More Breaking News From St. Louis
Thu, Jan 1, 2005
by Drew McManus
Throughout this week’s drama surrounding the contract issues at the Saint Louis Symphony, there’s been a small PR campaign covering the larger philosophical issues of what’s keeping the musicians and management apart; and that smaller issue is one of culpability surrounding the wave of this week’s cancelled auditions and concerts.
Breaking News From St. Louis
Tue, Jan 1, 2005
by Drew McManus
After speaking with representatives from the Saint Louis Symphony Management and the Player’s Association, more details surrounding the auditions and resulting situation have emerged. The Auditions I spoke with Jeff Trammel, Director of Communications for the SLSO and he said that: The orchestra’s management had contacted some of the individual orchestra musicians who were scheduled
Up To And Over The Edge Of The Cliff
Tue, Jan 1, 2005
by Drew McManus
It’s odd how things tend to work themselves out in this business. Yesterday the musicians of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. However, being concerned about some timing issues regarding auditions scheduled for Monday, January 3 and Tuesday, January 4 they also approved having the musicians slotted to serve on
Classical Music Never Looked So Good
Mon, Jan 1, 2005
by Drew McManus
I published an article today at The Partial Observer which examines several new concert halls that have been or will be opening up across the world. One thing they all have in common is that they are truly striking buildings in their own right; from ultra modern through traditional neo classical designs. For further reading
The Turnover In Music Faculty At Interlochen
Sat, Jan 1, 2005
by Drew McManus
Recently, the Interlochen Center for the Arts website posted the faculty list for the 2005 summer camp season. The list goes a long way in helping to clear up much of the ongoing discussion regarding exactly how many music faculty were dismissed in the recent”Thanksgiving week Massacre.”
How NOT To End Your Year
Fri, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
Awhile back I wrote about a very clever organist who made what would have been an otherwise run-of-the-mill wedding ceremony a real treat. A friend of mine sent an audio clip of another organist who managed to turn a run-of-the-mill Halleluiah Chorus a real “laugh out loud” treat (although I doubt they intended for this
Beginning To Examine The Events In New Jersey
Thu, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
What makes one orchestra better than another? What makes an orchestra good? What can an orchestra do to improve its artistic product? I started my analysis of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s Report of Trustee Review Panel by writing those questions down on paper and then writing down answers as they popped into my head.
Knowledge Of Music Helpful, But Not Necessary
Tue, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
Do you think it would make sense that a person responsible for selling classical music should have intimate knowledge of and experience with classical music? In the orchestra business it seems that those requirements are becoming optional. With the increased pressures of selling more tickets right now, the business appears to be moving more and
Putting The Money Where You Need It The Most
Mon, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
Two recent donation events in the industry point to an important issue that has been hobbling efforts to use contributions to their best effect. The Detroit and Ft. Wayne organizations have both received large donations geared to underwrite their general operating expenses. “General operating expenses” is a catch all phrase used by orchestra administrators to
Have a Hassle-Free Holiday
Fri, Dec 12, 2004
by Drew McManus
If your work schedule has been as busy as most over this holiday season take the time to relax a little over the next few days. If you want something to occupy your mind think about what I should have included on my “Top 10 list of orchestra related gifts” you could have purchased or
