Issue: June 2016
The contract negotiations in Grand Rapids that culminated in a tentative agreement in mid-March and a ratified contract in April were like a thousand-piece jigsaw: the solution, which seemed impossible even after a great deal of struggle, suddenly and miraculously fell into place after incremental and seemingly insignificant progress. This negotiation made history for us. The story of this … [Read more...]
Issue: June 2016
Since our new President and CEO Scott Showalter joined us in the fall of 2014, the past two seasons at the Oregon Symphony have been marked by an upswing in fundraising, ticket sales, and general morale. The organization has transformed from one that endured two full seasons (2012-13 and 2013-14) with no official executive leadership and the threat of complete collapse, to one that has seen an … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
Recently, I was in a used bookstore in Franklin, North Carolina, a tiny mountain town west of Asheville. On the plywood shelves I found a collection of ten disintegrating copies of The Etude, a current events classical music magazine, from 1947. Every page is fascinating, even though the magazines are so moldy they make your eyes water and your lungs ache. There are reports of Stravinsky working … [Read more...]
Issue: Counsel's Columns
In April, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a landmark ruling for professional symphonic musicians. In upholding the NLRB’s determination that the musicians of the Lancaster Symphony are employees—not independent contractors—the Court settled the question once and for all. Symphony musicians are entitled to all the rights and protections that accompany employee status. It is now crystal … [Read more...]
Issue: June 2016
The League of American Orchestras recently announced the five winners of the inaugural Ford Musician Award for Excellence in Community Service, three of whom are members of ICSOM orchestras. For the purposes of the award, community service is intended to be meaningful service through music: education and community engagement programs at schools, hospitals, retirement homes, community and social … [Read more...]
Issue: June 2016
By Laura Ross At the 54th ICSOM Conference in Washington D.C. this August, Bruce Ridge will step down from his 10-year tenure as ICSOM’s longest-serving chairman. As I reflect upon our relationship and our work together, he has been a treasured friend whose accomplishments have been remarkable; I am the better for this wonderful collaboration. I was elected ICSOM Secretary in 2002, two years … [Read more...]
Issue: June 2016
For an orchestra in real need of a morale adjustment, ICSOM Chairman Bruce Ridge provided treatment in the form of an energetic yet congenially convincing presentation during his recent visit to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. My only regret was that the NJSO management chose not to avail itself of Ridge’s offer to meet with the board or staff—except for a last-minute breakfast meeting with … [Read more...]
Issue: June 2016
In honor of James Levine’s appointment as Conductor Emeritus of the Metropolitan Opera I joined the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 1986. James Levine has been the Music Director for my entire tenure. In fact, he has been Music Director for the entire tenure of every current orchestra member with the exception of Violist Marilyn Stroh, who joined in 1960. Upon joining the orchestra, one thing … [Read more...]
Issue: June 2016
AFM Convention in Las Vegas The AFM will hold its 100th convention June 20–23, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Among more than 250 delegates will be many who are active and emeritus members of ICSOM orchestras; included in roughly 160 AFM Locals sending delegates will be the 42 Locals that have one or more ICSOM orchestras. The triennial convention will see the election of … [Read more...]
Issue: Editor's Reports
In turbulent times the quality of leadership assumes a greater significance. This issue is a testament to that. In the political realm there are many examples of leadership running the gamut from outstanding to execrable. Perhaps the most significant illustration in modern times of the significance of leadership is the ascent into power, in 1933, of very different men in two countries facing … [Read more...]
