A Symphony of Choices

CHAPTER 10CHOOSING YOUR IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

I sighed as I flipped through my emails. The pandemic had impacted everyone, and as upbeat as I tried to be, it was hard. I stayed positive for my kids and for the musicians. The world had changed so much that I was worried it had become the new normal.

The symphony had to cancel two concerts, and the quartet had been stuck because they couldn't fly home. They were supposed to teach, play in the symphony, and also have a chamber music series. None of that was happening, and I was having a hard time with the board. They wanted to cancel the musicians' contracts, but that would strand them, unable to go home. It could cause issues with their visas as well.

I finished my coffee and got ready for a call with Sam. I had a plan that I hoped would work.

“Hey there, Jerry,” said Sam when he logged in. “Do you have your arm sling off?”

“Yeah, physical therapy has helped a lot,” I replied. “I may even be able to play bass soon.”

“Are you kidding? That's great news,” he said. “Have you been able to go to their office?”

“Yes, with some pretty tight restrictions,” I said. “But my progress has exceeded their expectations.”

“That's great,” he said. “Listen, I know you're concerned about the quartet.”

“I am, but I think I have a plan,” I said. “In fact, I think we can get the entire orchestra on board.”

“I'm all ears,” said Sam.

“I believe we can do concerts with social distancing. They can be spread out on stage, and those who don't play wind ...