Like lemmings over the cliff

Yes, I realize that the film many of us watched in elementary school has been disproven, some of the contents of today's inbox reminded me of days lost past. Today's email from HigherEdJobs contained no fewer than four openings from the University of Hartford: one in woodwinds, two in brass (trumpet and trombone) and one in "the business". It's rather hard to imagine that this is a coincidence. Some of the musicians of the community are jumping ship before it goes down. Yes, the Hartford Symphony CBA debacle was a disaster of titanic proportions.

In Fort Worth, it's business as usual, at least until July 31. The Dallas Morning News had reported on Friday that Fort Worth Symphony, musicians reach ‘temporary’ one-year agreement. Of course it must be noted that the musicians have been playing without a new agreement since July 31, 2015, a CBA that was negotiated three years before that.

FWSO CEO Amy Adkins continues to note the projection for the current fiscal year, including a $650K deficit. Still no report on where that's coming from. For what it's worth, Music Director Miguel Harth-Bedoya clears nearly $400K in salary and benefits.

One thing is obvious. The FWSO Association backed down from their threat of a concessionary contract with an 8% cut in pay. To imply that this damages management's credibility would be an understatement.

There's also trouble in a river city, Trouble that starts with "T", that rhymes with "G", that stands for.... More on this one later.

Future posts also include "Walking the walk" with new music and more.  Stay tuned.