 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-11-30 18:04
I know this is beginning to sound like the same ol' story across the country and yet perhaps this might be where those of us who care should draw the line.
The Louisville Orchestra has a unique history in that it was the leading exponent of new music in the United States for period of about 20 years. This, of course has changed and yet it is still one of the countries finest orchestras (and no, I'm not kidding). The level of musicianship far surpasses what one should find in a "smaller city" with an orchestra that can only offer about thirty thousand dollars a year to its players. This orchestra is THE orchestra for Louisville Ballet AND Louisville Opera. They put on a remarkably challenging program of old and new works throughout their season comparable with any of the top five orchestras and..... (wait for it) ...... they do it with a unified vision and musicality that has been lacking in some of the recent things I've heard out of the top five.
This orchestra is the country's biggest symphonic bargain, and we cannot afford to lose this institution.
....................Paul Aviles
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2010-12-02 00:32
This tactic is being deployed throughout the country. There are many reasons for this happening, some real and some imagined. Next year the BSO I play in will have taken a 30% cut in four years from what would have been our highest salary had we been able to stay there for a year. We voted for the cut backs because we really thought they were serious about declaring bankruptcy and on the advice of out lawyer we gave in for fear of them doing what they threatened to do. So many boards are just satisfied with having smaller, lower quality orchestra's so they don't have to work so hard to keep the standard and size. Here in Baltimore there were several board members that wanted to cut our season to 40 weeks and decrease the size of the orchestra from 96 to 50 or 60. We've had a hiring freeze for several years and only have about 82 full time musicians now already, we just use lots of subs, you know, no benefits or guaranteed services. Makes their commitment a whole lot easier doesn't it? What's happening in Detroit is a shame as well. Louisville is not a hugh budgeted orchestra, the community should be able to afford them at their current budget. What a shame, more and more musicians, clarinetists, graduating from music schools every year and less and less jobs available. My advise, find a good day job. ESP http://eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2010-12-02 03:16
Good advice, Ed --- but I'll tell you what, it's not so easy nowadays to "find a good day job" either. Until two years ago I was fully employed my entire adult life since leaving college, but in the last two years I've been laid off twice, for a total of 4 months out of work. And many folks have told me that I'm lucky! I have a number of friends and acquaintances (all in non-musical fields) who have been unemployed for 6 months, a year, even longer.
If an engineer with a Master's degree has trouble getting work, imagine how hard it is for a musician?
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Author: graham
Date: 2010-12-02 08:03
David, I'm really sorry to hear that.
I wonder whether the orchestras are going in for expensive long rehearsal runs. When money is short, the best thing to do is compromise, yes, even on "quality". Do fewer rehearsals, get the basic product out there at a lower cost. Even programme some pot-boilers and do no rehearsals at all. It should eb possible.
This means less earnings for players, but better than none and no concerts for the public either.
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-12-02 12:33
I don't think a "rehearsal budget" would solve a problem with a "salaried" orchestra.
Yes, there seems to be a trust issue between the Louiseville Orchestra and its Board. I don't know if there will ever be a solution for that in situations where financial times are bad.
I do wonder whether seeking more lucrative recording opportunities or booking "high visibility talent" for special concerts may be a help.
And similar to the Baltimore and Detroit scenarios, Louisville is being asked to take another substantial percentage cut in salary.
..............Paul Aviles
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Author: graham
Date: 2010-12-02 17:10
Yes Paul. And the next step would be to make the players freelance and pay them for what they actually do. Better than redundancy perhaps
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Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2010-12-02 21:12
I wonder how long it is going to take orchestras to discover the concept of unpaid "interns." It's becoming quite prevalent in the business world.
Best regards,
jnk
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2010-12-03 13:01
Feelance; interns ??????
James Petrillo is turning over in his grave.
.......................Paul Aviles
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