In March 2007, AMS was engaged by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra to assist with the development of a strategic plan.  A Joint Committee for the Future, composed of four Board members and four musicians, was developed to work on issues strategic to the future of the orchestra.

Our approach included the following key elements:

A Situation Analysis of existing programs, audience attendance, organizational finances and operations, in order to establish an accurate and commonly agreed baseline from which to consider future options

An Environmental Survey to identify and understand applicable developments and trends in both the symphony orchestra field and the local and national economic and social environment, to provide context and direction for planning efforts

A Success Workshop to establish the barometer by which objectives and actions can be adopted, prioritized and evaluated in the context of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra's vision and mission

A Customer File Analysis to enhance the fundamental set of information as it relates to the current and potential audience for the orchestra

An Artistic Vision Workshop to articulate the artistic "brand" of the organization in order to develop appropriate strategic objectives, actions and milestones as it relates to the artistic voice of the orchestra in its community

The Plan, which will serve as a roadmap to guide all constituent groups within the organization as they move forward with shared understanding and aspirations for the future.