To Form a More Paperless Union

Drawing by Drew Owen

There is no question that the ways in which people obtain and interact with information have seen dramatic changes in recent years, all driven by advances in computer technology. While the (to some) utopian dream of the paperless office has not yet been realized, many people are becoming more comfortable with—even habituated to—the electronic exchange of documents.

ICSOM has embraced these technologies, from the creation of the orchestra-l listserve and the establishment of its Twitter feed (Note: See the “President’s Report” in the October 2017 issue) to the successful collaboration with the AFM and the other Players Conferences in adopting an online version of the Wage Charts. Two years ago we inaugurated a new online edition of Senza Sordino, which now reaches readers well before the print edition. (The most recent issue can always be found here.)

While the primary motivation behind these changes has been a desire to bring better services to our colleagues, cost savings have also played a role. The Governing Board seeks to use your dues in the most efficient and effective way possible. After conducting a survey of the delegates, the Board decided that paper copies of this publication will be sent only to members who affirmatively request them. All others will receive the email edition (which is currently sent only to those who have opted out of receiving paper copies). This change will take place with the first issue in 2018.

If you are an active or Emeritus member and wish to continue receiving the print edition of Senza Sordino, please contact your delegate or me (you can find my contact information in the masthead).

Additionally, earlier this year, Directory Administrator and former Editor Richard Levine devised a search portal for the directory database that allows members to access the Directory online in a secure way. The only requirement for members to use the portal is to have an email address—published or unpublished—listed in the database. (Note: See the “Secretary’s Report” in the June 2017 issue.) If you do not currently have an email address listed and wish to add one, please contact your delegate or me. Because of the smooth functioning of this new resource, the Governing Board has decided to move to biennial publication of the printed directory. The annual production of the Directory is one of ICSOM’s greatest single expenses, and the Board feels that the online search portal can better meet the needs of most users of the Directory. You should receive your copy of the 2017-19 ICSOM Directory in early 2018.

Note: Active members of the following orchestras wanting a paper copy have already had their preference confirmed, and do not need to reconfirm it with me or their delegate: Alabama, Chicago Lyric, Chicago Symphony, Detroit, Los Angeles, the MET, National, NY Philharmonic, San Antonio, and Utah.