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PRIORITY SEATING PROCEDURE
We understand how important seating is to our
concertgoers. Fortunately, with its lush and complex acoustics, soft and
soothing decor, and plush and ample seats, Overture Hall is a comfortable (as
well as beautiful) venue to experience live music.
As a subscriber, what determines my seat
location?
You do. You have been determining your seat location
since you first "invested" in the MSO. Our Priority Seating Procedure measures
three elements of support, each vitally important in helping to establish this
orchestra as Madison's premier classical music ensemble:
- Subscription Investment: 60% weighting
We value all of our
subscriber-members, and believe that regular concert-going (via a subscription)
is the baseline form of support for the MSO -- it is the foundation upon which
other forms of support are built, and, for most people, the most accessible way
to demonstrate support for our art form.
- Donation Investment: 40% weighting
Ticket revenues cover less than
half our costs. Because our donors help close the gap between ticket revenues
and expenses, and help ensure a strong artistic future for the MSO, we recognize
cumulative donations to the MSO through the Annual Fund, Great Performance Campaign, Endowment, with a 40% weighting.
- Volunteer investment: Bonus priority
Ongoing support from our
volunteers is also crucial to the MSO's success! Additional consideration was
given to subscribers who have served, or are currently serving, in one or more
of the following volunteer-based groups: MSO Board of Directors, Madison
Symphony Orchestra League, and Madison Symphony Chorus. Bonus priority was
bestowed on past or current MSO musicians.
Each and every subscriber's investment in the MSO is
carefully researched, and his or her investment measured in terms of the three
factors listed above. These factors determine the subscriber's priority
position, which was used to assign his/her seats in our inaugural season in
Overture Hall. Please note: Subscribers will never be displaced from their seats
as long as they continuously renew by the designated renewal deadlines. (The
renewal deadline for our 2007-2008 season is Fri June 1, 2007.) The subscriber's
priority position will again be used in seating for our 2007-2008 season: for
those renewing subscribers who wish to change seats, and for new subscribers
wanting seats for the first time.
Why does the MSO use a Priority Seating
Procedure?
We have conducted countless hours of research
(including interviewing other orchestras around the country that have recently
moved into new concert halls) and carefully scrutinized the Overture Hall
seating plans. Most importantly, we listened to our subscribers. We mailed them
a survey prior to our move into Overture Hall and asked them for feedback on how
the seating should be done in the most objective way possible. We have also
listened to their comments and feedback since our move into Overture Hall. Based
on this research, we developed and refined the Priority Seating Procedure, which
we consider the most fair and equitable way to seat our subscribers in Overture
Hall.
What if I have no prior history, or "investment,"
with the MSO? Can I still subscribe and have a chance at good seats?
Absolutely! Subscribers are seated ahead of any single
ticket buyers, so they always get the first opportunity to reserve the best
seats in the house. Even if you have no prior history, subscribing is the best
way to guarantee your place at MSO concerts, many of which sell out.
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