Symphony and musicians approve significant four-year contract

Oct 19, 2006

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 326-3136

SPOKANE - The Spokane Symphony and Local 105 of the American Federation of Musicians jointly announced today that they have reached a new four-year contract agreement a critical step toward achieving the Symphony's strategic plan for future growth.

The contract, which extends through August 2010, provides for pay increases for musicians, between 3 and 4.5 percent per year for the next four years. These base wage increases along with increased services by the musicians will provide for a competitive wage contributing to the institution's ability to attract and retain musicians. The service increases will also provide for expanded programming in the Fox Theater, local and regional outreach, as well as educational performances.

The contract was developed over the past several months through interest based bargaining with musicians, union representatives, staff and board members discussing areas of interest, building mutual understanding among all the parties balancing the needs of the institution and its musicians. Executive Director Brenda Nienhouse said, This process played an important role in the organization's strategic planning effort, establishing a shared vision for the future.

The contract is key for the artistic growth of the orchestra as we move into our new home, the renovated Fox Theater, in 2007, stated Nienhouse. It has long been a goal of this organization to strengthen the orchestra's regional presence. With our move to the Fox and this increased concert potential, this growth can now be realized, said Symphony Board President, Catherine Moye.

This contract constitutes a strong, impressive step toward a future in which the musicians are free and able to bring more energy and passion to our work," said Principal Timpanist Adam Wallstein who is also chair of the Orchestra Committee.

Orchestras today thrive with a good working relationship between management and musicians. The Spokane Symphony is fortunate to have this mutual respect a respect that allowed us to achieve this contract, said Moye.

This settlement provides us with the ability to continue the great work we do both on stage and in the region with our educational activities. We are all very excited about the future opportunities this unprecedented four-year agreement provides for the organization through increased service to our community. Don Nelson, General Manager.

The Spokane Symphony is a regional orchestra with 70 professional musicians and a budget of $3.5 million. In addition to the 38 performances in the regular season which includes two performances in Coeur d'Alene, it plays performances in parks, schools and in outreach concerts in the region, including concerts in Moses Lake, Wellpinit, Chewelah and Post Falls. A very active education program brings music to thousands of Inland Northwest children, including more than 5,000 fifth graders who will attend a concert in the INB Performing Arts Center in November.