That’s Good Soup
Thu, Aug 8, 2009
by Drew McManus
Thanks to blogging compadre Joe Patti, I discovered an enormously useful resource called TechSoup.com. The organization describes itself as offering “nonprofits a one-stop resource for technology needs by providing free information, resources, and support. In addition to online information and resources, we offer a product philanthropy service called TechSoup Stock. Here, nonprofits can access donated
Why Performing Arts Organization Blogs Suck
Wed, Aug 8, 2009
by Drew McManus
Well, not all of them; in fact, some are downright terrific. But the reality is far too many are terrible simply because they fall victim to some of the most common blogging bear traps. I’ve been writing about these traps and how to avoid them for years now but sometimes it just seems to stick
What’s Old Is New Again
Tue, Aug 8, 2009
by Drew McManus
The latest issue of Senza Sordino, the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) newsletter, included an article from ICSOM chair, Bruce Ridge that I found intriguing. Ridge’s article, The New Apocalypticism, examines the impact of the economic downturn and how the orchestra business has responded. Written from his perspective as an orchestra musician
Indianapolis’ Forces Of Attraction
Mon, Aug 8, 2009
by Drew McManus
I had an intriguing conversation with a colleague over the weekend about the ongoing situation at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) regarding the pros and cons of attracting a new music director. In particular, we were talking about the article by Kathleen McLaughlin in the 8/15/09 edition of the Indiana Business Journal. The article’s tag
A Solution In Search Of A Problem At Indianapolis
Fri, Aug 8, 2009
by Drew McManus
Over the past few weeks, much has been written about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s (ISO) decision to not renew Music Director Mario Venzago’s contract after August 31, 2009. Although the sensitive phrase “not renew” was how the ISO described the decision, others across traditional and new media platforms have described it in less genteel language
From Reflection To Relevancy: Part 2
Thu, Aug 8, 2009
by Drew McManus
In Part 1 we examined how the Grant Park Music Festival (GPMF) is using an institutional history publication to not only document the organization’s 75 year history, but how it can serve as an effective tool for defining how a performing arts organization grows and interacts with the community. Today’s final installment will look at
From Reflection To Relevancy: Part 1
Wed, Aug 8, 2009
by Drew McManus
Throughout the business, soul searching seems to be all the rage these days as orchestra stakeholders attempt to justify an institution’s value to the community and the art form in the wake of declining audience numbers and diminished public status. Typically, this process eventually manifests into some sort of institutional visioning and/or strategic planning process,
Accountability, Performance Reviews, and Planning
Tue, Aug 8, 2009
by curtlong
Welcome Back! Yesterday, we talked about trying to raise money after the concerts are done. Today I want to focus in on accountability, performance reviews, and tactical planning. One topic I hear a lot about in the orchestra world is accountability. In a very obvious way, musicians are accountable every time the orchestra plays. They
Raising Money When The Concerts Are Done
Mon, Aug 8, 2009
by curtlong
Hello all! I’d like to start by thanking Drew for inviting me to participate. I’ve known Drew online for many years, going back to a series of animated but friendly discussions about Executive Director compensation right here at Adaptistration. I was happy to meet Drew in person for the first time recently at the League
Orchestral Acoustics 101: Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics
Fri, Aug 8, 2009
Christopher Blair – full time acoustician, part-time conductor, last time blogger. We come to Friday and the end of Drew’s absence from these pages. I have really enjoyed my time here (Thanks, Drew for providing this forum!) and look forward to possible future exchanges. This being my last day, I thought I’d try something different
