 The Doublers BBoard
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Author: clarinets1
Date: 2007-02-06 16:50
Hello doublers.
I am a proficient clarinet/sax/flute doubler.
i am looking into cruiseline jobs. anyone here done that sort of work? how did you get the gig? what is the process? what do i need to know?
any info is much appreciated.
thanks!
~~JK
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Author: Terry Stibal
Date: 2007-02-13 04:15
It's a good way to "kill some time", all the while developing your instrumental chops. With a sax/clarinet/flute ability, you would be more of an asset in a world where fewer musicians are asked to do more. Add bass clarinet and alto flute to your toolbox, and you will be very attractive to them.
Get ready to adjust your sleep wake cycle. The work day runs from around 10:00 AM through closing time.
You also get to eat a hell of a lot of good food, or at least you did on the Cunard Line. The midnight buffet on the old Countess was turned over to the entertainers after the lounges closed, and there was some damned good eatin' from that pile of food. To this day, I have trouble getting up the enthusiasm to take on a boiled lobster, so much did I eat "back in the day"...
On the other hand, get ready for cookie cutter performances. You'll grow to hate some numbers which you will end up playing every night, and your idea of what's right to play will almost certainly differ from what you are required to perform.
Also, the majority of such jobs are not covered by any of the protections offered by the AFM. You're on your own, bunkie...
leader of Houston's Sounds Of The South Dance Orchestra
info@sotsdo.com
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Author: mikeW
Date: 2007-02-13 16:19
This is second-hand, so take it with reservation: Two guys that I've played with a lot have done quite a bit of cruise ship work. You're going to be in a small double berth; if you need lots of room or privacy, you'll find it difficult. You'll spend a lot of time playing and rehearsing, but you might not get much time in the shed, as it may be hard to find somewhere that you can practice. If you don't have a lot of self-control, you might also develop a drinking problem, as there are too many opportunities to drink heavily.
One of them quit playing cruises when the company (I don't know which) tried to change his contract mid-cruise. When he declined, They left him off at the next port and paid for his airfare home and that was that. (On the plus side, this is better than being thrown overboard.)
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Author: clarinets1
Date: 2007-02-13 17:50
so, it seems like it is a touring gig on land: same shows, cookie-cutter performances, not a lot of down time. perhaps I am being naive or idealistic, but it seems like a great way to improve chops, save some money, and network.
do women have to share a berth with a man? that would be uncomfortable... but i imagine that the line would take care of that....
thanks so much all!
~~JK
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