Interesting Experience

I played with a group recently for a particular private event (everything will remain unidentified to protect each party). No one in the band got paid the day of the event. This is not uncommon because this particular band leader will wait until the last gig of the week to pay everyone, giving everybody one check instead of 2 or more. I understand that and I have dealt with this for a while. The weird thing that struck me was that the organization that hired the band said that we would receive a check in about a week.

Hello!!!!! This is what contracts are for. For the events I book with my own group, I dictate in the contact that we are to get paid that night. This experience has reminded me of one of the most important things about being a "Professional" musician: Get EVERYTHING down in writing. People will try to cheat you in every way. I'm not saying that the band leader is trying to cheat the band. I am referring to the organization that hired the band.

People need to be reminded that professional musicians are "professionals". We do not do this for a hobby. Some of us play part-time , like myself. For others, music is their full time, all of the time money provider. Some people think that musicians play for fun or just for tips. If I want to play for fun, I can do that in the comfort of my home.

Remember, if you are a musician and you make money from playing your instrument or from teaching or writing music, you are a professional. Demand to be treated as such.

Down Hill from Here

Last night at my school, the chorus, strings and drama programs performed in our spring concert. The kids performed well and I think they were pleased with their performance. One thing we need that needs attention is performance behavior. I'm sure that next year will be better.

To be honest, I'm glad it is over. However, I still have a few other things to do before the school year is out. A few performances and finishing my final paperwork is what needs to be done before my 2 week vacation in S. Florida.

Gary's Visit

Some of you may know that I play with the Georgia Perimeter College Jazz Ensemble. Great, swinging band!!!. We have the honor of having Mr. Gary Motley, Director of Jazz Studies at Emory University, as our guest artist. When he came in to rehearsal last night, it was like the band rose to the occasion. Everything was in tune and some tunes were played better than before. Gary made the flat sounding piano sound incredible. I am definitely looking forward to our concert on April 30th.

New Blog

Welcome to my blog. I will be wring about all of my musical activities (and other things that are going on in my life). Keep and eye on this blog and stay tuned.