Commentary

How Recent Changes To The US Tax Code Introduce Risk To Orchestra Labor Relations

by
Adaptistration People 123

An article by Daniel Braden in the 2/11/18 edition of the Morning Call examines how recent changes in the US tax code will have a decidedly negative impact on orchestra musicians classified as employees (as opposed to self employed contractors). The author is a former tax consultant specializing in serving musicians and according to his analysis of the new laws, employee classified musicians are going to lose the ability to deduct …

Read more

Embrace The Don’ts

by
Adaptistration People 011

If you keep an eye on listings at ArtsAdminJobs.com, you’ve probably noticed the uptick in listings over the past few weeks. With each new wave, I’ve always found it fascinating to see what sort of language job descriptions (JD) include. As it turns out, Joe Patti had a post on that very topic at Butts In The Seats from 1/31/2018 that examines a JD from the Armed Services Arts Partnership. Nothing Ambiguous …

Read more

So…About That Misogyny

by
Adaptistration People 139

Just a quick thought exercise post for today. Consider this: in the wake of the #MeToo movement, how should performing arts organizations handle content that was created during the age of rampant misogyny and sexism? Opera is almost certainly the tip of that spear and a recent article in The Economist started asking many of the questions surrounding this premise. While that post approaches the issue mainly from whether parents should …

Read more

Where Did I Put Those Grumpy Pants?

by
Adaptistration People 128

Douglas Rosenthal published a delightful article at Who’s Your Audience? that puts a fun spin on the traditional New Year’s resolution theme by coming up with a shortlist of things he doesn’t want to hear you talking about connected to the classical music field. Admittedly, I write this post wearing my Grumpy Pants. But I’m also donning my Optimism Cardigan. I challenge you not to love anything following that. Rosenthal’s quartet …

Read more

In Boston, XX Marks Anything But A Spot On The Program

by
XX

There’s a fascinating article in the 12/20/2017 edition of the Boston Globe by Malcom Gay about the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) being taken to task by local musicians and academics over the institution’s lack of diversity in its 2017/18 programming. In an open letter, the group pointed out that though the symphony touts its diverse programming, the 2017-18 season “showcases neither diversity nor innovation.” Of the 73 pieces scheduled to be …

Read more