The Risks And Rewards Of Exposure
Wed, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
Just a quick post today pointing out a terrific piece from Joe Patti on the topic of artists being asked to provide services for exposure to support pandemic efforts. Unlike most conversations on this topic, Patti’s article isn’t espousing one notion over another, rather, he takes the time to provide specific instances over the last
State Of Employment Poll April 13 – 19
Mon, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
Since the onset of coronavirus related shutdowns, orchestras have been laying off and reducing hours for administrators and musicians alike. This weekly poll is designed to help provide a snapshot of stakeholder employment status. For staffers and managers, the questions are straightforward. Music directors (employee or independent contractor status) and staff conductor positions should respond
State Of Employment Poll Results And Ongoing Tracking
Fri, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
At the time this was written, the State of Employment poll from earlier this week asking orchestra administrators and musicians about their work status following the onset of coronavirus related shutdowns has generated more than 150 responses. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to respond and thanks to that sample size, this will
The Cost Of Fear And Hubris
Thu, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
Last week, the Kennedy Center’s executive leadership decided to set aside established stakeholder relationships and strike out on its own by unilaterally declaring that most employees would be laid off or furloughed within a week’s time. Health care would be terminated one month following the official layoff date if the shutdowns continued. Fast forward to
This Might Be Awkward
Wed, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
It looks like the New York Philharmonic has been compelled to hire back two musicians it dismissed in 2018 for misconduct. Principal oboist, Liang Wang, and associate principal trumpet, Matthew Muckey were dismissed following an investigation overseen by former federal judge Barbara Jones of the Bracewell law firm. Fast forward 18 months and arbitration
State Of Employment Poll April 6 – 12
Tue, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
While it’s a sensitive topic, we all know performing arts orgs have been laying off and reducing hours for arts admins and musicians. What I’m not seeing is very much data about where things are from week to week and while I’m not able to set up a scientific poll right now, that doesn’t mean
Good Governance In The Age Of Teleconference Meetings
Mon, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
Scheduling board and committee meetings is a chore under normal operating conditions. Add the pressures of shelter-in-place orders along with the sorts of heavy agenda topics most boards are facing, and you have ideal conditions for making shortsighted decisions based more on frustration and fear than stewardship. Having said that, there are a few pointers
Good News Friday
Fri, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
After posting a link on my Facebook wall to Zach Finkelstein’s list of opera and choral groups that have decided to pay artists even though their performances had to be scrapped, Washington Opera Orchestra trombonist, Doug Rosenthal, reached out and suggested I should put together a similar list of opera companies that were paying the
It’s Time For Hero Donors To Give Like It’s 1984
Thu, Apr 4, 2020
by Drew McManus
If there were ever a time for foundations and large donors to step up, it’s now. It’s striking to see how little we’re hearing about these funders amidst public statements of planned health care benefits cancellations during expected peak times of the coronavirus outbreak. An article in the 3/31/2020 edition of the Washington Post examines
Why Non-Artistic Duties And Responsibilities Are More Important Now Than Ever