's mouth after her board chair introduced us. That executive is now a dear colleague and friend but the day that consulting contract began with her orchestra, she was convinced I was a hatchet-man brought in by the board to clean house. I understand where the trepidation comes from as a great deal of my consulting and technology provider work for arts organizations involves due diligence, separating fact from fiction, interpreting spin, as well as performance review and oversight. So yes, sometimes that work results in one or two individuals "aggressively embracing career change" but far more often than not, it reinforces and clarifies exactly what works and why. In short, it doesn't matter if you know where all the bodies are buried if you can't keep your own clients out of the ground, and I'm fortunate enough to say that for more than 15 years, I've done exactly that for groups of all budget size from Qatar to Kathmandu. For fun, I write a daily blog about the orchestra business, provide a platform for arts insiders to speak their mind, keep track of what people in this business get paid, help write a satirical cartoon about orchestra life, hack the arts, and love a good coffee drink.

Get Your TEDx Michigan Ave Tickets Today

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On Saturday, May 7th, 2011 Chicago plays host to TEDx Michigan Ave, an independently organized TED event that will focus on how to strengthen and evolve the arts industry. The event features four groups of speakers and will run from 9:00am through 5:00pm. I’m honored to be one of the speakers alongside a terrific lineup of some real forward-thinkers in the field…

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TAFTO 2011 Contribution: Proper Discord

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Wrapping up the 2011 program is a contribution from none other than the nameless and faceless entity that captains the culture blog vessel known as Proper Discord (twitter). Known for a singular wit and an obsessive compulsion to point out that the Emperor isn’t wearing any clothes and in fact, should really get that thing on his back looked at, he delivers a satisfying conclusion to this year’s efforts. ~ Drew McManus

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TAFTO 2011 Contribution: Gerard Schwarz

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You never know what a TAFTO effort might produce. In some cases, it can spawn the birth of a new concertgoer and in others, it might plant the seeds of ongoing large gift support. In today’s contribution, Seattle Symphony music director, Gerard Schwarz, offers up a personal experience that demonstrates the latter. If you’ve ever wondered just how much positive influence a music director can have on his/her orchestra, read on… ~ Drew McManus.

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TAFTO 2011 Contribution: Evan Schumacher

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This year’s program includes a number of contributions from those within the tech sector of the arts field. Our initial offering is from Even Schumacher, co-founder and programming guru of InstantEncore.com; a group most folks are certainly aware of. Due to his background, I felt Evan’s approach would be similar to the sort of patron perspective we enjoy each year and I’m sure you’ll agree that his efforts are right on the money. ~ Drew McManus

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TAFTO 2011 Contribution: Timothy Hankewich

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I’ve only met one music director who smiles and laughs as much as Orchestra Iowa music director, Tim Hankewich. In fact, you can actually hear Tim’s smile in his voice and luckily for you, Tim’s contribution follows a growing trend among TAFTO contributors and comes to us in audio format so you’re going to get to experience it firsthand. ~ Drew McManus

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