Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

Music Directors

Philadelphia Wins The Prize For The First Big Eight Orchestra To Ditch Tuxedos

Wed, Oct 10, 2021
Regular readers know that musician dress codes are a well-worn topic here at Adaptistration. The latest installment was from last month where I wondered when I could use more than one hand to count the number of professional ICSOM, IGSOBM, or ROPA orchestras to remove tuxedoes as their primary attire. I’m happy to say we’re

Not Letting Staff “Suffer Your Fantasies Of Self-Victimization”

Mon, Sep 9, 2021
Just Google “flight attendant assault” and you’ll find no shortage of news and video clips of passengers physically and/or verbally attacking flight attendants as a result of their refusal to accept pandemic safety protocols. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this vitriol has spread to every sector but instead of simply rolling with the punches or quoting public policy,

Why Are Conductors Exempt From Wearing Masks Onstage?

Mon, Sep 9, 2020
If you’ve been watching any of the early efforts from orchestras experimenting with socially distanced concerts, you’ve probably noticed that on-stage musicians are wearing masks, even wind players when they aren’t actively playing. In the handful of indoor events, audience members are wearing masks as well. So why are some conductors going without masks or

Why Non-Artistic Duties And Responsibilities Are More Important Now Than Ever

Tue, Apr 4, 2020
Even before coronavirus shutdowns, music director compensation was a hot topic, but the current environment introduces a new layer when the issue of shared sacrifice enters the picture. And while there’s plenty of good material to examine regarding releasing enough details for patrons to decide just how evenly sacrifices are shared, that’s not what this

Alsop Departs BSO At The End Of 20/21

Fri, Feb 2, 2020
Adaptistration People 152a
Official news dropped yesterday that embattled Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) music director, Marin Alsop, will be stepping out of that position at the end of the 2020/21 season. She’ll move into the position of music director laureate and retain title as OrchKids founder. The 2/26/2020 edition of The Baltimore Sun published an article by Mary
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