Negotiations

Polyphonic.org’s inaugural Virtual Panel Discussion (VPD) is inspired by an article from Milwaukee Symphony principal violist Robert Levine, entitled “To IBB or not to IBB?” (IBB is an acronym for Interest Based Bargaining).

In order to provide as broad a view as possible on this subject, we’ve assembled a wide-ranging cross section of professional negotiators, executive managers, and knowledgeable musicians from a variety of ICSOM, ROPA, and OCSM ensembles. Each panelist retains a great deal of unique experience working with a diverse assortment of negotiation aspects.

Throughout the week, they’ll be engaged in a lively discussion centered on the main subject. Additionally, we invite you to participate by sharing your experiences and observations through posting comments to any particular contribution or by submitting a general comment.

To get things started off, we established our discussion parameters by asking all of our esteemed panelists to address the following statement for their opening remarks:

Is the collective bargaining agreement negotiation environment the most effective tool professional orchestra musicians can use to influence the artistic and economic strategic direction for their respective organization?

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by the panelists during the Polyphonic.org Negotiations VPD are those of the respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinion or position of any organization or association. Neither Polyphonic.org nor the VPD moderator has edited any of the panelist’s contributions. Any change which may appear in panelist’s contributions throughout the course of this VPD is at the request of the respective panelist.

About the author

Drew McManus
Drew McManus

Musician, administrator, and cultural entrepreneur Drew McManus has been involved with every aspect of the nonprofit performing arts world. He has become one of the most unique individuals in this business who is equally respected by administrators, academics, board members, music directors, musicians, and union officials.

Mr. McManus is the author of the highly successful daily column Adaptistration ; the first and only weblog dedicated to issues impacting the business of orchestras. His articles have been quietly addressing taboo issues which have been slowly strangling the business while simultaneously providing answers that are moving the industry toward positive change. Mr. McManus is a conservatory trained musician from the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, MD. He holds degrees in tuba performance as well as performing on piano and conducting; in addition to a regular performance schedule, Mr. McManus is an avid arranger.

Mr. McManus is regularly quoted as an industry expert in international publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, La Scena Musicale, and the Melbourne Age. Mr. McManus has also been a featured guest on national radio programs such as NPR’s All Things Consideredand WNYC’s Soundcheck.

As the founder and president of the Gynecologic Cancer Fund, he has a singular understanding of nonprofit governance and retains six-figure development experience as an executive board officer. During its tenure, his charity returned over 85% of gross proceeds to its beneficiaries; the highest return of any 501(c) in the state of Maryland.

Currently, Mr. McManus works as a private consultant with a wide range of clients throughout the orchestra business. Recent appearances include being a featured presenter at the 2005 International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians (ICSOM) conference in San Diego, California and as a featured panelist at the 2006 Chamber Music America conference in New York, NY.

When he isn’t working 14 hour days, Mr. McManus spends time with his wife, avoids cutting off his fingers while pursing his love for woodworking, drinking way too much Starbucks coffee, and playing with his three cats; Carmen, Tosca, and Cody.

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