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...]
Issue: March 2016
Prison is one place I never imagined myself visiting voluntarily. It is certainly not a place I would have gone to have a deeply meaningful musical experience. Nevertheless, in May 2015, I and five other members of the Kansas City Symphony did just that. What resulted was an incredible affirmation of the power and value of classical music, and a truly unique learning experience that none of us … [Read more...]
Issue: March 2016
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO’s) community outreach has been on the upswing over the past two years, in more ways than one. Like many orchestras, the CSO has been sending ensembles into the community for decades. But in the aftermath of serious financial troubles, which began in 2008, the orchestra has re-defined itself as more of a community service organization. The CSO board considered … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
As I reflect upon a decade of travel as ICSOM Chairman, it occurs to me it might be possible that I have visited more backstage orchestra lounges than all but a handful of negotiators. Often the personality of the musicians of the orchestra is represented in these lounges, and the musicians’ history as well. I have seen old program books, posters, promotional buttons, and even materials from … [Read more...]
