I do more than my fair share of complaining about orchestra managers in these writings, but I certainly don’t think all managers are bad. There are excellent managers out there and even a few warriors among an overwhelming flock of sheep. But one thing that really gets me going is when I talk to orchestra managers (especially executives) about the qualities that characterize a good leader. Invariably this conversation has one of two possible outcomes; either I make a new friend or I make someone upset.
The Downside Of Insufficient Communication
I’ve done my fair share of complaining on these pages about how difficult it is to obtain information from orchestra managers beyond the typical flow of propaganda style news from Marketing and Public Relations representatives. Along these lines Art Journal recently featured a Letter to the Editor of the Charleston Post & Courier from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra board President, Ted Halkyard. In his letter he expressed his dissatisfaction with an …