Back To The Bargaining Table In Jacksonville

According to representatives from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (JSO), bargaining sessions mediated by a Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service mediator with the musicians are scheduled to resume at 12:00 noon ET, Friday, 11/30/2007. At stake immediately is the fate of the First Coast Nutcracker performances, which the JSO is scheduled to provide live music as a pit orchestra. Since the lockout began, JSO Executive Director, Alan Hopper, has made public statements that the organization plans to provide recorded music for the Nutcracker performances if the lockout persists…

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Not Feeling Very Social In Jacksonville

As the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (JSO) lockout drags on, orchestra supporters continue to make their voices heard. On 11/26/2007, Marci Gurnow, a clarinetist in the JSO, posted information at JSO Lockdown (a social networking group at Facebook.com) announcing scheduled picketing activities at upcoming First Coast Nutcracker performances. In an effort to help build stronger connections with supporters and create added awareness, the message invites group members to participate by making their own picket signs and taking part in the picketing activity. Furthermore, unless an agreement is reached before next week’s deadlines, the musicians are preparing to let ticket buyers know that, as a result of the lockout, they will not be attending performances with live music, as was promised in the performance’s promotional material…

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Social Networking Enters The Labor Arena

At first thought, you might not consider that a social networking site such as Facebook could have much influence on a professional U.S. orchestra work stoppage. However, when the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (JSO) lockout began, one JSO patron took it upon herself to establish the Facebook group, JSO Lockdown, in order to raise awareness about the situation. At the time this article is published, the group has attracted more than 800 members since it was founded on 11/15/2007…

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Giving Thanks

I’m thankful for being able to live in such a wonderful city with a thriving arts environment. I’m thankful for my blog’s new home and the freedom to invite other talented voices to begin their own blogs. I’m thankful for having the opportunity to earn a living while working from home. I’m thankful for a wonderful public transpiration system that takes me where I need to go when I need to …

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