Issue: October 2024
The 62nd annual ICSOM Conference, hosted by the musicians of the Oregon Symphony and Local 99, took place August 21–24 at the historic Benson Portland Hotel in downtown Portland, OR. Because many of our delegates, alternate delegates, guests and AFM and Local officers traveled such great distances, ICSOM invited attendees to both a welcome reception Tuesday evening in the hotel’s London Grill that … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2024
Every ICSOM member is part of a vast system that begins in early childhood, runs through music school, influences our auditions, and generally spans our entire career. Before we even realize how ensnared we are by this system, most of us have dedicated nearly our entire lives to music. Given this perspective, it’s unsurprising that efforts to change this system have had limited impact on the … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2024
Hello ICSOM colleagues! For those that I have not had the pleasure to address, my name is Nicole Jordan. In my day-to-day work life, I am principal librarian of The Philadelphia Orchestra. I spend my days sharpening pencils, fighting with photocopiers, putting Neosporin on paper cuts, and getting music prepared for my playing colleagues in the orchestra. I now have the distinct honor to serve you, … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2024
It seems the well-known aphorism "culture eats strategy for breakfast" is quoted everywhere these days. Although management theorist Peter Drucker did not write these words exactly, his meaning was clear: strategy is necessary, but culture is critical to an organization’s success. In the last 20 years, corporate employers have begun to understand that ignoring Drucker’s warning comes at a cost … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2024
Editor's Note: Prior to the 2024 Conference, Harvard Law student Krysta Hyppolite, a cellist, reached out to ICSOM Counsel Kevin Case to discuss his experience as a labor attorney representing musicians across American symphony orchestras. Given her background and interest in the field, the Governing Board sponsored Krystaʻs attendance at the conference and asked her to write a column describing … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2024
The following ICSOM Bylaw was adopted on August 24, 2024 and requires ratification by a majority of ICSOM member orchestras within 90 days: Whereas, The role that members-at-large play on the governing board has expanded and their contribution has long gone unrecognized and unpaid; therefore, be it Resolved, That Article IX – DUES and FINANCES Section 7, be amended to read: The Chairperson … [Read more...]
