Discussion Panel: Page 42

Drew has reminded me about some helpful activities that can occur in the post-negotiation period. Ideally, negotiations are a time of expanded communication, transparency, a spirited exchange of ideas as they legislate the ability to compromise. In conversations with Drew during last year’s difficulties at the Utah Symphony & Opera, he suggested that it would […]

Moderator’s Note: Laura’s posting is in response to comments posted by Katin, a registered Polyphonic.org user. Hello Katin, In my last post I wrote, “The musicians, in turn, must become sophisticated participants in their organizations. They must learn to understand the orchestra’s financial pressures and external challenges so that they come to the table as […]

Responding to Eric Anderson’s post from yesterday: You (and Laura) make some very good points Eric. I completely agree that, even in the best of situations, there is going to be tension between management/board and players and that the collective bargaining process can be an effective tool to address issues and find acceptable compromises. But […]

Oh, for crying out loud, guys, that FICTIONAL example was simplistic so I didn’t have to write “War and Peace” and exceed my word count! Let’s lighten up here! Several themes run through all the posts: ongoing communication and the need for musician participation in order to enhance potential points of influence between the negotiating […]

I feel that “simplistic” is the operative word in Really, Really Simplistic Fictional Case. I agree with Ms. Brownell that this orchestra is headed for bad times. This ensemble needs to re-examine and perhaps re-write its mission statement and strategic plan. This orchestra is being operated in a “black and white” environment without understanding that […]

Sorry I have disappeared. I returned last night from a trip to the west coast but I have been checking on the panel discussion from the road and would like to give a few points from my perspective. I am always amazed about the depth of the debate regarding IBB. With all the “interest” there […]

I. In response to Eric Anderson’s opening comment: As has already been noted, we all bring different experiences to the discussion. I have only ever heard one manager (thankfully long gone from the field) espouse the philosophy that his goal was “to present performances at the least possible cost.” Boards and Management in general want […]

I’d like to elaborate on several elements in Ms. Brownell’s eloquent posting. There is absolutely no question that during the past decades the excellence of pedagogy has increased the quality of playing exponentially. What has made me impatient as a labor official is my tendency to hold the administrative staff of my orchestra to this […]

RE Carla’s “… Really, Really Simplistic Fictional Case:” The organization described in this scenario is almost certainly headed for a bad place. This is not because the union has forced management to be “reckless.” It is because there is no true meeting of the minds. I have never seen anything good come of a settlement […]

Moderator’s note: The following is in response to and includes quotes from Curt Long’s contribution and Laura Brownell’s contribution from Wednesday, 4/19/06: “As has already been noted, we all bring different experiences to the discussion. I have only ever heard one manager (thankfully long gone from the field) espouse the philosophy that his goal was […]