Issue: April 2009
On March 26, 2009, in Washington, D.C., ICSOM Chairperson Bruce Ridge was honored to deliver testimony before the House Committee on Education and Labor at the Committee’s Hearing on the Economic and Employment Impact of the Arts and Music Industry. The trip was arranged through AFM’s Legislative Office with the help of Director of Government Relations Hal Ponder. Below is the text of Chairperson … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2009
I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. I look forward to an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft. I look forward to an America which will steadily raise the standards of artistic accomplishment and which will steadily enlarge cultural … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2009
From the Virginian-Pilot, February 15, 2009 I am a musician. I have known that simple fact since my seventh birthday, when I wrapped my arms around the little guitar that had been a gift from my father, when I breathed the dusky fragrance of wood and varnish, when I touched the grainy fingerboard that would become my personal road to enchantment. Despite challenges, I have never had one moment … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2009
The sexy end of our business is what happens on stage—maestri with great hair emerging from the wings to lead legendary orchestras in gripping performances of works representing the very pinnacle of human creativity before cheering crowds in historic and acoustically perfect halls. At least, that’s what our business looks like on a really good day. But, like most human endeavors, what’s visible … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2009
First, a disclaimer—what this article is not intended to be: This article is not a substitute for medical care or medical judgment. If you even suspect that you may have an injury, disease, or condition that could impact your career as a musician or your quality of life, I strongly urge you to seek out competent medical advice. I do hope, however, that this article will assist you in finding a … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2009
Chairperson Bruce Ridge made a site visit (January 19–21) to the Twin Cities to meet with musicians from both the Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. As usual with such visits, Bruce also met with others interested in the orchestras. Below are reports from the delegates of those orchestras as well as a short addendum by Minnesota librarian and ICSOM Governing Board member … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2009
Late last spring, as the SFS negotiating committee was gearing up to meet with management, it seemed like it would be a straightforward negotiation. The orchestra’s finances were in excellent shape, as confirmed by a Ron Bauers audit (one of the healthiest arts organizations in the country, he reported) and by our board president, John Goldman (at the December 2007 Annual Meeting—six months before … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2009
Title: Playing (less) Hurt: An Injury Prevention Guide for Musicians, 2009 Revised Edition Author: Janet Horvath Publication Date: January 1, 2009 ISBN-10/-13: 0971373558 / 978-0971373556 Website: playinglesshurt.com Spiral-bound, 253 pages, $29.95 We have retained the original numbering in this abridged excerpt from Chapter 15, titled “Hearing Is Our Business.” It is a tiny sample of … [Read more...]
Issue: April 2009
In accordance with ICSOM bylaws, there will be elections at the 2009 ICSOM Conference for the positions of ICSOM President, Secretary, two Members at Large, and Delegate to the AFM Convention. Also in accordance with ICSOM bylaws, the Governing Board has appointed a Nominating Committee that may, at its discretion, nominate candidates for those positions. Nominations may also be made from the … [Read more...]
