Looking Like A Genius Has Never Been Easier
Wed, Jul 7, 2010
by Drew McManus
Have you ever wondered what separates a mere schmuck with a stick from a bona fide maestro? Are you strangely attracted by the magnetic charm of a cape and ascot? Are batons really more magical than magic wands? If you answered “Oh dear God, YES!” to any of those questions (who are you kidding, of
Labor Oversupply: Reversal To The Rule
Tue, Jul 7, 2010
by Drew McManus
The 7/5/2010 edition of the New York Times published an article by Dan Wakin that examined the uncharacteristically large number of section, fixed chair, and principal positions open among the largest budget US orchestras. What’s interesting here is the groups in Wakin’s article are destination level ensembles, meaning these are the orchestras where the very
Defining The Debate In Richardson
Fri, Jul 7, 2010
by Drew McManus
The labor dispute between the Richardson Symphony Orchestra (RSO) and their musicians, represented by Local 72-147 of the American Federation of Musicians, has crossed a new threshold in the war of rhetoric. Email messages from both parties dated 7/8/2010 and addressed to RSO musicians attempt to define the issues that characterize the dispute…
Midlife Crisis Or Chrysalis?
Thu, Jul 7, 2010
by Drew McManus
Deadlines are ruling my week but that’s a good thing for you since it means I can make today’s post a straightforward pointer. Conductor Jacob Harrison published an intriguing post on 7/5/2010 that expands on the burgeoning “Relevance” discussion (frankly, I’m not sure what to call it). Regardless of whether you see the discussion as
Good For Philadelphia
Wed, Jul 7, 2010
by Drew McManus
The 7/1/2010 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer published an article by Classical Music Critic Peter Dobrin that reports the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly Pops have decided not to pursue plans for the former to absorb the latter. Regardless the reasons, it’s good to see that both groups were willing to honestly examine the situation and
Editorial Cartoon: Brusilow’s Big Top
Tue, Jul 7, 2010
by Drew McManus
It seems that the Richardson Symphony Orchestra (RSO) situation is catching the attention of a diverse cross section of readers including none other than Dixon, the ever-sharp mind behind the hit orchestra biz comic strip, Who’s Minding The Score? Apparently, the entire to-do has him so inspired that he went out and bought a box
Artistic Quality And Dynamic Consequences
Mon, Jul 7, 2010
by Drew McManus
It is no secret that the field as a whole is working day by day to manage debt and maintain stability. At the same time, maintaining artistic quality in light of necessary budget cuts is a tight rope no one enjoys walking but it gets a little easier if everyone works together. Failing that, decisions
In Richardson, The Battle Begins
Fri, Jul 7, 2010
by Drew McManus
It seems that the board of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra (RSO) has decided to discontinue bargaining with their musicians in advance of the current collective bargaining agreement expiration date of August 31, 2010. They also informed patrons in a letter dated 7/1/2010 that in addition to suspending negotiations, they “will not be renegotiating a collective
Take My Blog, Please
Thu, Jul 7, 2010
by Drew McManus
Just imagine it: having hundreds of readers pour pore over every word you write about on an orchestra business topic of your choice. I’m giving away Adaptistration for one day at the end of the month to someone who wants it. All you have to do is write in and let me know who you
What The Richardson Symphony Should Have Done