News Release: Successful Collective Bargaining Agreement

NEWS RELEASE
Wichita Symphony Orchestra
April 28, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wichita Symphony and Musicians Reach Successful Agreement

Wichita, KS – The Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Wichita Musicians’ Association, Local Union No. 297 of the American Federation of Musicians, announce the successful completion of negotiations resulting in a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Both parties express gratitude for the collaborative spirit displayed throughout negotiations and look forward to ongoing growth and innovation in the coming seasons.

The agreement, which follows productive and collaborative discussions, ensures stability and mutual benefit for both Symphony musicians and the organization. Key highlights include structured wage increases over the next three years, improved rehearsal pay policies, and refined language around artistic evaluations and musician protections. The agreement also reduces the pay gap between principals, who are the designated first chairs of their respective instrument sections, and the section musicians, who constitute the majority of the orchestra.

Ebony Clemons, Chair of the Wichita Symphony Society Board of Directors noted, “This new agreement reflects a shared commitment to artistic excellence and our mission to enrich, educate, and entertain audiences in our region. We greatly value our musicians and are excited to continue our tradition of providing exceptional music to the Wichita community.”

Brent Mead, Chair of the Orchestra Committee and Principal Trombone, added, “I want to offer thanks and congratulations to my colleagues on the Orchestra Committee. This forward-looking agreement helps us retain our talented musicians and attract outstanding new performers to Wichita. Our goal entering negotiations was to make the Wichita Symphony an attractive place for musicians to work and this deal achieves that goal. This new agreement supports our artistic and professional goals while strengthening our partnership with Symphony management.”

Tim Storhoff, Executive Director of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, stated, “We are incredibly pleased with this outcome, which will further enhance our orchestra's artistic quality and provides important stability for the years ahead. This agreement demonstrates our continued dedication to supporting our musicians and delivering exceptional performances in the upcoming 2025-2026 season and beyond.”

For more information on upcoming performances or to purchase tickets, visit WichitaSymphony.org, or contact the Symphony office at (316) 267-7658.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Contact: Timothy Storhoff, Executive Director
Phone: (316) 267-5259, ext. 106
Email: tstorhoff@wso.org

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