Paying the Orchestra
Wed, 26 Dec 2007, 05:49 pmfunklizard88828 posts in thread
Paying the Orchestra
Wed, 26 Dec 2007, 05:49 pmJust wondering what opinions are out there in regard to the payment (or lack of) for orchestra/band members involved in semi-professional, amateur and community productions of works of music theatre?
In particular I am interested in whether others think there is cause for distinction to be made between different levels of instrumental ability (particularly within a single production - ie. student or 'formally untrained' musicians being paid differently [or not at all] in comparison to professional musicians brought in to 'boost ranks' or cover more difficult parts - as for example happens in school productions)?
And whether distinction can be made by instrument? (as in my experience finding reliable string, harp, oboe, bassoon and 'woodwind' [multi-instrumental] players is quite difficult without serious funding).
If one member of the orchestra is paid, do all the musicians deserve to be paid?
If the Music Director is paid, should the musicians also be paid?
All relevant thoughts, anecdotes, experiences, and opinions are welcome.
No worries - some of these
Thu, 27 Dec 2007, 12:14 amNo worries - some of these questions are hard to answer, especially when speaking about pro-am and profit-share stuff. There's almost no right or wrong answer, so long as you're upfront with everyone involved, and are very clear as to the terms and payments.
I rarely do profit-share anymore, due to lack of time, and haven't done pro-am so I can't speak much from experience. Even when I do profit-share, it's always been equally shared amongst the group; no percentages based on involvement, etc.
I guess it depends on what you're planning on doing, and how you're going to do it.
Additionally, MEAA has (or had, they might not have it online anymore) an example contract for profit-share shows. If it's not on their site, email/call them and ask for a copy; they should send you one. It's an excellent example of how to set up a similar contract.
Someone else here will have a better idea of how pro-am works.
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