Well, I wouldn’t go that far but it is was very humbling to run across this article in the 5/25/2009 edition of sbj.net (Springfield Business Journal Online), thanks to SBJ for taking an interest in the projects and to Ron Spigelman for calling me a “truth seeker” – which sounds vaguely like Marvel comics character. Nonetheless, last week’s retreat with the Symphony couldn’t have gone better and I’m looking forward to returning at the end of this week to work with the Arts Council…
Mission Accomplished?
It has been a little while since we checked in on the situation brewing at the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and since both parties involved in the dispute have recently issued statements; it is high time for an update. If you’re not already familiar with previous events, here is what has happened so far…
Why Do You Rob Banks?
“Because that’s where the money is.” In the same manner, if you want creative outreach programs, let the musicians figure out how to do it and let them oversee the monetary distribution process. To that end, I discovered a program here at the Springfield (MO) Symphony Orchestra (SSO) designed to do exactly that and I sat down with the SSO music director (more on this from his perspective) and one of …
When Everything Comes Together
Only time for a brief post today as things here in Springfield are keeping me busy with 16 hour days but it’s worth it to enjoy the unique satisfaction of a productive, sincere, and provocative board retreat. The first half of the retreat went off without a hitch and everyone walked away feeling invigorated and very positive. Granted, it helps when the organization is in a very good place to begin …
Some Quick Revisionism
Given the popularity of the article from May 12, 2009 which examined the recent and projected base musician compensation levels at the largest budget orchestras, it seems poignant to point out that shortly after the article was published the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) announced that musicians have agreed to salary and service concessions through the end of the 2010/11 season…