All Entries in the "Governance" Category
Super Sam Vs. The Prophets Of Doom!
On 8/9/2010, Minnesota Orchestra violist and blogger Sam Bergman posed the following question: “For exactly how many decades do we plan to allow the prophets of doom [which links to Greg Sandow's blog] to continually shout from the mountaintop that orchestras are withering on the vine before pointing out that their dire predictions have been consistently, unceasingly, 100% wrong?”… (more…)
Good For Philadelphia
The 7/1/2010 edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer published an article by Classical Music Critic Peter Dobrin that reports the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly Pops have decided not to pursue plans for the former to absorb the latter. Regardless the reasons, it’s good to see that both groups were willing to honestly examine the situation and back away from a decision regardless of appearances… (more…)
Look Before You Leap
On 6/22/2010, Marc van Bree published a blog post at Dutch Perspective that caught my attention. He examines what were apparently topics of paramount discussion at the recent League Conference. Marc provides all sorts of reference links but I have to admit I didn’t’ take the time to read any of it as his post was sufficiently engaging. What really caught my attention was Marc’s focus on process, a subject near and dear to my administrator’s heart… (more…)
Save The Revolution, We Need Reformation
With the League conference in full swing this week behind the theme of Orchestra R/Evoluiton, it seems much of the discussion is focused outward: what orchestras mean to their communities, new business models, etc. It’s fun to take part in visioning exercises but those are best left for times of economic stability and growth. What should be taking place is talk about Reformation, how those entrusted with governance and administration can adapt to do more during a time of less… (more…)
Don’t Let Anyone Else In On This
Wouldn’t it be grand to have a crystal ball to provide glimpses into the economic future for our respective communities? If so, we could get a leg up on where to cultivate future board members and better position ourselves for Boom and bust cycles. Alas, nothing like that exists but I can offer up the next best thing in the form of urban analysts and you’re in luck as one of the most intriguing minds within that field just happens to “get it” when it comes to the arts… (more…)
Seattle’s Pay-For-Play Trickle Down Effect
Seattle playwright Paul Mullin has been weighing in on the Pay-for Play scandal within the Seattle’s arts community that was examined here on 5/4/2010 (and even earlier @ Scanning the Dial). To paraphrase Mullin’s perspective, the decision by larger arts orgs to buy into the pay-for-play model as embodied by King5′s New Day Northwest program is ultimately self defeating but it’s the small budget groups who will suffer the initial brunt of diminishing returns… (more…)
In Richardson, To Tell Or Not To Tell (Again)
The recent conductor rant from the Richardson Symphony Orchestra that was caught on tape has produced an intriguing comment thread. One item that caught my attention was the notion that the group has been wrestling with their cash flow issues for some time and the decision as to whether or not this should be brought to public attention is one of the reasons for discord. As it turns out, this very topic was the source for one of my blog posts back in November, 2004… (more…)
The Controversy In Cleveland Continues
Just in case you forgot about the legal battle between Cleveland Plain Dealer music critic Donald Rosenberg and the Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Scene published a lengthy article about the latest developments in the ongoing drama. Written by Michael Gill and published on 5/5/2010, the piece begins with a picturesque description of Cleveland Orchestra music director, Franz Welser-Möst, giving a deposition under a “cold fluorescent light”… (more…)
Aspen’s No Confidence Vote. Now What?
In the wake of Aspen Music Festival and School Corporation’s recent vote of no confidence, I’ve received a number of email queries asking about what votes of no confidence are, how they work, and why they are used. The prevailing question is “So what’s the purpose in taking a vote of no confidence if the results aren’t binding?”… (more…)
Aspen’s Day Of Reckoning?
Unless plans change, members of the faculty, staff, and board of directors of the Aspen Music Festival will conduct a vote of no confidence in president and CEO Alan Fletcher. From a governance perspective, the vote is not actionable in the sense that the board must adopt any course of action based on the outcome. As such, it carries more weight as a political tool and to provide an official forum for board members to entertain stakeholder feedback… (more…)
If You Can’t Join ‘Em, Beat ‘Em
In an interesting turn of events in Charleston, one of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO) concert sponsors has decided to present a cancelled pops concert on their own. The First Federal bank will be presenting the May 1st Starlight Pops concert using members from the recently-suspended CSO under the director of Alex Agrest (CSO core member). First Federal is selling tickets directly through their website as well as at the gate on the day of the event… (more…)
“An Illegal Lockout” In Charleston
According to a representative speaking on behalf of the Players Association of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (PACSO) the official position of the musicians and its union, Coastal Carolina Association of Professional Musicians Local 502, have stated that they consider the Charleston Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) decision to suspend operations “an illegal lockout and we are pursuing it to the fullest extent of the law.”… (more…)
Bruce Hembd wrote:
Drew McManus wrote:
Geof Applegate wrote:
Bev B. wrote:
Adaptistration is authored by orchestra consultant Drew McManus and since its launch in 2003, the blog has become standard reading for arts administrators and arts administration programs throughout the world.
