Local Issues Can Have National Impact

Consultant Drew McManus has noted today that as time goes on, more and more musician associations are using the Internet to broadcast their messages and empower their causes.

In Columbus, the patrons have taken the bull by the horns and have launched their own website to support its local orchestra during its difficult times. The situation there is complicated and as noted both here and at a recent Adaptistration.com blog, the traditional press sometimes hinders rather than helps the process.

In south Florida, a local arts critic has aimed blunt criticisms at certain individuals in the Florida Grand Opera (FGO). This season he has called for the conductor of the FGO’s orchestra to resign or be fired, and he has heaved a great deal of criticism on the orchestra, and in particular its principal horn (who has acted as the orchestra’s contractor).

The situation there is also quite complicated. An ongoing dialog continues at the Miami Herald which illustrates the volatility and confusion.

The musicians are fighting to be recognized by the FGO as a unionized bargaining unit to begin collective bargaining talks. The FGO so far, has refused to speak directly to the musicians and does so only through its lawyer. The FGO wishes only to outsource its musicians rather than engage a dedicated orchestra. The FGO musicians have responded by leafleting its audience and by launching a website.

Many musician unions have recognized the value of the Web as an excellent means to get the word out. (A full list may be found here.). One wonders what would happen if every musician association had its own web site.

In support of this, AZOOMA webmaster Bruce Hembd has written an article, “Using the Web to Empower Your Union,” to offer advice to musician associations on how to get started. On his own personal blog, Bruce has waxed philosophically on the more general concept of narcissism in the Arts and its effect on interpersonal and union relationships.

These web sites and blogs clearly illustrate that local labor issues, which at one time were like little secrets known only to insiders, are getting wider attention from the general public. As the Internet flourishes, these local issues are gaining a broader scope and a wider audience.