The Value Of Ensemble Experience At Interlochen
Sun, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
Recently I’ve received a few letters from folks with a connection to Interlochen in one form or another who wanted to remind me about the value of the summer camp’s large ensemble experience.
Reader Response: Racist Nonsense
Fri, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
I received a number of wonderful responses from the Bunch Of Racist Nonsense article published from last Wednesday. As with most issues that generate a good deal of responses there are always some surprises, and this was no exception. Many messages were from orchestra managers (wishing to remain anonymous) who expressed varying degrees of disappointment
Peering Into Milwaukee’s Future
Thu, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
The current round of negotiations certainly has everyone’s attention in the here and now, but how will the outcome of these settlements influence orchestra’s negotiations in the following years? There are several orchestras slated to begin contract negotiations next year that are in very similar financial straits to the orchestras currently negotiating. Take for example,
A Bunch Of Racist Nonsense
Wed, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
A recent article in the San Antonio Express-News inspired me to write about an issue that’s been steadily growing in my mind. I’ve been bothered to see an increasing trend in this industry by some to explain away the declining audience base for classical music: that some immigrant and minority communities aren’t interested in classical
Concert Companion or ORBIT Part 2
Tue, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
Continuing from where things left off in Part 1, this installment will examine the new Concert Companion and ORBIT products in further detail. Both products are technology based solutions designed to help develop a new audience for live orchestral classical music. The Concert Companion is a proprietary palm driven device and ORBIT is a web
Reader Response: Concert Companion or ORBIT
Mon, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
After publishing Concert Companion or ORBIT Part 1 I received an email from Andrew Yarosh, Madison Symphony Orchestra’s Development Director. He was looking at the situation from a small orchestra point of view and that of a patron: It seems these tools are, in the best of all possible worlds (i.e. when all orchestras have
National Arts Journalism Program
Sun, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
The idea behind long term planning requires an organization to look at their past, examine their present, and visualize their future. But what if your organization isn’t a single entity such as an orchestra? Is it possible for a loose confederation of individuals with a common tie to engage in long term planning? The Music
Eastman Students Negotiate Their Future Part 2
Fri, Oct 10, 2004
by Drew McManus
When we left off in yesterday’s article, the students of Eastman’s “Realities of Orchestral Life” were just beginning a simulated orchestra contract negotiation. The students of the class represent the musicians in the orchestra and five of their members were designated to serve as their negotiation committee. I represented management and the course professor, Ray
Eastman Students Negotiate Their Future Part 1
Thu, Sep 9, 2004
by Drew McManus
Last Monday, September 27th, 2004 I had the honor of serving as a guest speaker for the “Realities of Orchestral Life” course offered by Eastman School of Music’s Institute for Music Leadership. I had a wonderful time working with the students and was an honor to open their minds to issues they may not have
Saving Or Selling Out Their Future In Baltimore?
Wed, Sep 9, 2004
by Drew McManus
Last Sunday, the Baltimore Sun published an article by Paul Adams and Tim Smith which reports that in order to manage their planned $12 million deficit, the Baltimore Symphony is considering selling their performance venue; Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. According to the Sun article, here are the details for the plan: “Under the scenario presented, [a]
