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Re: Clarinet Salaries

Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-08-17 18:10

There is an organization called ICSOM, International Conference of Symphony & Opera Musicians. It includes almost all the 1st, 2nd and 3rd tier orchestras in the USA, no regional or part time. There are 50 total ranging from orchestras like Louisville, 31 weeks at $825 minimum in 07 to the Chicago symphony, 52 weeks at $2.085 in 07. Here in Baltimore, in the middle, 52 weeks at $1400 in 07. There are about 18-20 full time orchestras in the USA, that is 52 week contracts which include anywhere from 7 to 10 weeks paid vacation and benefits. Remember, that’s scale, players can negotiate their salaries and traditionally principles can get anywhere from %25 to perhaps double scale in some rare cases if they are in demand enough. Generally, but not necessarily, the bass clarinet player is considered a solo player and can demand a higher salary so can the associate principal especially if they are playing Eb too. Of course this also depends on longevity. Most of the big orchestras have extra pay for seniority. This is one of the reasons I encourage my students to learn bass clarinet and Eb clarinet as I did. The big orchestras usually carry four with the assistant or associate (higher pay and more responsibility) playing Eb. In the mid size orchestras it’s usually three with the 2nd playing Eb and either the bass clarinetist being the assistant first or the second player is and the bass player is alternate 2nd. In the smaller orchestra’s they only carry two and pick up players as needed. It helps here too if the second plays Eb and or bass. That was my first job in Halifax NS Canada, I played second, Eb or bass as needed and alternated on first once in a while when the piece was for chamber orchestra and only required one player. We do get paid extra for recordings and broadcasts as well as a payment from the union each year based on how many recordings you did over the last few years. Many of us that enjoy teaching do that as well to supplement our income so a person can make a comfortable living in they are in one of the top 20-30 orchestras. The others have to do more to supplement their income. Many have to take a second full time job. ESP
www.peabody.jhu.edu/457 A little Mozart!

ESP eddiesclarinet.com

Post Edited (2008-08-18 02:33)

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Clarinet Salaries new

clariknight

2008-08-16 01:19