| Nick,
I've been stiffed twice -- both times by the same church.
The first time they paid me the wrong amount. I went back and returned the check and they apologized saying they would have a new check ready for me the next day.
I went back to be told that all the musicians had been paid Sunday. I never received a new check, or the old one back.
That same church called to hire me the next year. I told the musical director what had happened the year prior and he said he would get me double this year. I said no. He called me back and offered me double and an extra $50 due to the misunderstanding the year before. I accepted but made it clear that I was to be paid before the service.
I got to the service -- no check. Hmmmmm....... Do I walk, or do I play and make everyone's Easter Sunday a little nicer? I chose to play. Can you imagine the bad name you would get for walking out on a church on Easter Sunday?
After the job the music director told us the checks would be sent out Monday. You know what comes next -- no check ever came.
That was many years ago, and the members of that ensemble (some of the better players in town) have spread the word about the non-payment by that church. To this day they can't hire anyone but high school kids because the area pros will not play there.
__________________   |