Recently it has felt like there are plenty of people out there suggesting that “the model” for how orchestras operate should be taken off life support and declared dead. This is followed by a call for orchestras to reinvent themselves as radically different (and often radically smaller) organizations. I don’t know that that this is a new phenomenon (remember “The orchestra is dead, long live the community of musicians”?).
It’s Not A One Size Fits All
Throughout my almost 23 years as a negotiator for the American Federation of Musicians Symphonic Services Division, I have listened to accusations by symphony managements and others that what we engage in is pattern bargaining. That is, if Orchestra A achieves something new in their contract, then B through Z orchestras must do likewise. Not true…
Guests Authors, Top Secret Files, and Mountains
I’m heading out to the Grand Teton Music Festival (web) this week and I’m pleased to announce that we have a fantastic lineup of guest bloggers on deck to fill in the gaps while I’m away. We’ve got a diverse cross section of individuals throughout the field and each one is tackling a heavy-duty topic, no puff pieces here…
Remember Shreveport?
It has been nearly one year since we last checked in on the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and their work stoppage but good news is the reward for patience as both sides announced an agreement on 7/19/2010. The new two year agreement produces a 2010/11 season that tentatively begins in November. Terms include retaining the salaried core albeit at a 45 percent reduction from the previous contract…
Join The Flood Of Support
Marc van Bree over at The Dutch Perspective started a campaign to assist the Nashville Symphony Orchestra in recovering from their flood damage in May. He’s calling it “Flood of Support” and his goal is to leverage social networking to raise $1,000 by Aug 1, 2010. You can make a donation here and read more about the project at Marc’s blog. I strongly recommend that everyone post something about all of …