Monday, October 27, 2014

What the Counter-Proposal Guarantees for the ASO

In order to reach an agreement, the musicians have to insist on having some kind of personnel 'markers' ... a fixed number of players, the existence of which would contractually guarantee an upward movement in numbers, toward a fuller complement, commensurate with the orchestra's status. This provision is absolutely necessary to halt further downsizing (one of WAC's go-to solutions for controlling costs; the other popular solution is musician salary reduction). 

If this counter-proposal is accepted, WAC will have to find other paths to lead them out of debt and close the deficit ... but the proposal does guarantee that the orchestra would not be burdened by WAC's cutting personnel or simply refusing to fill positions (a thing which has been done often in the past to improve the orchestra's bottom line).

If this counter-proposal is accepted, WAC would actually be forced to raise money on the orchestra's behalf.

WAC's last offer was, indeed, close.  This counter-proposal brings us closer to the world-class symphony Atlanta deserves.

http://artsculture.blog.ajc.com/2014/10/27/atlanta-symphony-musicians-counter-proposal-offers-compromise-on-orchestras-size/


5 comments:

  1. A good arts administrator would accept this proposal and exceed the goals.

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  2. Why, yes they would, John ... perhaps we can conscript Lincoln Center's?

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  3. In case ASO lovers are unaware, it is a HUGE concession for the ASO players to agree to a 77-member orchestra. After some on-line fact-checking, this is where this puts the ASO with respect to other orchestras in the US:
    New York Philharmonic: 109
    Cleveland 103
    San Francisco 103
    Chicago Symphony 102
    Metropolitan Orchestra 101
    Dallas 101
    Los Angeles 100
    Cincinnati 97
    Philadelphia 97
    Boston 95
    St. Louis 94
    Austin “over 90”
    Pittsburgh 90
    Seattle 87
    Dayton 86
    Houston 85
    Utah 85
    Oklahoma City 83
    Portland (Maine) 82
    Des Moines 82
    Boise 80
    El Paso 80
    Denver 79
    Kansas City 79
    Atlanta 77
    San Antonio 76
    Las Vegas 76
    Helena 75
    Milwaukee 74
    Oregon 74
    Tucson 73

    Is this REALLY where the WAC administration want to see for our Atlanta Symphony Orchestra? Is there any reason to believe that their failed attempts so far to raise money will produce better results in the future? In fact, do we not need NEW LEADERSHIP for the Woodruff Arts Center?

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  4. "Best efforts" is a nice phrase. However, considering events since 2012, I wouldn't trust those that anymore than the promise, "Never again", made by someone we don't "love". I think they'll make a few tries and call it "best efforts". Even if those words are in the contract, is the ASOPA willing to sue on the contract should they not be fulfilled? What would a judge say? Who knows what "best efforts" are? A judge will first look at the contract and then hear testimony. Everything must be in writing. I question whether the WAC will agree. In view of the situation this is probably the best the ASO can do and hope for the best.

    Ladies & Gentlemen, during our pre-rehearsal discussion, it came to me. I had a very sad moment. I've been in this Chorus for half my life.. I had hoped I could end it on my (or Norman's) terms. I don't want it to end like this. How can I sing for any other group? I can't. Say a prayer for our players and for "our enemies" (who aren't really "enemies" as such), we all need it

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  5. Best efforts........what does that mean to these people? Scary to even thing about it............

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