Join The Sacred Cow Barbecue (unless you live in NYC)
Fri, Jun 6, 2013
by Drew McManus
There’s a terrific article by Brian Wise in the 6/6/2013 edition of WQXR.com that examines the issue of using cameras and recording devices in the concert hall. The issue is hot right now following a temper tantrum from pianist Krystian Zimerman who cut a recital short because he spotted a patron allegedly recording the performance
Your Conductor Might Be A Fraud If…
Thu, Jun 6, 2013
by Drew McManus
At one point or another, we’ve probably all crossed paths with a fraud of a conductor; you know, the type who spends more time dancing on the podium and wallowing in baton shtick thinking it “looks good” rather than inspiring a stage full of musicians and serving as the catalyst for a transcending live concert
Delaware Symphony Still On Thin Ice
Wed, Jun 6, 2013
by Drew McManus
Amidst accusations of playing shell games with assets and failing to bargain in good faith, it looks like Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) may manage to squeak out a 2013/2014 season. According to a few media reports, the DSO’s board chair, Tatiana Copeland, and AFM Local 21 Secretary/Treasurer, Glenn Finnan, hammered out a tentative agreement in
Oregon Gets A Haircut
Tue, Jun 6, 2013
by Drew McManus
Although not exactly a buzz cut compared to their peers, the musicians of the Oregon Symphony (OS) recently agreed to midterm amendment to their existing collective bargaining agreement that reportedly waives a lump sum end of season payment along with the planned 2.6 percent base salary increase for the 2013/14 season. The 5/28/2013 edition of
Unique Snowflake of Fights
Mon, Jun 6, 2013
by Drew McManus
Last Sunday’s SoundNotion.tv program was a great deal of fun; as always, thanks to show co-hosts David, Patrick, and Tim for inviting me along for the fun. If you’re new to SoundNotion, the program is a weekly live video podcast on classical music news, discussion, analysis, and interviews with composers, performers, bloggers, and arts professionals.
2012 Orchestra Website (mini) Review: Responsive Roundup
Fri, May 5, 2013
by Drew McManus
The Annual Orchestra Website Review examines more than 80 professional orchestras in the United States and Canada and rank them by a detailed series of quantitative criteria but due to Orchestra Crisis 2012/13 (details here) we had to postpone and scale back the reviews. As it turns out, the delay was fortuitous in that it set the
Gearing Up For Conference Season
Thu, May 5, 2013
by Drew McManus
It is that time of year again and the final touches are playing out for my upcoming conference appearances. The following list is for confirmed conferences but there are a few more floating around that I’ll add to the list once things are finalized. Conductors Guild Conference | St. Louis, MO | Jun 15-18, 2013
There’s A Reason Why So Many Of The New Model Discussions Are Dead-ends
Wed, May 5, 2013
by Drew McManus
We hear the term “new model” so often these days that it almost guaranteed to produce eye rolls, sighs, and mass shoulder slumping. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret: all but a handful of new-model conversations are really just the same old-model wolfs in new-model sheep’s clothing. Simply put, those
A Case Study In The Value Of Responsive Design
Tue, May 5, 2013
by Drew McManus
In advance of the responsive orchestra website review later this week, it makes sense to provide a working example of not only what responsive design is, but why it is a necessary component for contemporary performing arts org web design. In order to get a really good idea of just how effective responsive web design
Happy Memorial Day!
Mon, May 5, 2013
by Drew McManus
Whether you’re home all day enjoying the holiday with family and friends or your orchestra is putting on a performance today, try to take a few moments to remember the reason for the holiday. Furthermore, take a moment to remember that the single largest employer of full-time professional musicians is the United States Armed Forces…
