James Smock

I'm in the midst of negotiations, and would like to conduct a poll: What can I expect to be paid for this?

Jimi Michiel

James-

It depends on the situation-are you playing with a community group or a professional orchestra? For all purposes, it IS a double concerto, although I don't think it requires as much preparation as other solo concerti. If this is a union orchestra where everyone else is getting paid, I would say somewhere around double scale. If it's a community orchestra, enjoy the opportunity and don't expect much.

I know of one situation where a professional trumpet player refused to play the Brandenburg with his orchestra because they refused to pay him as a soloist. Given the amount of time required to prepare that piece, I understand. On the other hand, I've been asked to do the Brandenburg with a local community orchestra. I haven't asked for payment because I doubt they have it in their budget to pay me what I would ask to perform it in a professional setting, and I'm just glad for the opportunity.

Even if you aren't paid, or aren't paid well, invite everyone you know to come see you. Who knows, you may get hired for a well-paying gig by someone who happened to hear you nail the Shosty.

-Jimi

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James Smock

Well, it's a pro band, although not union. Usual scale for principal trumpet works out to about $100 per service, including mileage.

James

rowuk

James,
your market value is a variable that we cannot estimate. If the contractor has good trumpet players willing and capable, I doubt that one not in the loop can make waves. Generally most of the orchestras that I freelance with have a fixed budget based on what sponsoring money is available for the project. They generally start with the big expenses first - soloists, etc and then divide the rest up for the orchestra the winds generally getting more per service than the strings.
If you are in the loop because of your playing qualities, you can try to get principal scale.

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Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

James Smock

Thanks for all the help, everybody. I've negotiated for a small fee in addition to my normal scale. I'm really looking forward to working this one up.

James