[TPIN] amateurs/playing for free

[Carl McCurdy]

Hello from the TPIN "Model Lurker"

I am one of those "semi-pros" with a good day job who live outside the city and drive some distance to play, in both volunteer and paid orchestras.

I draw the line, though, when I am in someone else's back yard.

Specifically I refuse to play weddings for low-ball fees when I drive into the city, because I know my pro buddies do it for a living.  

It has always amazed me that somebody pays $10,000 for the caterer and ballroom, $5,000 for a dress, and wants a trumpet for a hundred bucks!  I won't be a part of that, when there are pros with families to support that need a respectable pay scale.

Keep the faith, guys!

Carl McCurdy, M.D.