Getting Up To Speed In Utah
Thu, Mar 3, 2005
by Drew McManus
Over the past week, there’s been a flurry of media attention in the Salt Lake are about the Utah Symphony & Opera (US&O) organization. Salt Lake Tribune music critic, Celia Baker, has written a few articles about the issues. They’re both excellent examples of reporting the facts; you can read them here, and here. Much
Applying Some Perspective In St. Louis
Tue, Mar 3, 2005
by Drew McManus
In a recent article published in the 03/05/05 edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the article’s author, Sarah Bryan Miller, challenges one of the basic concepts which have successfully driven the increased artistic and financial accomplishment of orchestras since the early 1960’s. The concept of having musicians set financial goals for the organization via contract
Harvest, Build, And Destroy – Part 3
Mon, Mar 3, 2005
by Drew McManus
Part 2 of this series included examining the goals for developing a system whereby the musicians in any given orchestra can maintain an ongoing active participation in organizational affairs without that work overloading their artistic responsibilities. One astute reader wrote in with a wonderfully concise summary of the goals: “The ultimate goal seems to be
What’s up With Destroying Things
Fri, Mar 3, 2005
by Drew McManus
For those of you stopping by today to read the final installment in the Harvest, Build, and Destroy series, I have to offer my apologies. Due to some last minute preparations for meeting with my accountant (taxes!), I wasn’t able to put the finishing touches on the article; however, it will be published on Monday
Harvest, Build, And Destroy – Part 2
Thu, Mar 3, 2005
by Drew McManus
Part 1 of this series concluded by asking if it’s possible for musicians to pay more attention to administrative activities without also having to sacrifice their artistic duties. Is it possible to harvest resources, build procedures, and destroy a competitor’s opportunity to act in bad faith? It is possible to accomplish those goals without also
Harvest, Build, And Destroy – Part 1
Wed, Mar 3, 2005
by Drew McManus
There’s little doubt that the recent events surrounding the breakdown of negotiations at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will be examined in minute detail over the coming months; who did what, 20/20 hindsight, etc. These examinations will more than likely result in some improved tactics for both managers and musicians for future contract negotiations.
Stealing From Terry Teachout
Tue, Mar 3, 2005
by Drew McManus
After reading Terry’s weblog article yesterday I decided it was a great idea and promptly decided to “borrow” it (after all, he openly admits he got the idea from Eve Tushnet). Ten Things I’ve Done That You Probably Haven’t (and perhaps wouldn’t want to): While in college, I accidentally signed to my sign language teacher, and her
Reader Response: Audience Participation
Mon, Feb 2, 2005
by Drew McManus
The recent series of ongoing discussions about the concert experience among those who participate in the cultural blog world has generated a great deal of poignant observation. The majority of the discussions as of late have focused on whether or not he concert environment as it currently exists is everything it could be and what
The Cost Of Changes At Interlochen
Sun, Feb 2, 2005
by Drew McManus
Among all the problems Interlochen administrators have articulated that pose a large threat to the institution’s future is an impending financial crisis.
Some Feedback On Management Philosophy
Sat, Feb 2, 2005
by Drew McManus
In response to yesterday’s article about managers who allow a “musicians are only part time employees” philosophy to become an obstacle to growth in the business, there have been a few new public examinations of the issue. One such observation comes from Patricia Mitchell at oboeinsight wrote what I think is one of the most
