Virtual Learning Environments
Mon, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
I published an article today at The Partial Observer which examines the Concert Companion and ORBIT programs in a different light than managerial point of view taken here a few weeks ago (part 1 and part 2). However, added to the mix this time around are some of the recent accomplishments of the successful tsoundcheck
Perhaps Chairman Smoot STILL Wants A Strike
Fri, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
Drama seems to be the status quo in Philadelphia these past months. Yesterday, the musicians and management agreed to extend the recent contract negotiation extension another 10 days. Philadelphia Inquirer critic and columnist Peter Dobrin has been doing a great job keeping everyone informed of events over the past few days. One of his recent
Maintaining The Quality In Milwaukee
Thu, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
Last Monday evening, the 18th, I found myself listening to a live radio broadcast of the Milwaukee Symphony performing Mahler 1. I have to say that it was a fantastic concert; the interpretation was poignant, the strings were tight, and the wind solos were superb. Even the sound mixing was excellent; it was obvious that
A Good Comparison Between NonProfit and ForProfit
Wed, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
In yesterday’s article, I spent a good but of time ripping up what I thought was an inaccurate comparison between for profit and non profit organization. But there are some rules the for profit industry has to follow that the non profit industry is exempt from; but if managers were required to follow these same
Diminished Philosophy
Tue, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
Andrew Taylor posted a really provocative piece last week about whether or not the nonprofit industry is “overbuilt”. His piece really got me thinking. Actually, it made me furious at first, but after a few minutes I started into the thinking part. I wasn’t upset with Andrew; I thought he wrote a great piece that
Reader Response: Racist Nonsense II
Mon, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
Shortly after publishing the last Reader Response to this article, I received an email from Jerome Harris, a 50-something professional jazz musician: black American, native Brooklynite, working-class background/Ivy League grad/middle-class income, omnivorous listener. He wrote in to comment about some passages in that article as well as the ideas from the original piece.
(Really) Long Term Planning Part 2
Fri, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
To continue where things left off from yesterday, we’re going to examine an imaginary historical scenario and determine whether or not it might supply some possible answers to a variety of long term problems facing the industry today. The BIG Endowment It is reasonable to say that American orchestras can look at their cousins across
(Really) Long Term Planning
Thu, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
Undergoing long term planning sessions are all the rage today with orchestra managers. Attempts to go beyond creating three to six year plans are becoming more common. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra even decided to create a 10-30 year plan complete with their own unique “Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals” (go to page 10 of the
Orchestra Web Sites And Profitability
Tue, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
Shortly after publishing the 1st Annual Adaptistration Orchestra Website Review I received a number of email messages from orchestra managers (mostly from Finance Directors) that all asked a variation of the following question: “How can our website be bad if it makes a profit?” Good question; it’s also a revealing insight into some of the
Looking At Classical Music 50-100 Years From Now
Mon, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
I had an interesting conversation this weekend that really got me thinking about whether or not there will be any large scale classical music ensembles, like orchestra, around 50-100 years from now. As a result, I published an article at The Partial Observer today that ponders whether or not there will be enough public interest
