A Time For Wellness
Fri, Jan 1, 2021
by Drew McManus
I decided to move the articles originally scheduled for yesterday and today to next week. Considering the insurrection in Washington D.C., they are simply too disconnected. Instead, I want to focus today’s post on the need for wellness. If there was ever a time to remember music’s value as a coping mechanism, it’s now. To
Knoxville Settles
Wed, Jan 1, 2021
by Drew McManus
Over my holiday break, there wasn’t much change among groups embroiled in labor disputes. The key word there is “much” and one positive change that transpired came from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO). On 12/28/2020 the employer and musicians issued a joint press statement announcing they reached an agreement that covers the remainder of the
Shop Talk S01E11: Being A Content Creator Before It Was Cool
Tue, Jan 1, 2021
by Drew McManus
Being funny is hard. Learning the array of digital platforms needed for content creation is hard. Doing all of that at the same time with tools from 15 years ago in the classical music field is insane, but that’s exactly what Jeff Curnow did. If doing all of that weren’t enough, Curnow is also the
Starting 2021 With An Empathetic Perspective
Mon, Jan 1, 2021
by Drew McManus
While vaccine rollouts are helping performing arts organizations take a serious look at season planning schedules, furloughed artists and arts admins have yet to see the rays from the light at the end of that tunnel. In order to gather a better understanding of just how deep those economic cracks run, I want to point
Happy Holidays From Adaptistration
Thu, Dec 12, 2020
by Drew McManus
I’m taking the rest of 2020 off from blogging and will be back in the saddle Monday January, 4, 2021! Until then, I hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing holiday! If you’re in the mood for a listening tip, Disney released the second installment from The Mandalorian Season 2 Soundtrack, which you can stream
Adapting Stage Acoustics in Response to COVID
Wed, Dec 12, 2020
by Greg Miller
Last fall I delivered a lecture in Amsterdam about stage acoustics for orchestras, thinking it was a great opportunity to share what I’d learned over the years and looking forward to further study. A year later, I have no idea when I’ll be allowed to travel to hear the Concertgebouw again and the picture of
Shop Talk S01E10: Evolving Past Artistic Elitism
Tue, Dec 12, 2020
by Drew McManus
This episode was an absolutely perfect combination of topic and guests for an episode to come out during a holiday week. At one hour, the conversation is longer than usual but this is the best time for you to spend the time processing everything these two big brains bring to the table on this topic.
How Not To End The Dumpster Fire That Is 2020
Mon, Dec 12, 2020
by Drew McManus
2020 has been one series of challenges after another and while many groups have risen to meet the crisis with an eye toward shared sacrifice and longevity, there are always some that opt to engage in some of the very worst of behaviors. And what better way to end 2020 than point out an article
Sick Day
Fri, Dec 12, 2020
by Drew McManus
Looks like the first cold of the season hit, thankfully it’s not terrible but enough of a pain I’m taking the day off blogging. Having said that I do want to point out that there are several new podcast shows and guests added to the production schedule. Rounding out 2020 is a fabulous conversation with
Here It Is, Your Holiday Moment Of Zen
Thu, Dec 12, 2020
by Drew McManus
While I’m sure we would all love to be at a point of getting burnt out with holiday performances this year, that doesn’t really detract from the enjoyment of this holiday classic. You know it, you love, it, and it just isn’t the holiday season without it…even in 2020: The Messiah Organist Meltdown. If this
