Paying the Orchestra

This isn't a one off thread by any means. Various aspects have been covered before. I'm a MD, in WA, & the Band gets paid too. We try to get what we can, for 1/2 a doz reasons really... It's a personal goal of mine to build this industry within the community. Strong performances will go a long way in doing that so I'm starting this process from my department - music. Gently I crack the whip elsewhere to ensure that they're also doing the best they can... All benefit from this & I do hope that the future day comes when from some quarter there is a recuperation for the actor - who seems to be at the bottom of the chain currently. Maybe they'll get frequent TV spots or something. Who knows. Meanwhile it's creating a strong platform for those who go on in the industry... Many would agree that confidence is 80% of singing. A solid band underneath a cast helps them to really perform. It's only really an Australian thing that each band member gets the same. In Europe they negotiate their own fee and more power to them. Others realise this is the norm. I've worked with quotes that include semi-pro & pro players, are up-front with it all, and expect an honest acceptance from players if they agree. It's certainly easier to present a lower cost to a production company. As for different instruments. Harp players are rather hard to find so they charge more. Supply & demand really. They don't get many gigs though... Looking at level of experience. (The mystery factor is talent.) High school, Uni, Uni then pro, pro with no Uni. They is an absolute chasm between some people's abilities, and all Uni means is you've got a better chance. (And at Uni they teach you experience speaks volumns) A Pro orchestra would hopefully raise the level of music that could be achieved (And nicely cover up mistakes up top). You soon make mental notes if that's the last time you work with someone... Multi-Instumentalists in the Pro world are paid more for "doubling". Never been too much of a fan for this. Percussionist have so much more, & expensive gear. A bass player never stops playing. For keyboards to work well they really need to know how each instrument they're trying to copy behaves in the real world. Piccolo takes a long time to master on top of their flute playing. I reckon it's fairly even. Will we do it for free? If I supply 2000 bricks will you find a labourer to build me a carport for nothing? Should local Con students do the gigs for little or free? Only if they want the same to happen to them 10 yrs down the track when they have a family to feed... Many support people in theatre grew up with it and have a natural love for it all. They volunteer their time coz it's recreation for them. Unfortunatety I find they tend to believe all involved should do so freely. They have their job or means of existance. I respect that. But ask them to respect my position as I try to get paid for what I do so I can live. Yes, it's what they do for fun. I do it for fun too, and get paid. More power to me I suppose. But to ask me to work for free or very little - I simply need work that will sustain me. No hard feelings. In many cases there actually isn't a market for anyone to be paid. :shrug:

 

 

... dance lightly my friend, but carry a big stick...

Luke