| I have no experience with orchestral situations, but as far as needing the Union for other types of playing, especially private functions, parties, receptions, etc, it has never been of any use to me.
The only time I was ever in the Union was when the group I was playing with got a gig in a hotel where the hotel employees were unionized. Unless we joined the Union, we couldn't play. So, we joined because the employer of the band paid our fees - so we joined at no personal cost. But, here's an important point about that story...it was 35 years ago! In this area at that time, Union activity was strong because this area was a manufacturing town with strong labor activity. Nowadays, that has all shut down, so that situation probably wouldn't happen again - even that hotel is closed and is now a senior citizens apartment building.
Never had a problem getting paid, had plenty of gigs, always got more than scale...like someone said above, join if you must and your situation requires it; otherwise I wouldn't be bothered. |