Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) ended its lockout by reaching an agreement with the Musician’s Union, the groups announced in a joint statement on Oct. 16.

ISO supporters at CHS said they are relived the lockout has ended and the orchestra can continue making music.

“Honestly, (my initial reaction was) one of relief,” Soo Han, director of orchestras and co-department chairperson of the performing arts department, said. “Many times during the lockout I thought that this could just end in devastation where we wouldn’t have a symphony orchestra in our society or we would have a symphony orchestra that was of a minor league quality as opposed to the first world-class rate that we have now in our city.”

James Woomert, associate director of orchestras, said, “It’s uplifting, rejuvenating, comforting and certainly a positive because it was looking for a while this wasn’t going to end…I personally feel really glad that both sides were able to come to an agreement.”

There will be a “bridge” agreement between the end of the lockout and the new contract, which will begin on Feb. 4 and last for five years.

Although there are reduced wages by 32 percent in the first year, by the final year, the pay-cut will be approximately 10 percent from the musicians’ current salary. In addition, over the five-year period, there will be a 38- to 42-week performance schedule.

(See graphic at bottom of page for specifics.)

Despite the agreement, some said they are unsatisfied with the negotiations and changes. According to Max Mulpagano, Symphony Orchestra bassist and sophomore,  the lockout and turn of events has changed his view on the administrators of the ISO.

“It doesn’t affect a ton of (the musicians) majorly, but a lot of them are very young and have young families,” Mulpagano said. “So that might affect the ways things play out in their families.”

The consequences of these decisions are still uncertain.

Woomert said, “This happened so recently that I unfortunately don’t know a whole lot about it. And unfortunately because this is so new, I don’t know the exact details of the situation or the agreement…It was very clear that the musicians were willing to make, were willing to negotiate and come to an agreement that was agreeable for both sides.”

Although a few supporters said they wished the new contract would keep the orchestra intact, most are just reassured that the ISO will continue to play.

“I wish that we could have continued the contract with everything intact, but those are not the realities of today’s real world,” Han said. “I think that it’s reassurance for young people to see that our society and community wanting to continue to make investment in the fine arts. I think it’s a great day for orchestra music and music lovers all around Indianapolis.”