Partial Observer
Crafting A Clear Message
Mon, Aug 8, 2008
by Drew McManus
Although it has become fashionable over the past few years to focus on creating elaborate mission statements, that doesn’t mean bigger is always better. On one hand, conducting a thorough institutional self evaluation can produce a multitude of positive results. Yet on the other hand, attempting to put each of those results into words via
Does This Violin Make Me Look Fat?
Wed, May 5, 2008
by Drew McManus
Can a passion for the perfect instrument become incapacitating? Holly Mulcahy examines the issue in her latest article at The Partial Observer, which serves as an excellent companion to the article Jason Heath just published over at Arts Addict about what string players go through to find the "perfect bow." On a related note, I’m
Too Much Of A Good Thing
Fri, May 5, 2008
by Drew McManus
Although this notice could be filed under "better late than never" I wanted to take a moment to point out an article which appeared at The Partial Observer at the beginning of April by Holly Mulcahy which examines the realities of numerous job openings in one orchestra. Holly does an excellent job of walking a
Are You Suffering From Trombone Envy?
Mon, Mar 3, 2008
by Drew McManus
Holly Mulcahy posted what I thought was a fascinating article last week at The Partial Observer which examines how even professional orchestra musicians are sometimes unaware of the occupational pitfalls of their musician colleagues. The gist of the article is that a little knowledge goes a long way toward improved understanding and job satisfaction and
Another Perspective On Conductors Talking From The Podium
Wed, Feb 2, 2008
by Drew McManus
Has talking before each piece taken the mojo out of a performance? I know from personal experience that in the past few seasons I’ve found myself wishing that the conductor would wrap it up and get to the music. On other occasions, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed listening to what a conductor has to say, regardless of
