Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

Stepping On Some Toes

Mon, Feb 2, 2010
My overall impression of last week’s American Orchestras Summit was quite positive. All in all, the unique setting and absence of traditional host influence resulted in a noticeably different, and constructive, atmosphere for most discussions. I also appreciated the fact that as a panelist and a member of the audience, the room was well lit

Appearing Live On Detroit’s WRCJ Today

Fri, Jan 1, 2010
It will be my pleasure today to join WRCJannouncer Chris Felcyn today sometime between 2:30-4:00 ET to discuss the recently concluded American Orchestras Summit in Ann Arbor. In addition to the Summit, I’m certain we’ll chat a bit about the business of orchestras in general as well some issues relevant to Detroit. Local listeners can

Tentative Seattle Agreement and Summit Live Blogging Day 2

Thu, Jan 1, 2010
The Seattle Symphony and their musicians have reached a tentative agreement. The new agreement, which has yet to be ratified by the musicians, will last 23 months over the course of three seasons and contains some very unique elements (although not entirely unprecedented for the Seattle Musicians). As I’m invovled with the American Orchestra Summit

Live Blogging From The American Orchestras Summit

Wed, Jan 1, 2010
Throughout the course of the day, albeit with an interruption during session from 11:30am – 12:30pm ET, I’ll be doing my best to post thoughts and observations from today’s sessions at the American Orchestras Summit (full schedule). Keep an eye on the following update time stamp to keep track of new notes Last Updated: 3:45pm…

Checking In On The ASO Bring Light Fundraising Project

Tue, Jan 1, 2010
Earlier in the month we took a moment to acknowledge the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO), whose application was selected for the free fundraising project at BringLight.com. As promised, today’s installment will report on the ASO’s impression of working with Bring Light as a fundraising service and examine how they’ve been using Bring Light for their

An Invitation To Be At The Forefront Of A Paradigm Shift

Mon, Jan 1, 2010
Earlier in the month, I hinted at a professional project I’m working on that will serve as a paradigm shift in the way many performing arts organizations improve marketing, revenue, and outreach performance. Code named The Venture Project, the project is at a stage where I am looking for a handful of performing arts organizations

Lest We Forget About Seattle

Fri, Jan 1, 2010
Amidst all of the excitement and attention focused on Cleveland Orchestra’s work stoppage, it was easy for folks to overlook important recent development in Seattle and I’m no exception. As a result, I have gone back and edited the article I posted at the beginning of the week right before the news of Cleveland strike

Some Thoughts On Cleveland And The Business

Thu, Jan 1, 2010
Since the initial details surrounding Cleveland’s settlement were made public, I’ve received several calls from print journalists and broadcast reporters looking for some feedback and I’m very pleased to see so much immediate attention surrounding all of this. At the same time, I can’t help but notice the mountain of news and opinion articles flooding

Initial Details Of The Cleveland Settlement

Wed, Jan 1, 2010
Although comprehensive details in the form of the final agreement language won’t be available for a few weeks or more, some aspects of the new agreement have been made public. Based on information included in a press statement, here’s what can be discerned: Length: 9/2009 (retroactive) – 8/2011; or the 2009/10, 2010/11, and 2011/12 seasons.

BREAKING NEWS: Cleveland Strike Concluded

Tue, Jan 1, 2010
After a marathon negotiation session that started on Monday, 1/18/2010 at 12:00 noon and lasted until nearly 7:00am the following morning, the Cleveland Orchestra and their musicians have reportedly reached a tentative agreement. According to sources inside the organization, the musicians plan to conduct a ratification meeting at 2:00p.m. ET, today (1/19/2010). Furthermore, a portion
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