Resource papers
Resource Papers
Ethics and Accountability: A Guide for Orchestras
Orchestras depend on support from the public and must operate ethically and effectively to maintain the public’s trust. As nonprofit organizations around the country are shoring up their administrative and governance practices, orchestras must develop a transparent culture on issues ranging from employee and volunteer human resource policies to financial record-keeping.
The IRS is stepping up its enforcement of nonprofit accountability requirements, Congress is considering tougher laws, and some state legislatures are already requiring higher standards. This webpage, which will be updated on an ongoing basis, will provide your orchestra with information, links to sample documents, and the newest resources available.
Emerging Trends in Orchestra Marketing
(Orchestra Leadership Academy Seminar)
We all know that the environment for orchestras is rapidly changing. And no area needs to change more rapidly than that of marketing, as we seek to identify and nurture new audiences while growing our relationships with those already engaged. Internal alignment is a necessity, to make certain that our marketing strategies are true reflections of the product we offer. And, we must learn from the best of emerging trends outside of the orchestra field including the growth of online marketing and commerce, and a transformed definition of customer service. What are the skills, adaptive behaviors, trends, and resources that orchestra personnel must know about to be most effective in their work? What is available to us, no matter what the human or fiscal resources of our orchestra may be? It’s way beyond a cool brochure! This valuable resource list has been compiled for those unable to attend this seminar.
Download Emerging Trends in Orchestra Marketing Resource List 15.70 Kb
Electronic Media Resources
This document contains useful web links on recording a CD, streaming live performances on the Internet, and producing a fund raising video. The information is provided to assist orchestras in understanding current national agreement formats with musicians, the AFM, and other organizations, and information on local agreements between orchestra management and musicians.
Developing Community Partnerships
Thomas V. Chema, executive director of Gateway Economic Development Corporation, identifies the impact an orchestra makes on its community. Includes responses by Nicky B. Carpenter, chairman of The Minnesota Orchestra, and Bud Lindstrand, chairman of the Oregon Symphony.
Community Engagement Programs: Suggested Evaluation Guidelines
The League has developed a set of suggested guidelines for orchestras to evaluate their community engagement programs. It's designed for any orchestra undertaking community engagement work, as well as for those applying to the MetLife Awards for Excellence in Community Engagement.
Download Community Engagement Programs: Suggested Evaluation Guidelines 16.36 Kb
The Changing Fund-Raising Landscape
(Orchestra Leadership Academy Seminar)
The nonprofit environment is in transition, as the fields of arts and culture compete with social services, education, and global philanthropic needs for a limited pool of dollars. We are under increasing pressure to make the case for relevance and civic stature, and our funders-whether individual philanthropists, foundations, corporations, or government-have changing and higher expectations around both involvement and accountability. What do those concerned with raising contributed dollars for our orchestras need to know? What are the trends that extend beyond our world, and that inform our work going forward? What are the new skill-sets, expectations, and areas of knowledge that we must learn about to more effectively serve our orchestras in the fund-raising area? What are the new opportunities open to us-around building relationships with donors, growing the capacities of our boards, meeting accountability requirements, and demonstrating relevance to the broader community? This valuable resource list has been compiled for those unable to attend this seminar.
Download The Changing Fund-raising Landscape Resource List 13.98 Kb
Building Board Effectiveness in Times of Change
This Orchestra Leadership Academy seminar, designed for trustees and executive directors, explored strategies to assure that your orchestra's board functions at the level of performance essential in times of economic and societal change. This seminar examined the responsibilities, makeup, structure, and best practices of strong boards, and identified practical, real-world approaches to enhance board performance. It also addressed how to function at the highest level when resources are stretched, when we must cope with a shortage of board members, when unprecedented demands are placed on the time of civic leaders, and when we face the competitive forces and complexities associated with the performing arts. This valuable resource list has been compiled for those unable to attend this seminar.
Download Building Board Effectiveness in Times of Change Resource List 50.50 Kb
Beyond Tradition II
The "Beyond Tradition II" report is a study of promising practices in orchestra education as represented by the 2003 - 2007 winners of the Bank of America Awards for Excellence in Orchestra Education.
Best Defense: A Guide for Orchestra Advocates
You are the best lobbyist your orchestra has! The best advocate for the arts is not the full-time lobbyist in Washington or the state capitol - it's you: the orchestra volunteer, the trustee, the musician, the staff member, the audience. You are the key to government policies that strengthen the arts at the local, state, and national levels. The League has updated Best Defense: A Guide for Orchestra Advocates, by John D. Sparks. Now online, Best Defense offers simple, easy-to-read advice on:
- How to organize yourself and your orchestra to lobby legislators
- What you need to know about lobbying and the law
- How to build a coalition
- How to carry your message through the media
- How to work with difficult, undecided, or friendly policy makers
Best Defense also includes a glossary of basic terms and links to additional resources. This user-friendly format gives you what you need to know -- with a sense of humor.
Download Best Defense: A Guide for Orchestra Advocates 1.51 Mb
Artists from Abroad: The Complete Guide to Immigration and Taxation Requirements for Foreign Guest
As U.S. arts organizations continue their long-stand commitment to presenting international talent, Artists from Abroad, provides the guidance, forms, and web links needed to engage guest artists reliably, efficiently, and lawfully. The League of American Orchestras and the Association of Performing Arts Presenters present Artists from Abroad - the most complete and up-to-date guidance on the visa process and tax treatment for foreign guest artists.
Visit Artists from Abroad