This summer’s OCSM Conference meets August 9-12 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown
Toronto.
As you can see from the list of presentations below, we will have four very full days. If
you are interested in attending as an observer, please register at this link.
Meeting in conjunction with the Canadian Conference of Musicians, a delegation of our Local
officers, creates an opportunity for us to spotlight our many shared issues, from bargaining
agreements to protecting hearing health. It will also help us learn more about issues affecting
our Locals, including organizing and driving up membership among our freelance colleagues;
the challenges of performing across borders and obtaining P2 visas; and Canada’s place within
the American Federation of Musicians. The AFM Convention will meet in Ottawa in June 2026,
and the drafting and debating of resolutions that would reshape our Federation is already well
underway.
Also in this issue, OCSM President Emerita Francine Schutzman shares her “highly subjective
and personal memoir” of how Unity Conferences have unfolded through the decades, current
President Bob Fraser reviews the state of OCSM today, and we take a look at audience
engagement initiatives in Vancouver and Calgary.
Saturday, August 9th
Relations between Orchestra Committees and Locals with Rochelle Skolnick and Richard
Sandals from the Symphonic Services Division
How can we work productively with our Local officer counterparts, maintaining a united front
while staying in our respective lanes? This presentation and discussion will take place on
Saturday afternoon, when we will be meeting jointly with the Canadian Conference of
Musicians.
Sunday, August 10th
Musician’s Pension Fund of Canada with Paul Versteeg-Lytwyn and Genevieve Lussier
An update on the state of our Pension Fund, including policy and regulatory changes, with an
opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the Fund’s inner workings.
Monday, August 11th
Issues, trends, and government affairs across the Canadian orchestra sector with
Katherine Carleton of Orchestras Canada
Katherine brings a wealth of detail and insight, having worked closely with Canadian orchestra
managers and leading advocates for our sector.
Workplace culture and shifting norms with Dr. Lee Bynum from the American Composers Forum
How have broader cultural trends influenced the way we relate and interact in our orchestras?
What does it mean to have social license to operate in a symphonic workplace? Dr. Bynum will
explore concepts that can drive positive change, and pose questions for discussion.
Human rights and accommodation issues with OCSM Legal Counsel Michael Wright and
Danielle Stampley
For orchestras in which musicians are classified as independent contractors, human rights
legislation may not apply. What meaningful protections can we bargain into collective
agreements to make our workplace better and more equitable? Michael and Danielle will also
address recent issues and trends in bargaining.
Acoustics and performance with Dr. Caroline Traube of the University of Montreal
How do the acoustical properties of our performance spaces affect loudness and impact
musicians’ hearing? What is the current state of research on hearing health and protection? And
what provincial regulations aim to protect hearing in the workplace?
Tuesday, August 12th
Programming and diversity with consultant and advocate Rich Coburn
The first two editions of Rich Coburn’s surveys of programming in Canadian orchestras
provided revelatory insights into what is being programmed, and how it filters into public
awareness. His current focus is a detailed analysis of what factors contribute to innovative
and diverse programming. Rich will share his research and facilitate a conversation on ways that
musicians can leverage our voices to steer our orchestras towards broader and more inclusive
programming.
Safe Orchestras with Jemma Jones and Gwen Klassen
As two generations in a family of Canadian orchestral musicians, Jemma and Gwen are
advocating for a framework for the performing arts similar to Canada’s Safe Sport Program.
They will share their work and prompt a discussion about how to improve the way we address
harassment in our field.
