Issue: April 2009
In accordance with ICSOM bylaws, there will be elections at the 2009 ICSOM Conference for the positions of ICSOM President, Secretary, two Members at Large, and Delegate to the AFM Convention. Also in accordance with ICSOM bylaws, the Governing Board has appointed a Nominating Committee that may, at its discretion, nominate candidates for those positions. Nominations may also be made from the … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2008
A t the ICSOM Conference this summer, there were a number of conversations about and references to the benefits of sending orchestra members to the AFM Convention as local delegates. I have attended AFM Conventions since 1995, first as a non-voting ROPA representative, and then as a voting delegate for the Nashville Association of Musicians, Local 257. I have also attended the Southern Conference … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
Far more frequently than ever before, I find myself turning on the television in the mid-afternoon to monitor the superimposed number that represents the current volatility of the stock market. That number, all too often a three-digit negative figure, is affecting all of our lives as our pensions, 403(b) accounts, and investments incur losses. Just as we all feel the effects of this economic … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2008
It is difficult to ignore the current economy and its potential impact on our orchestras. During periods of such uncertainty, managements may seek to open up current agreements to ask for concessions. Chairperson Ridge’s timely and well-written column contains many important points to consider during such discussions. My column is intended to provide additional perspectives. Like many young … [Read more...]
Issue: Counsel's Columns
The following is a reprint of an article that originally appeared in the February 2003 issue of Senza Sordino under the title “Another Opening, Another Blow.” Although some of the facts may no longer be current, the advice is. In my experience, this is the worst of times. During the last thirty years I have witnessed “troubled orchestras,” and even an occasional “lost orchestra,” but never to … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2008
Title: The Art of the Turnaround: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Arts Organizations Author: Michael M. Kaiser Publisher: Brandeis University Press Publication Date: September 2008 ISBN: 978-1-58465-735-4 Hardcover: 204 pages The overwhelmingly positive and inspiring message of Michael Kaiser’s new book, The Art of the Turnaround: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Arts Organizations, … [Read more...]
Issue: December 2008
The October issue of Senza Sordino featured an article by Randy Cohen, Vice President of Policy and Research for Americans for the Arts, as well as information on Mr. Cohen’s presentation at the 2008 ICSOM Conference. A link to Mr. Cohen’s PowerPoint presentation can now be found on the ICSOM website at www.icsom.org/conferences/2008. Americans for the Arts is the nation’s leading nonprofit … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2008
Three orchestras, the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, were host to the 2008 ICSOM Conference, at Hotel Kabuki, located in San Francisco’s Japantown. Held August 20–23, the Conference was jam packed with presentations, workshops, reports, and opportunities for orchestra delegates and guests to interact with their colleagues from … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
With the daily onslaught of dire economic news emanating from Wall Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, all Americans find themselves concerned for the future. Symphonic musicians confront these economic issues on an ongoing basis, and it is understandable that at this moment, musicians might feel even greater consternation about the future of their chosen profession. After all, we hear negative … [Read more...]
Issue: October 2008
T he 2008 ICSOM Conference, held in San Francisco this past August, provided an ideal opportunity to meet with delegates and to learn from our many presenters about important issues that affect ICSOM musicians and their orchestras. Special thanks go to President David Schoenbrun and AFM Local 6 (San Francisco), ICSOM Delegates Thalia Moore, Leslie Ludena, Cathy Payne, alternate delegate Steven … [Read more...]
