Strategic plan

The League of American Orchestras continues to undergo an extensive strategic planning process, which began in April 2004, with its Strategic Planning Committee co-chaired by Robert Wagner, principal bassoon, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and Lowell Noteboom, chair, League of American Orchestras and president, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

After a two-year discovery phase with counsel Fred Miller, the League presented its Strategic Direction at the 2006 League National Conference in Los Angeles. (Click here to see the League's Strategic Plan)

The League's new direction rests upon a clear vision:

Vision:

Orchestras and their communities are vital to each other; and orchestras are essential to the evolution and vitality of music.

In a rapidly changing environment, the League must become a transformative and unifying force for the field—a catalyst for understanding and innovation, a place for the conversations that matter, and a champion for orchestras.

The vision finds its focus in three goals:

Civic Stature: The League will be the single most important resource to orchestras as they shape new and better relationships with their communities.

Model the Future: The League will be a catalyst and a primary resource for the understanding of new and different artistic and operational models for orchestras.

Common Cause: The League will lead, encourage, and support orchestras in the work of building understanding and collaboration among orchestra stakeholders (e.g., management, musicians, boards, volunteers).

And the goals will be realized via four strategies:

  • To be an expanded source of talent and leadership development
  • To become a powerful engine for innovation and R & D
  • To be an indispensable source for meaningful information
  • To be a stronger advocate and connector for the orchestra field

In a letter dated November 17, 2006, Lowell Noteboom reported to the orchestra field on the tremendous progress that has been made in the four months since the June Conference. This includes restructuring the League staff and Board, as well as creating two new senior staff positions to align our work with the vision and goals of the plan. 

In a few months, the League will report on the final phase of its strategic planning: the Implementation Phase. (Relative links below)