When exclusivity is a bad thing
Tue, Dec 12, 2003
by Drew McManus
In my mind the term exclusive usually conjures up a positive image. Unfortunately, when I think of the orchestra industry I think of exclusivity in a negative context. What I’m talking about is the absolute control the American Symphony Orchestra League (commonly referred to as “the League”) exerts over the training, hiring, and professional development
The new “Age of Convergence”
Sat, Dec 12, 2003
by Drew McManus
One of the greatest benefits of the Internet Age is the ability for individuals to cross paths that would have normally never known each other. This new “Age of Convergence” allow individuals to share and develop ideas that mature from their initial stages to reasoned doctrine in less time than ever before. One of my
Squeezing Blood From A Turnip
Fri, Dec 12, 2003
by Drew McManus
Back in November I wrote a blog entitled A Bridge Campaign Too Far that talked about how orchestras are beginning to squeeze their corporate and private patrons for donations too often. And now we have a new large scale example: The Washington Post published a story today stating Maryland’s “Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan threatened
Franchise Orchestras
Thu, Dec 12, 2003
by Drew McManus
Here’s a crazy idea, why not apply the for-profit business practice of franchises to orchestras? Specifically, I’m thinking about a chamber orchestra that has the flexibility to perform chamber music as well as ballet and opera productions that offer a high quality artistic product for a lower than normal user fee (ticket price). You could
Reader response: Getting back to our roots
Wed, Dec 12, 2003
by Drew McManus
I’ve received a great deal of communication about this topic but one reader points out an omission on my part. A member of the Cleveland Orchestra wrote in to say: “Don’t forget parents of young students. I see my students’ (and my wife’s students’) parents at concerts all the time. In many cases their interest
Enabling Patrons
Tue, Dec 12, 2003
by Drew McManus
Faithful reader Frank in Alexandria and I had a productive communication last week. Frank is very passionate about revitalizing classical music in his lifetime and he brings a refreshing analytical approach thanks to his years as a research scientist. Here’s what Frank had to say: “Progressive groups will be will become stronger if they communicate
Getting back to our roots
Mon, Dec 12, 2003
by Drew McManus
When did our orchestras stop acting like a grass roots organization? Nearly all American orchestras originated from nothing more than a desire among community members to create a performing arts ensemble. American orchestras are not the result of aristocratic privilege and wealth from 200 years ago like their European cousins. Even the mighty New York
Good news in San Antonio
Sun, Dec 12, 2003
by Drew McManus
The San Antonio Symphony is going to get a boost to its New Year. Ron Noble, symphony musician and AFM Local 23 President sent word that there is gong to be a New Years Eve Concert to benefit the symphony. The San Antonio Lyric Opera and the San Antonio Symphony League are sponsoring the event
Tomorrow’s Audience Today
Fri, Dec 12, 2003
by Drew McManus
Audience development. In the language of orchestral management that means getting people to show up for concerts. Those in the field are likely familiar with the Classical Music Consumer Segmentation Study conducted by the Knight Foundation, and if you aren’t I highly recommend taking a look. Although it isn’t a perfect study, it does help us
Reader Response: Empowerment Issues
Thu, Dec 12, 2003
by Drew McManus
After reading the blog about Empowerment Issues, Paul Primus wrote in with his observations. It’s important to note that Paul is the Principal Second Violin for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble that has experimented with greater musician participation regarding orchestra governance. Paul was a member of the Denver Symphony when it collapsed and remained
