FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MUSICIANS UNANIMOUSLY REJECT MANAGEMENT'S LATEST OFFER

May 14, 2008 , Shreveport , LA - The Shreveport Symphony Gala on May 9 was a huge success. The board and management asked the community to show support of the orchestra, implying in the invitation and subsequent publicity that it would help keep the orchestra intact. The community responded by purchasing a record number of Gala tickets, and bidding heavily on the auctions. In the Shreveport Times and other places, many supporters have stated they would increase their giving in order to keep the core of full-time musicians.

Unfortunately, public outcry and support for keeping the full-time musicians has not influenced the SSO board and management. Their latest proposal, dated May 1, is basically unchanged. Full-time musicians’ salaries would still be cut from $12,693 to $3,123 for the 2008-2009 season, and the 24 full-time core positions would be eliminated as of September 1, 2008 . A similar proposal was already rejected by the musicians in December. The musicians have rejected this latest proposal and will continue to reject any proposal that intends to dismantle the current structure of the orchestra and create an unacceptably low pay structure. The musicians are willing to entertain any offer that is progressive rather than regressive. The musicians have also reaffirmed their support of the Musicians’ Negotiating Committee.

SSO board members have repeatedly said that the orchestra belongs to the community. The community has spoken, and the board and management need to respond or resign and let others take over who wish to see the orchestra grow and prosper.