From the ROPA mailing list.
Posted on Thu, Sep. 01, 2005

Orchestra members get new contract

Akron Symphony pact only for year pending changes

By Elaine Guregian

Beacon Journal music critic

As of today, the Akron Symphony’s musicians have a new contract with a
new twist.

The one-year contract offers the orchestra’s 82 musicians a raise from
$82 to $86 per service (rehearsal or performance). That’s a 4.9 percent
increase. In addition, the players have the chance to make a bit more
than their contracted raise.

According to interim Executive Director Bill Glaeser, the possible
profit-sharing would work like this: If ticket sales go over a budgeted
goal, the musicians could make up to an additional $1 per service,
prorated by the number of services.

The previous contract expired Wednesday. Normally, the musicians, who
are members of the Akron Federation of Musicians (Local 24 of the
American Federation of Musicians), have multiyear contracts.

Because the orchestra is in the middle of a search for a new music
director, a one-year contract was decided upon to give the next music
director “the opportunity to structure and grow the programs with more
flexibility,” according to a statement from the orchestra’s
management.

The orchestra plans to have its new music director in place for the
2006-07 season. Candidates will audition at concerts this season,
beginning Sept. 17.

Renee Anthony Dee
Chair, Akron Symphony Orchestra Committee
Chair, Akron Youth Symphony Parents’ Committee
ROPA Delegate