Paul Gunther: Chicago Lyric, Grant Park, Kennedy Center, Louisville, Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota, National, New Jersey, NYC Ballet, NYC Opera, Philadelphia, SF Ballet, SF Opera, Virginia
Throughout three decades as a professional orchestra musician I cannot recall a period of such great activity and involvement for so many of my ICSOM colleagues.
While part of my task as Member-at-Large (MAL) is to support the Governing Board members and officers, especially ICSOM Chair Bruce Ridge, in their activities on behalf of ICSOM musicians, and ALL symphonic musicians, another part is as liaison between a group of a dozen ICSOM Delegates and the Governing Board. Periodically I’ll communicate Governing Board issues by phone or e-mail to my MAL Delegate group; and by turns I’ll also direct pressing concerns from these Delegates to the Governing Board.
Through Bruce’s extraordinary leadership, and the strong support of our other veteran officers Brian, Laura and Michael, the Governing Board has coalesced as a group in a way I have rarely experienced in any organization. Two successful Calls to Action are the most clear-cut examples of how we continue to inspire others through ICSOM. And with written contributions from all over ICSOM, and in Richard’s editorial hands, Senza Sordino’s recent issues are unparalleled.
While attending closely to ICSOM members and their concerns, the Governing Board has created or expanded dialogs with the other player conferences, with the AFM, with the media and with the arts in general. I believe ICSOM is the most effective, in the best hands – and in the best shape – it has ever been. Through the ongoing efforts of the Delegates and Governing Board, ICSOM has assumed the mantle of cheerleader and proud defender of symphonic music. We continue to inform others around the country of the importance of our work, reminding people that – in addition to contributing to a healthier economy – symphonic music transforms lives.
James Nickel: Alabama, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Dallas, Florida Orchestra, Fort Worth, Houston, Jacksonville, Nashville, North Carolina, San Antonio
James Nickel resigned from the Governing Board in early May. The Governing Board appointed Matthew Comerford from the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra to fill the rest of his term.
Cathy Payne: Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Puerto Rico, Rochester, San Francisco, Syracuse
This past year has been my first serving on the Governing Board, and I have been extremely impressed with my colleagues’ ability, intelligence, and commitment to making ICSOM function as productively as possible. I cannot imagine a group of people more dedicated to making ICSOM a powerful force for our orchestras and within our union. I’ve been amazed at how much gets done with almost daily emailing, monthly conference phone calls, and one meeting in February when all of us are actually in the same room.
It was thrilling to see so many orchestras respond to the Call to Action for Jacksonville, and to watch the skill Chair Bruce Ridge showed in helping the parties reach a settlement. I am impressed with the unity our orchestras have shown, and hope that the Call to Action for Columbus will help our colleagues there in their time of need as well.
I continued to serve on the ICSOM Electronic Media Committee this year, participating in AV Negotiations last November. After a few unproductive meetings, we began to consider whether it would be worthwhile to pursue a national Integrated Media Agreement. Over the past several months there has been a great deal of conversation among the members of the EMC about how to respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by the current media landscape, trying to establish what would be best for all ICSOM orchestras. After months of talks with the Managers Media Committee, the parties will begin negotiations for an integrated agreement in September.
Living in San Francisco, I have been involved in Conference Planning here along with my fellow ICSOM Delegates, Leslie Ludena and Thalia Moore, and Conference Coordinator Brian Lee. We were just pounding the pavement last week putting together a restaurant guide for your dining pleasure—I hope you’re all taking advantage of San Francisco’s offerings! I’ve had a tremendous experience this first year, and thank the ICSOM Delegates under my “jurisdiction” as a MAL for the conversations and prompt replies. It’s been a pleasure getting to know all of you, and a privilege to work with you and my colleagues on the Governing Board.
Meredith Snow: Colorado, Honolulu, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York Philharmonic, Oregon, Saint Louis, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, San Diego, Utah
Another busy year on the Governing Board.
The good news is the enthusiastic and unified action amongst our ICSOM orchestras. Both Calls to Action for Jacksonville and Columbus have been hugely successful. It’s enormously gratifying to experience the ready response of our delegates to support our fellow musicians. I would like to personally thank the delegates from my orchestras for making my job so easy….
The bad news is continued friction between the RMA & AFM, Neanderthal Boards of Directors and incompetent managements that continue to make our jobs more difficult than necessary. The best remedy available is our dedication to and improved communication within ICSOM. The stronger we stand together, the better our chances of survival.
Many thanks also to the members of the Governing Board whose activism and commitment to every member of ICSOM make it a privilege to serve.