Dear Alma,
A summer festival that I have been a part of for a number of years has had a change in artistic leadership. I was a loyal performer, and was surprised that I was not invited back this summer. No note or “thank you for your years of service”. I just received a last minute request to replace a sick player. My kids grew up spending every summer here, and now is like it never happened. I am conflicted on accepting. I could use the money, but I feel mistreated.
Taken for granted
Dear Taken for granted,
I hear your struggle. A beloved summer musical experience was abruptly stopped, affecting your pocketbook as well as your ego.
Unfortunately, many summer opportunities do not come with a long-term contract, leaving musicians wondering year to year if they will be re-invited. New management more often than not results in a drastic turnover of artists and office staff. When a new director comes in, they take the opportunity to offer work to friends and colleagues, to pay back favors or try to climb the ladder by offering juicy, high-profile opportunities. The loyal members are pushed to the side, ignored, and often not even contacted with a “thank you but we are going a new direction” note.
Taken for granted, do you need the money, or miss the musical fulfillment or vacation location? If you are happy this year not being a part of the festival, I say “good riddance”. But if you need the work, or crave the opportunity for any other reason, accepting the offer gives you a chance to introduce yourself to the new management and a second chance to have this special summer experience be a part of your life once again.
As musicians, we often have to swallow a bitter pill – suppressing our egos, making nice to people who have treated us without respect. Stay true to yourself, be proud of your work and service, and if you feel like it, take advantage of their offer and have one last trip where you can visit your favorite places and spend time with your cherished memories.
Questions for Alma? Please put them in the comments section or send to DearAlmaQuery@gmail.com
The post Dear Alma, A festival excluded me. Now they want me to jump in appeared first on Slippedisc.
