Symphonic Shorts

Life on an Orchestra Committee

Leslie Bahler, Florida Philharmonic

I remember the day that I was informed that my status had changed from first alternate to actual member of the Florida Philharmonic's Orchestra Committee. I was excited, scared, and in awe of my new responsibilities. I was going to be able to help make decisions that could make life better for the players. I was going to be part of the negotiating process. I was gonna know all the inside stuff! Cool!

All of those things did happen. And more. Having served on the FPO OC for three terms, I can report that being a committee member teaches one a great deal about the business of an orchestra as well as the people who make up all of its components: Board members, management, musicians, sponsors, volunteers and audience.

Our OC has non-voting representation on the FPO's Governing Council. FPO musicians come to the Committee for assistance when they have problems or questions about something at work. We routinely meet with members of the management to solve occasional problems of scheduling, logistics, payroll, service assignments, and personnel. All decisions are made working within the guidelines of the Philharmonic's collective bargaining agreement. When it is time to negotiate a new CBA, the Orchestra Committee spends hundreds of hours preparing for the process, interviewing musicians, reading budget figures, creating our proposal for management to consider, and sitting at the negotiating table for many hours crafting out the next contract. We hold ongoing meetings with the orchestra in order to inform them of FPO activities, to hold nominations for various committees that must be formed, and to vote on solutions to occasional problems that arise during the season.

I have learned many lessons while serving on our OC. The opportunity to serve in a leadership capacity has been invaluable to my own growth. Working as a team, debating what the right answer is to a problem, then working it out with management teaches one about communication and advocacy. Serving the needs of musicians in my orchestra has been a most valuable education. Working to educate musicians in South Florida about the strength there is in unionism has been a difficult road. I consider it to be an ongoing process.

I would certainly recommend that orchestra members working under a CBA gather up their courage and serve a term on their Orchestra Committee. Yes, you will be working hard to help others. Yes, it doesn't pay you money. People don't say "thank you" very much. But you will be amazed at how much you will gain from your experiences as a leader and how much you can help shape and improve your organization.

News & Announcements

Alardair Neale has been appointed principal guest conductor of the New World Symphony...Jerome Simas has been appointed principal clarinet of the Modesto Symphony...Ab Sengupta has been appointed principal violist of the Florida Philharmonic...Stephen Sumner has been appointed provost of the New World School of the Arts...

Judd to Take Sabbatical

Philharmonic Music Director James Judd will take a partial sabbatical during the 2001-2 season (his 15th anniversary year) and will guest conduct in Indianapolis, Utah, and Madrid as well as with the English Chamber orchestra...he will use his time off to boost his profile outside of Florida...Judd will maintain his administrative duties and will conduct three programs during the sabbatical...