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Below is the text on the leaflets we passed to our audience during the last two concerts of this season. It briefly describes who we are, what we do and how you can help.

We would like to hear from you. Please consider submitting your comments to be posted on our website. If your prefer, you may send a private email that will only be read by the Negotiation Committee. Submit your comment here!

Music is a way of life for Omaha Symphony musicians. It takes talent, dedication, and a committed work ethic to achieve the artistic level seen and heard at Omaha Symphony concerts. With over 200 performances each season, preparation is the key. Long hours of practice precede every concert. Every Omaha Symphony musician takes pride in flawless execution of each individual part of the musical score. It is demanding work, but in the end your applause is our reward.

Omaha Symphony musicians have a reputation throughout the country for their excellence and professionalism. In recent years members of the Omaha Symphony have won positions with the New York Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, Boston Symphony and the Minnesota Orchestra.

Omaha Symphony management is treating musicians in the Omaha Symphony unfairly in ongoing contract negotiations. Management has come to meetings unprepared and has refused to negotiate in good faith. For the last three seasons musicians have accepted minimal raises. The musicians agreed to this so that management would have the opportunity to “get their act together”. Management took advantage of our good will and raised CEO Rob Hallam’s compensation on average 20% a year for each of the past three years. Hallam also hired his wife as a consultant to the Symphony at over $99,000. The percentage of the Omaha Symphony budget paid to musicians has fallen to historic lows. Last season the Omaha Symphony paid musicians 33% of the budget.

There are many musician openings this season in the Omaha Symphony, more openings than at any time in the recent past. Vacant positions are filled by auditioning musicians trained in this country’s best conservatories. Without immediate efforts by Management to provide equitable compensation to the musicians, the Symphony will be unable to attract and retain musical excellence.

For more information and for comparisons between the Omaha Symphony and other orchestras, please visit our website at: www.osmoweb.org

Musicians of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra

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© 2006-2007 Omaha Symphony Musicians' Organization