2007 Canadian Orchestra Website Review: Rankings & Scores
Tue, Oct 10, 2007
by Drew McManus
Between 9/25/07 and 9/27/07, 14 professional Canadian orchestra websites were examined and ranked by how well they presented their concert schedule, sold tickets, provided organizational information, facilitated making donations, and on overall content and functionality. Overall, the average Canadian orchestra website score increased from 56.01 in 2005 to 64.03 in 2007, which means they improved
The 2007 Canadian Orchestra Website Review
Mon, Oct 10, 2007
by Drew McManus
After an unavoidable lapse in 2006, the Canadian installment of the Orchestra Website Review is back. Although there are fewer Canadian orchestra websites compared to their U.S. counterparts (a 1:6 ratio) they are evaluated using the exact same criteria used in the U.S. reviews, with one notable exception…
When Pops Music Goes Wrong
Fri, Oct 10, 2007
by Drew McManus
I ran across what has to be one of the funniest classical music videos I’ve ever seen in some time. Apparently, it’s been circulating online for a few months but I just ran across it on a webpage belonging to a friend of mine who is a professional orchestra trumpet player in Florida…
Some “Adults Only” Virtual Learning
Thu, Oct 10, 2007
by Drew McManus
You have to love the internet. It is always insightful to see what and how the current generations of college students are thinking. To that end, the ever-resourceful Ron Spigelman encouraged his current class of students enrolled in Drury University’s MUSC 284: Audience Connection to respond to an article written by Holly Mulcahy on the
Yep, Video Games Are Still Big For Classical Music
Wed, Oct 10, 2007
by Drew McManus
Just in case anyone was thinking that the value of promoting classical music in video games was a passing fancy, the video game business recently sent a big reminder in the promotional material for what will likely be one of the largest grossing video games of this decade, Halo 3…
Embracing The Supply And Demand Argument
Tue, Oct 10, 2007
by Drew McManus
Any manager who has been in this business for more than a few months has likely encountered the frustrating public argument of classical music and supply vs. demand. The argument is so stale most managers could recite both sides of the discussion at the drop of a hat. It usually goes something like this…
Good News In Detroit
Mon, Oct 10, 2007
by Drew McManus
In what will undoubtedly help smooth over remaining wrinkles from their recent contentious labor negotiations, the Detroit Symphony announced that Leonard Slatkin has been appointment as their new Music Director. In a move which demonstrates just how anxious the conductor and ensemble are to work together, Slatkin becomes Music Director designate immediately and takes over
Here’s Hoping The Momentum Continues
Fri, Oct 10, 2007
by Drew McManus
So far, so good. At least that’s the way most folks would categorize this season’s round of labor agreements between professional orchestra musicians and their management. In fact, several organizations which seemed to be heading toward work stoppages successfully found enough middle ground to reach new agreements. Even better, some groups which endured contentious negotiations
You Can’t Fire Me, I Quit!
Thu, Oct 10, 2007
by Drew McManus
The 10/25/2007 edition of CNNMoney.com featured an article by FORTUNE senior writer, Anne Fisher, which examined eight ways to tell if your job is in jeopardy. Although the article is obviously directed to the for profit workplace, it is fascinating to see where the suggestions overlap with an orchestra workplace and where they go astray…
One Tour, Two Viewpoints
Tue, Oct 10, 2007
by Drew McManus
While the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) makes its way through Europe from September 23 – October 7 on their seven city tour, patrons back home are offered the unusual luxury of having two sources for a behind the scenes peek at what it takes to move a top-tier orchestra through a major European tour… Officially,
