You Don't Want To Be On This List
Fri, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
Earlier this month, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published a list of organizations that have had their federal tax-exempt status automatically revoked for failing to file an annual information return or notice for three consecutive years. If you read Butts In The Seats, you already know what this is all about and since Joe did
Have I Got A New Revenue Stream For You
Thu, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
Big or small, a new revenue stream is a new revenue stream. And if you can tap into it without investing any real time or treasure then all the better, right? What it you could have all of that and the new revenue stream would also improve operation efficiency? In short, I’ve got two words
A Little Irreverence Would Do Us Good
Wed, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
In case you missed it, the 2011 Tony Awards offered up a fabulous opening number featuring Neil Patrick Harris that takes a “different approach” to dealing with the audience development and financial challenges that stalk performing arts orgs. But unlike the Debbie Downer style “straight talk” adopted by some service organizations, the theater field seems
Get Money, Get Paid
Mon, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
Two articles worth looking into came out last week that touched on what will almost certainly become an increasing flashpoint of attention in coming months: executive compensation. First up is Peter Dobrin’s article in the 6/9/2011 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer that takes a long look at recently released compensation figures for Philadelphia Orchestra Association
The League: Then And Now
Fri, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
I had the opportunity to watch the opening segment of the League’s Red Alert! plenary session which consisted of a speech from League CEO Jesse Rosen. He read a list of current orchestra bankruptcies (Philadelphia, Syracuse, Honolulu, New Mexico, & Louisville) and defined them as “critical situations” that have “erupted” since 2008. He said they
"Ending the Doctrine of Failure"
Thu, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
Last Monday, I hinted at revealing more details related to the League of American Orchestra’s (League) decision to reject International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) chairman and North Carolina Symphony bassist Bruce Ridge’s offer to participate as an elected musician representative in the League’s “Red Alert!” plenary session at this year’s conference. So
Editorial Cartoon Day: Sandow
Wed, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
It looks like Dixon, Adaptistration’s resident editorial cartoonist and the wit behind the humor at the hit orchestra biz comic strip Who’s Minding The Score?, has a bone to pick with Greg Sandow over some of his remarks to The Australian…
You Need To Do Three Things Today
Tue, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
I’m just coming out of a series of project deadlines so today’s post will get right to the point with three things you need to do…
Everything That's Wrong With This Business (and how to fix it)
Mon, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
Thank goodness for the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. On 6/1/2011 Stewart’s guest was Bill Moyers and their discussion about the current failings of journalism in response to an increasingly obfuscation oriented environment might as well have been about the orchestra business. In short, Moyers doesn’t like to interview politicians because their language is designed
Rep. Betty McCollum Pushes Through 37.5% Cut For Military Bands
Fri, Jun 6, 2011
by Drew McManus
The 5/26/2011 edition of the Shoreview Post reports that a mere four days before Memorial Day, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) successfully pushed through an amendment in the House of Representatives to cut funding for the US Armed Forces music programs by 37.5%… Rep. McCollumn’s initial target for funding cuts was Defense Department sponsorships of NASCAR
