Two Bolz Center alumni are quoted in this article in the South Florida Sun Sentinal. Mark Nerenhausen runs the major performing arts center in the area. Rick Mackie is advising the group hoping to relaunch the bankrupt orchestra.

Says Nerenhausen:

"There's a growing trend to look at the system of the arts differently," said Mark Nerenhausen, president of the Broward Center. "Arts organizations are run much like they were 100 years ago."

"What's going to save the arts is better decision-making. Better decision-making demands better data."

Says Mackie:

Richard Mackie, executive director of the Madison Symphony Orchestra in Wisconsin, is one of the people consulting with the group that hopes to rebuild the Florida Philharmonic.

Healthy orchestras must survey their customers and sound out the communities they serve to make sure they're staying in touch, he said.

That's what his orchestra does by direct and electronic mail.

"Let's not be arrogant and assume we know it all and play to an audience that isn't there," Mackie said, adding that the Madison Symphony has boosted its subscriber base by 600 to 900 new subscribers. Its subscription renewal rate is 85 percent.

more Alumni News...