Issue: December 2014
In Norfolk, VA, in 2009, at their pre-conference planning session, the ICSOM Governing Board heard a presentation and began a discussion that would ultimately result in the formation of the American Symphonic Advocacy Project (ASAP). We introduced the Governing Board to Mark Lindsay, Director of the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Division of The Livingston Group, a lobbying firm in Washington, DC. … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2014
“Do you believe in miracles?” was the phrase used when the US Hockey team won the most improbable victory during the 1980 Winter Olympics. That members of the New York City Opera Orchestra just completed a week-long tour in Japan brings to mind the same sense of astonishment and accomplishment. Thirteen months ago NYCO filed for bankruptcy and was left for dead. But the orchestra, though … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2014
When I joined the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra in 1997, the AFM-EPF benefits multiplier stood at $4.14, and our orchestra’s contribution rate was 7.5%. Our Orchestra Committee chair regaled me with his perspective that our pension was a fantastic benefit, and I agreed with him. Two and a half years later, the multiplier was up to $4.65, and I was comfortable in the knowledge that my … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2014
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, CA was the location for the 2014 ICSOM Conference, hosted by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Local 47 from August 25 to 28. The emphasis of the conference was on the Art of Advocacy and a number of presenters focused on this subject, including Americans for the Arts (AFTA) Vice President of Research and Policy Randy Cohen, and Randy Whatley, … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
One of my most moving moments of last season came on January 14, while in Tampa. I walked into a meeting of the committees of the Florida Orchestra, and they handed me a check for $800 to send to the Minnesota Orchestra musicians. What I knew at that time, but couldn’t quite reveal for another hour or so, was on that day the most egregious lockout in the history of orchestras had finally ended. … [Read more...]
Issue: Editor's Reports
This issue I take over as Editor from Richard Levine, who has provided a decade of exemplary leadership and service. Senza Sordino has as its founding principle the importance of communication. While initially this communication was largely between orchestras, a sharing of important information such as negotiating strategies and common issues, it has become increasingly important to communicate … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2014
I have a confession. One year ago, I had no idea what Twitter was supposed to be used for. Back then, as Vice Chair of the MET Orchestra Committee, I had taken it upon myself to create a better online presence for the MET Orchestra in preparation for our upcoming negotiations. Unfortunately, I soon realized that I had no idea how to do so. Luckily, a tech-savvy percussionist came to my rescue. He … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2014
Atlanta Locked Out At midnight, September 6, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musicians found themselves locked out for the second time in two years. Management of the ASO/WAC (Woodruff Art Center, the parent corporation) issued a Last, Best and Final proposal to the negotiating committee by email on September 5, and a subsequent counterproposal was dismissed as “inadequate.” Health insurance is … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2014
Editor’s note: There are more than 4000 active ICSOM members, and about 90% of them have never attended an ICSOM conference. To help convey what the experience is like, I’ve asked some of our more recent delegates to write about it. Kevin Kozak, Alabama Symphony When I took over as ICSOM delegate from long-time delegate Jeff Solomon last year, I asked him what I should expect from the … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2014
The following resolutions were adopted at the 2014 ICSOM Conference at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, CA, on August 28, 2014. Both Richard Levine’s and Gail Kruvand’s resolutions were adopted by unanimous consent. Unless noted, resolutions were submitted by the ICSOM Governing Board. Richard Levine Whereas, As a member of the San Diego Symphony since 1973, Richard … [Read more...]
