Playing in an orchestra is a rush. You are part of something bigger than any individual participant. In the best moments, there is intuitive agreement about phrasing, dynamics, tempo and expression. Your tone contributes to an idea that could never be produced by one person, yet reaches a hall full of individual listeners. Those listeners can become party to the wonder of collective expression, transported by the sheer sonic force moving air that surrounds them. Their appreciation is measured by a quick hushed silence, a collective gasp, before applause.
Unions are probably like orchestras, for some people.
Today, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Federation of Musicians released elements of a labor agreement that reflects the times. While the agreement keeps the DSO in the top ten highest-paid U.S. orchestras, musicians did make concessions--3 unpaid weeks in the first year of the contract, 2 unpaid weeks in the second year, reduced pension options for new hires, and player contribution to health costs.
The Free Press reports that "musicians’ total minimum compensation"will increase "by 3.6% to $104,650 in the final year." While this may sound a princely sum to a city full of people facing hard times consider this: it is harder for a musician to land a seat in a world class orchestra, than it is for a college basketball player to go pro. Don't be fooled. $104,650 is a reasonable sum.
Related posts:
Music, Prosperity and Legislative Priorities
Great Arts State?
Michigan Arts Funding--From 4th to 50th
Showing posts with label unions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unions. Show all posts
Monday, September 10, 2007
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Thursday Morning News Round Up
Michigan Cyber Safety Initiative--Attorney General Mike Cox announced a new program to teach kids about internet predators. Staffers from the Attorney General's office will train teachers in the program this fall.
Detroit Free Press--"A study by the Michigan Association of Home Builders found that 1.35 million Michigan households, or 35%, can afford only homes priced under $100,000, yet the average price was $139,155 in June." Be sure to scroll down in the article for a very enlightening graph displaying how many Michiganders can afford how much home. Shocking numbers.
Detroit Free Press--Nurses at Detroit Medical Center have been attempting to form a union since February.
Detroit News--Attention, bargain hunters. Chrysler announced six-year, no interest loans to stimulate sales. "The six-year loans are available to buyers of the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country long-wheel-based minivan, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, Pinter said. Five-year loans, which began in May, are offered for purchases of the Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler Pacifica."
Globe and Mail--"Pending sales of existing U.S. homes plunged by a record 12.2 per cent in July, and private employers hired the fewest workers in more than four years in August, according to reports released yesterday."
Guardian Unlimited--"Updating its half-yearly forecasts for the global economy, the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development added to growing pressure on the Federal Reserve to ease the pressure on US borrowers when it meets later this month." Translation: Experts abroad are very concerned about ongoing problems stemming from the subprime crisis.
New York Times--"Stocks slip as Fed says credit crisis is contained." Translation: We mustn't panic.
Detroit Free Press--"A study by the Michigan Association of Home Builders found that 1.35 million Michigan households, or 35%, can afford only homes priced under $100,000, yet the average price was $139,155 in June." Be sure to scroll down in the article for a very enlightening graph displaying how many Michiganders can afford how much home. Shocking numbers.
Detroit Free Press--Nurses at Detroit Medical Center have been attempting to form a union since February.
Detroit News--Attention, bargain hunters. Chrysler announced six-year, no interest loans to stimulate sales. "The six-year loans are available to buyers of the Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country long-wheel-based minivan, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen, Pinter said. Five-year loans, which began in May, are offered for purchases of the Jeep Liberty, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler Pacifica."
Globe and Mail--"Pending sales of existing U.S. homes plunged by a record 12.2 per cent in July, and private employers hired the fewest workers in more than four years in August, according to reports released yesterday."
Guardian Unlimited--"Updating its half-yearly forecasts for the global economy, the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development added to growing pressure on the Federal Reserve to ease the pressure on US borrowers when it meets later this month." Translation: Experts abroad are very concerned about ongoing problems stemming from the subprime crisis.
New York Times--"Stocks slip as Fed says credit crisis is contained." Translation: We mustn't panic.
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