The Score | Summertime Learning

For ten days this summer, you couldn’t find a group of people anywhere who were thinking more deeply about the health and future of American orchestras. From July 8 to 18 at the University of Southern California, 35 arts professionals participated in Essentials of Orchestra Management, the League of American Orchestras’ course that provides an in-depth understanding of orchestra management, builds career networks, and offers the knowledge and tools to become innovative, successful leaders. The League’s annual seminar drew early-career professionals, musicians, graduate students, career changers, and experienced administrators. They learned how to advance orchestras as inclusive organizations, expanded their knowledge of core business and operating practices in American orchestras, developed leadership abilities to work productively with patrons, musicians, staff, and boards, and participated in sessions on artistic planning, artistic leadership, and building sustainable audiences. Essentials was led by a faculty of orchestra executives, leadership experts, artists, and arts activists with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.