Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

AGMA Whistleblower Steps Forward

Thu, Mar 3, 2020
The 3/2/2020 edition of NPR Music published an article by Anastasia Tsioulcas that takes a thorough look into the allegations of quid pro quo in the form of American Guild of Musical Artists’ (AGMA) silence in exchange for a $500,000 settlement payment from Plácido Domingo. At the end of February 2020, news leaked that AGMA’s

Weapon’s Grade Elitism In 800 Words Or Less

Wed, Mar 3, 2020
Last weekend, I attended a Beethoven Festival concert here in Chicago featuring John Elliot Gardiner’s Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique. In a word, the group was exquisite. But I’m not a music critic so their musicality isn’t the subject of today’s post. Instead, we’re going to examine the program notes. Typically, I don’t even bother reading

Forewarned Is Forearmed: The Latest Social Media Scam

Tue, Mar 3, 2020
Recently, Joe Patti published an article at ArtsHacker.com that walks you through the way malicious social media bots are beginning to target performing arts organization’s social media feeds. The post provides insight on how to identify bots and why organizations shouldn’t ignore the issue. A new scam seems to have risen in the comments sections

The Updated #ClickClickDone Slide Deck From #SETC2020 Is Available

Mon, Mar 3, 2020
The 2020 SETC conference was a great deal of fun and the Click.Click.Done. Must-Have Google Analytics Settings and Reports session was well attended with an engaging group of participants. It doesn’t matter how many times I present this session, there’s always something new to focus on thanks to the diversity of needs based on the

Alsop Departs BSO At The End Of 20/21

Fri, Feb 2, 2020
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Official news dropped yesterday that embattled Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) music director, Marin Alsop, will be stepping out of that position at the end of the 2020/21 season. She’ll move into the position of music director laureate and retain title as OrchKids founder. The 2/26/2020 edition of The Baltimore Sun published an article by Mary

Off To Louisville for #SETC2020

Thu, Feb 2, 2020
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I’m off to Louisville, KY today for the 2020 Southeastern Theatre Conference (#SETC2020) convention. It’s going to be a quick trip but if you’re in the downtown area and would like to connect, feel free to reach out and we’ll see what can happen. You can reach me via Facebook or send along your cell/text

First Of Two Reports Concludes Plácido Domingo Engaged In Sexual Misconduct And Abuse Of Power

Wed, Feb 2, 2020
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Over the last several months, two organizations have been investigating allegations that Plácido Domingo abused his positions of authority and engaged in multiple counts of sexual misconduct with subordinates and colleagues. While the investigation still underway by the LA Opera has no expected end date nor is it known if any findings will be made

Happy Sweet 16 Butts In The Seats!

Tue, Feb 2, 2020
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It wouldn’t be February without congratulating Joe Patti for another terrific year of posts at Butts In The Seats; Musings on Practical Solutions For Arts Management. It is celebrating its 16th anniversary this week! If that wasn’t enough, Joe is also a regular contributor at ArtsHacker.com where his posts are among the site’s most frequently visited and shared

Creating Better Surveys Using Narrative Driven Questions

Mon, Feb 2, 2020
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Audience surveys have been around for ages but most I come across are still rooted firmly in an old-school approach that relies on a certain level of understanding on the part of respondents in order to be effective. But there’s value in considering an approach that relies more on narrative driven questions. Narrative driven questions

Credit Where Credit Is Due

Fri, Feb 2, 2020
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Joe Patti posted an article yesterday referencing an idea he had a solid decade ago in the form of a procurement platform focused on nonprofits so they could solicit competitive bids for goods and services. If the idea sounds familiar, it’s exactly what will launch in a few weeks in the form of Nonprofit Bids.
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