 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Jhall
Date: 2008-01-16 16:29
I hear there's a need for sax/clarinet/flute doublers on cruise ships. Have any of you had experience playing on cruise ships? I welcome your comments, good or bad.
I have experience performing on all three instruments. Sight reading is not a problem.
Thanks for you input!
John
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Author: jwiseman114
Date: 2008-01-16 16:55
I played in a 'band' on a ship and it was a great experience but not the same as playing as a 'ship's musician'. We had less work, more privileges, and a shorter stay (6 weeks vs. 3-6 months). I thought the guys on the ship were generally in a depressed state. I could go into my theories but I think it was generally a result of them being away from friends, family and relative normalcy. This was some twenty years ago so the environment may have changed significantly. I would advice you to go with discipline and an exit strategy. Save money, practice, build your chops for a better gig. I don't think it's a healthy job in the long term.
I have a friend that just considered a ship’s job and he told me they were adamant about improvisation skills which sort of surprised me.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2008-01-16 17:02
jwiseman114 wrote:
> I could go into my theories but I think it was
> generally a result of them being away from friends, family and
> relative normalcy.
Nah. I lived on ships, away from "friends and family" for 6 years. You have a new set of "friends and family" with shipboard life. Probably a completely different reason ... but depression in a very closed community spreads quickly. Just like a rotavirus ...
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Author: seafaris
Date: 2008-01-16 22:40
John,
If you write to Bob "Notes" Norton I am sure he would be of valuable assistance. http://www.nortonmusic.com/
He and his wife played a long gig on a cruise ship a year or two back. He plays mostly wind synth and sax. She sings and they have a nice sound.
...Jim
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Author: LeeB
Date: 2008-01-17 01:36
<<<I don't think it's a healthy job in the long term.>>>
I know a number of people who have done this. Some did OK, but it was clearly a bad move for others. Alcohol/chemical dependency is very common. I think some are lucky to escape alive.
In general, I don't think it's a route to any sort of thriving career. For some, it might be a nice diversion as long as it's kept short term.
The looming recession here in the states is also not going to be good news for the cruise business.
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Author: A Brady
Date: 2008-01-17 02:11
I played on the ships several times out of the port of Miami back in the early 90's; and more recently (2001) in the Hawaii waters; clarinet, sax and flute gig; big band arrangements, accompanying various shows and acts, small band stuff, etc.
This particular line didn't pay as well as some of the others but, other than lifeboat drills, there were no responsibilities outside of the music, and plenty of time to practice, visit the ports, etc.
It's true that it can be a very insular lifestyle with the potential for abuse, but I've seen too many personal problems among musicians ashore over the years to think that the sea lifestyle is the only factor here.
There are some great players working the ships; a friend of mine from my cruise days is now conductor of the Big Apple Circus band here in NYC which has led directly to many sub gigs for me over the years; another trumpeter in that band also comes out of the same cruise background, and I remember many other fine players who were aboard in my time there. I basically played short duration (4 to 6 weeks) contracts in between other gigs, but some players are out for years and love it; it's a very personal thing.
I do concur about the Dramamine, however!
AB
AB
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Author: Sarah Elbaz
Date: 2008-01-17 05:09
John,
Do you like the sea? you have to love the sea to take such a job.
As a former Navy person I can suggest two things:
There is a better solution than Dramamine- there is a special band aid that you put behind your ear and forget about sea sickness.
Cruise ships are big and people don't feel very sick on them but its going to feel funny for some time when you go back to solid ground :-)
Sarah
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Author: bbarner
Date: 2008-01-18 17:39
There are some cruise ship employment agencies on the web. The websites give some practical information.
Bill Barner
http://www.billbarner.com
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Author: Synonymous Botch
Date: 2008-01-19 00:19
If the performance schedule is within your endurance, and the contract allows for onshore time, why not?
My largest working vessel offered what amounted to no privacy, and VERY long hours for a fixed salary.
If you can't get off the boat, you're committed.
****
Make certain to bring LOTS of reeds - humidity can vary widely, at sea.
I would also be cautious about packing anything that you can't replace - theft is altogether too easy; as so many staffers have access to your locker.
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Author: BobD
Date: 2008-01-19 13:59
.....and what about your legal rights?
Bob Draznik
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Author: Jhall
Date: 2008-01-19 14:03
Thank you everyone for your comments. It sounds like it's not the job for me. I don't think I'm a sea person. I'll remain a landlubber!
John
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