Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

Post-Election Day Off

Wed, Nov 11, 2018
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Who am I kidding? Most of my non-work hours yesterday were focused on election results. As such, I’m taking the day off. Since this is being written well in advance of polls closing, I have zero clue how things will turn out. But now that it’s later* and you know the results (a few expected

Go Vote!

Tue, Nov 11, 2018
Adaptistration People 118
It’s election day and if you haven’t already cast ballet vote in early-voting  be sure to get out before your polls close. If the weather is bad, you’ve had an awful day, or life has thrown some sadness in your direction, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for encouragement, support, and

Using Documentary Filmmaking To Help Reconfirm Classical Music’s Relevance

Mon, Nov 11, 2018
The 11/3/2018 edition of The Baltimore Sun published an article by Tim Smith about a new documentary titled R.A.W. – From Destitute to Doctorate by Baltimore filmmakers Darren Durlach and David Larson. It’s a great overview article that introduces the documentary about tubist Richard White, who went from being homeless, eating from trash cans, and abandoned

Things Are Getting Tense In Baltimore

Fri, Nov 11, 2018
Adaptistration People 153
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its musicians expired September 9, 2018 and it appears things are headed in a dark direction as negotiations have official gone public in the form of two musician press releases from 10/29/18 and 11/01/18*. The latter press release contained the musicians’ summary of the employer’s

#TBT Get The Most From Your Artist Representation

Thu, Nov 11, 2018
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For whatever reason, I’ve enjoyed a good bit of shop talk with a broader spectrum of colleagues than usual and one topic that came up on several occasions was artist management. Perhaps unsurprisingly, all the individual artists I spoke with felt their representation was underperforming. And while there was no shortage of gripes, there was

Double Check That Sales Tax

Wed, Oct 10, 2018
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While most nonprofit organizations are also tax-exempt, that doesn’t mean all your current vendors have the necessary documentation to make sure you don’t inadvertently get charged sales tax. One big change in how all this works is the June 21, 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair that now requires most remote sellers (think

Examining The Report to the Special Committee of the Board of Trustees of The Cleveland Orchestra

Tue, Oct 10, 2018
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Today’s article examines the Report to the Special Committee of the Board of Trustees of The Cleveland Orchestra. The report was the result of an independent investigation into sexual misconduct charges against former Concertmaster William Preucil and former Principal Trombonist, Massimo La Rosa. This review focuses on several of the report’s key findings. Scope of

When It Comes To Sexual Misconduct, Are We Treating Symptoms Or Trying To Cure The Disease?

Mon, Oct 10, 2018
Adaptistration People 135
The 10/27/2018 edition of the Cleveland Plain Dealer published an article by Zachary Lewis that begins to examine some of the more profound questions following their decision to dismiss William Preucil and Massimo La Rosa for sexual misconduct. According to statements from the Cleveland Orchestra, the organization has adopted two measures from the investigation’s report:

Before You Have Any Discussions About The Cleveland Orch Dismissals, You MUST Read The Investigators’ Report

Fri, Oct 10, 2018
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Based on reader feedback, it seems the Report to the Special Committee of the Board of Trustees of The Cleveland Orchestra link in yesterday’s article was something easily missed. Nonetheless, it contains critical information to begin developing a comprehensive perspective on the topic. Regardless if you’re still forming your own thoughts, engaging in online discussions,

Cleveland Orchestra Dismisses Concertmaster And Principal Trombone Following Sexual Misconduct Investigation

Thu, Oct 10, 2018
Adaptistration People 133
On 10/24/2018, the Cleveland Orchestra announced it terminated the employment of Concertmaster William Preucil and Principal Trombone Massimo La Rosa following the results of an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. According to a press release from the orchestra, the investigation, conducted by the law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, included interviews with
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