Team: Dr. Thomas Wolf
A Far Cry is a twice Grammy-nominated self-conducted orchestra in Boston in which decisions are made collectively and leadership rotates among the players. This structure has led to consistently thoughtful, innovative, and unpredictable programming — and impactful collaborations with celebrated performers and composers. Working with the group, offered a new challenge for WolfBrown as the consultants assisted the organization in developing a strategic plan. The process required new approaches to refining ideas as well as coming to decisions in a timely manner given the collective decision-making structure. In addition to restated mission, vision, and values, the resulting plan provided action steps based around five key goals: ensuring financial sustainability; refining and leveraging the artistic process and product; integrating and expanding community partnerships and educational programming; centering equity and inclusivity in all aspects of the organization; and streamlining and strengthening organizational operations. A detailed multi-year financial plan was also included.
Facilitating an Innovative New Approach to Program Planning
Team: Alan Brown
Recently, A Far Cry reached out to WolfBrown to advise on, and facilitate, a process of reimagining the process through which the 17 musicians conceive and design their concerts. Through a series of facilitated meetings and brainstorming session in 2023 and 2024, a new approach to programming was defined and pilot tested, drawing on the concept of programming “frames” as an organizing principle. The work continues in 2024 and 2025, with the goal of installing a regular mechanism for gathering input on “frames” from current and potential audience members.