Music Directors

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

Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 by Drew McManus

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 one finger closer to that goal thanks to the first Big Eight orchestra to replace tuxedos …

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

Monday, September 20th, 2021Monday, September 20th, 2021 by Drew McManus

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, one music director decided to speak up on behalf of his orchestra’s staffers. Georgia Symphony music …

Why Are Conductors Exempt From Wearing Masks Onstage?

Monday, September 21st, 2020Monday, September 21st, 2020 by Drew McManus

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 walking out wearing a mask, but removing it while conducting? Holly Mulcahy was wondering the same …

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

Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 by Drew McManus

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 post is about. Instead, it’s about a music director’s ability to earn their keep, so to …

Alsop Departs BSO At The End Of 20/21

Friday, February 28th, 2020 by Drew McManus

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 Carole McCauley that provides more details but by and large, there are no surprises. The timing …

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