Adaptistration

In Columbus, They’re Playing Like There’s No Tomorrow

In a press release from February 26, 2008 the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Musicians voted to allow a live recording of an upcoming masterworks concert featuring Symphony No. 5 and the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture by Peter Tchaikovsky for Denon, which intends to release it on compact disc. According to the PR, the musicians voted to accept a reduction in payments that would allow the organization to produce the recording "for a tenth of what a normal studio recording of the same program would cost" at the personal request of Music Director Junichi Hirokami. And from the player's perspective it may be one of the CSO's last hurrahs…

Examining Columbus’ Master Agreement Part 2

Following the previous article in this set, I received an email from a reader expressing confusion over some of the provisions in the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) master agreement which pertain to full time positions not provided for by name. In particular she wondered how a musician can have a full time position but not have that position protected by name in the master agreement. In short, the 22 CSO musicians who have full time contacts for positions which are not provided for by name are still afforded the same guaranteed employment status from one season to the next as are the full time positions for by name. Here's how it works…

Examining Columbus’ Master Agreement

Today's article will examine some of the unique components of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) maser agreement (also known as a collective bargaining agreement or "the contract") governing full time and per service musician employment. We'll also finish up the remaining few questions with CSO Executive Director, Tony Beadle…

An Interview With Columbus Executive Director Tony Beadle

On January 18, 2008 the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) board of directors released a strategic plan that called for a reduction in expenses by approximately 25 percent. Public reaction from the organization's musicians, music director, and patrons has been overwhelmingly unfavorable; however, the plan did receive support in the form of an editorial from the Columbus Dispatch. In order to find out more about the plan and where the organization expects to proceed, I spoke with CSO Executive Director, Tony Beadle, via telephone on February 5, 2008…

Strategic Planning Poll Results

This week's Adaptistration poll on the value of artistic stakeholder input on an orchestra's strategic planning process produced results that were both intriguing and not the least bit surprising…

Re-examining The Big Picture

Back in February, 2006 I published a four part series of articles which examined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's strategic plan, called "A Bold Plan For Greatness." It seems Dallas isn't the only orchestra looking to expand as the North Carolina Symphony recently released a strategic plan/capital campaign called "America's Next Great Orchestra."...

Examining Dallas' "Bold Plan For Greatness" - Conclusions

Strategic plans are only as good as the people designing and implementing them. As such, a properly designed plan implemented by a core of capable executive managers, board leaders, and the music director can serve as a vehicle to limitless accomplishments…

Examining Dallas' "Bold Plan For Greatness" Part 3

Continuing where Part II concluded, this installment will carry on by examining the final phase of Dallas Symphony Orchestra's "Bold Plan For Greatness", a 10 year strategic plan designed to move the organization to the next level...

Examining Dallas' "Bold Plan For Greatness" Part 2

Continuing where  Part 1 concluded, this installment will continue by examining the second phase of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's "Bold Plan For Greatness", a 10 year strategic plan designed to move the organization to the next level...

Examining Dallas' "Bold Plan For Greatness" Part 1

In 2004, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra initiated a 10 year strategic plan with the goal of establishing the organization as one of the top five American orchestras in artistic level and a community landmark similar to the Dallas Cowboys. Since then, I've had the opportunity to review Dallas’ plan and talk to their president and CEO, Fred Bronstein, about how the organization plans to reach their goals...