Orchestra Docents Study: Introduction

Adaptistration People 062

Recently, I completed an analysis of the Denver Zoo volunteer docent program.  A docent is traditionally an individual who is a lecturer or tour guide in a museum or cathedral.  But contemporary avenues of service include many non profit organizations which have a great deal of public contact, such as zoos. I became introduced to the world of docents through my in-laws, who have been zoo docents for 15 years.  Throughout …

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No Confidence Vote In Scotland

In today’s Soctsman.com they feature an article by Emma Gunby about the rumor that the musicians of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra have taken a vote of no confidence in order to remove their music director.  I don’t claim to know any of the particulars about that situation, but what I’m more interested in is the vote itself.  Back in early December I wrote an article entitled Empowerment Issues that advocates …

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Reader Response: Executive Compensation

As promised, here are some excerpts from the many readers who took their time to send an email in response the executive compensation issues. Lawrence J. Fried, Executive Director, Bellevue Philharmonic (an ensemble not included in any of the articles) wrote in to say: As a twenty-year veteran of orchestra management, I can assure you that most of us are indeed paid for what we accomplish, not for how hard we …

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A Few Odds & Ends

Neo Classical Article: I recently published a new article on my column at Partial Observer entitled Musical Fortune Cookies – Recalling the memories that make music special. It’s a light hearted piece that has a great story of exactly how you shouldn’t behave at an opera concert.  It’s worth the time, so go look. Some more feedback from the compensation articles: I’ve received many, many responses, (even one which included a …

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