Sarasota Orchestra Musicians

[Jay Hunsberger]

Many of you are aware of the current trials of the musicians of the Sarasota Orchestra. The management has imposed a new "contract" which not only contains large financial cuts (both in terms of salary and retirement) but also a long laundry list of punitive working conditions. For more information including ways you can help please go to: http://www.sarasotaorchestramusicians.org/

[Erin W. Hood]

Wow..!!

I think the musicians have a solid argument here.

At first glance it looks to me like you have a broken shop upstairs, which is to bluntly say that you're "Dealing with an Administration" instead of "Working with your Leadership." Most unfortunate.

Also, after reading those couple of statements about "Quality", I think that "Quality" will be your solution. My observation is that your administration is merely paying lip service to quality and not actually implementing or utilizing any real Quality Improvement & Management methods.

This is readily apparent in the action of wanting to take away the musician's right to vote on the board, and in the multitude of other behaviors that illustrate a stratified organizational body, i.e., The few of the Admin vs. the many of the Orchestra.

Fortunately for the Orchestra, real Quality Management & Improvement methods will inherently require a Leadership that supports and provides for the entirety of the organization, and it's mission, utilizing a common framework in which ALL members have the authority to improve the process that they own.

I would be happy to discuss this personally if you would so desire, and would also suggest seeking feedback from groups like the "Tops in Blue" as they already work in such an environment.

I hope this helps. Best wishes and highest regards for the Sarasota Orchestra.

Erin W. Hood

[Jay Hunsberger]

Thanks for your support Erin! Feel free to let your voice be heard to our board members.

Erin W. Hood said:

Wow..!!

I think the musicians have a solid argument here.

At first glance it looks to me like you have a broken shop upstairs, which is to bluntly say that you're "Dealing with an Administration" instead of "Working with your Leadership." Most unfortunate.

Also, after reading those couple of statements about "Quality", I think that "Quality" will be your solution. My observation is that your administration is merely paying lip service to quality and not actually implementing or utilizing any real Quality Improvement & Management methods.

This is readily apparent in the action of wanting to take away the musician's right to vote on the board, and in the multitude of other behaviors that illustrate a stratified organizational body, i.e., The few of the Admin vs. the many of the Orchestra.

Fortunately for the Orchestra, real Quality Management & Improvement methods will inherently require a Leadership that supports and provides for the entirety of the organization, and it's mission, utilizing a common framework in which ALL members have the authority to improve the process that they own.

I would be happy to discuss this personally if you would so desire, and would also suggest seeking feedback from groups like the "Tops in Blue" as they already work in such an environment.

I hope this helps. Best wishes and highest regards for the Sarasota Orchestra.

Erin W. Hood