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One of the highlights of the 1997 CMSA Convention for me was a workshop on Forming and Managing a Mandolin Ensemble. This workshop was held early on Sunday morning (not exactly prime time for the convention) yet, I was impressed with the number of attendees and the strong interest in this topic. The workshop was actually a panel comprised of board members who directed a discussion of the many issues associate with forming and running a mandolin group. The board brought a wealth of experience to this discussion. In fact, I know a little bit about this because 10 years ago I started the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra.

My reasons for starting a group were completely self-serving. I recognized after my first experience playing in a mandolin ensemble, that this was for me. But there was a problem. Louisville didn't have a mandolin group so I had to start one. If you're fortunate enough to have a group already established in your area, then it's easy. Just join in. If there is no group where you live, you have to start one. Don't be intimidated, it is really not that hard.

Here are a few first steps:

Recruitment - The first thing you have to do is get the word out. Place flyers in music stores, schools, colleges, churches announcing that you are forming a mandolin/guitar ensemble and that your are inviting individuals to join. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to enjoy music and have fun. You'll be surprised at how enthusiastic students can be. You are sure to find a church choir conductor or school music teacher that is willing to serve as conductor. That's how I found Jim Bates. Inform your local newspaper of your plans and I bet they give you some ink. Schedule your first meeting and away you go.

This workshop was also beneficial to those who are members of established groups. Here's an overview of some of the topics related to managing a mandolin ensemble.

Dues - Most established groups charge some sort of annual dues ranging from $20 - $120. The fee is based on how much the overhead of the orchestra runs on an annual basis. Costs you should consider when making your annual budget should include: conductor fees, music purchase expense, rehearsal space rental, marketing or promotion expenses, program printing, photocopies, etc. You can arrive at a dues structure by dividing your total anticipated expenses by the number of members to determine a per member cost.

Conductor Compensation - The range here varies widely. Some conductors offer their services free while other receive some annual stipend. Keep in mind that the conductor is most important member of an orchestra and serves as the leader and teacher. It seems to me that if you want professional quality out of this individual it makes sense to pay something for it.

Rent For Rehearsal Space - If you make a few phone calls you'll be surprised at how easy it can be to find rehearsal space. Some groups rent space perhaps from a civic center or YMCA. Other groups get free space from churches, schools, retirement communities, etc. The trick here is you may have to agree to do a concert for them from time to time.

Repertoire - This is easy. Contact an established group (see CMSA directory) and ask them for suggestions. I guarantee they will help you. There are a number of good beginner pieces. The CMSA also has a library of works. Josh Bell is our librarian.

Seasons - Some groups have seasons where they may take some time off in the summer. This is dependent on how you schedule concerts. Concerts are typically scheduled quarterly because of the time it takes for a group to prepare a program.

Concerts and fees - Various groups have many different models for arranging concerts and fees that may related. You may want to begin by giving free concerts at area churches, festivals, school functions, civic meetings etc. This can be a great way to promote your group and build a following. Eventually, concerts can be a source of revenue generation. The Louisville Mandolin Orchestra has stumbled into a successful model that works like this. We arrange a concert at an area church and bill it as free and open to the public. At some point during the concert we pass the collection plates and ask for a donation. You would not believe the response and it has worked consistently. Another model may be some concert series, corporation, festival, may want to book you. Consult the musicians union in your area to determine the prevailing wage. In Louisville, it's about $80 per person for a two-hour engagement. Also, you may want to consider forming a quartet for private parties and weddings. This can generate significant revenue for your group.

Additional support - You may want to consider forming a guild of associate members. This group may consist of non-playing friends and family who could help out with things like publicity, promotion, fund raising, and even direct financial support.

Education - Don't be afraid to develop new members. Offer a free adult education class for beginners with no experience. You'll be surprise at how many violinists, viola and cello players have readily transferable skills for playing mandolin and mandola and mandocello.

Instruments - This is a tough issue. Hopefully, players will have their own instruments. But let's face it, vintage mandolas, and mandocellos are expensive. In fact new mandolins are expensive. Perhaps one solution would be for the group to purchase instruments and allow members to buy them over time.

Mailing List - People who hear mandolin groups perform usually have a strong emotional reaction to what they hear. Start a mailing list and send out postcards to announce upcoming concerts. You'll be surprised at how quickly you can develop a loyal fan base.

This workshop was extremely valuable to those who attended and as a result we'll be making this a permanent part of our future conventions. There are many more topics to discuss and I am looking forward to leaning more about this process and hope to see you at this year's Forming and Managing a Mandolin Ensemble convention workshop.

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