Health Care & Benefits
Some Thoughts On Healthcare Costs And Orchestras
Thu, Jun 6, 2013
by Drew McManus
In the wake of a Facebook rant on the increase my healthcare insurance provider proposed this year, just north of 20 percent, a few colleagues wrote to ask my opinion on whether or not the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will have any impact on small to mid size budget orchestras. I can’t claim to be
That’s An Excellent Question
Tue, Sep 9, 2012
by Drew McManus
On 9/17/2012, reader Jonathan Gresl posted a comment to ask if I could write an overview of the differences between defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans and how they interact with the field. That’s an excellent question and I’m happy to oblige.
MN Orchestra Musicians Oppose State Marriage Amendment
Tue, Aug 8, 2012
by Drew McManus
It has been a long time since we examined issues related to same-sex and domestic partner relationships but a recent decision by the Musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra (MMO) to formally oppose a Minnesota state amendment which would constitutionally limit marriage to opposite-sex couples is a good reason to revisit the topic.
The Trouble With Talking About Pensions
Tue, Jan 1, 2012
by Drew McManus
Although I don’t usually publish back to back articles linking out to posts elsewhere, there is another terrific contribution at Sticks And Drones you really need to read. But this one is from the blog’s co-author, conductor Ron Spigelman. His article addresses the enormously sensitive issue of pensions and ethical obligations.
The Domino Theory, Orchestra Pension Style
Tue, Dec 12, 2011
by Drew McManus
The 12/1/2011 edition of the New York Times published an article by Dan Wakin and Mary Williams Walsh that examined the impact of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s (POA) withdrawal from the American Federation of Musicians and Employers Pension Fund (AFM-EPF). In case you’re coming into the situation without much knowledge, here are the highlights you need
