Gig decision

bejoyous · #1 01-03-2010, 05:59 PM

Maybe you folks can help me make a decision.

One of the semi-pro orchestras I play with has a fund-raising concert coming up. The gig doesn't pay and it involves driving 128 km three times.

I've recently been invited to play with a professional orchestra the same night. I'll be paid about $500 plus be put up in a hotel room and given some gas money. With it being January and all, the cash will come in handy. Some interesting repertoire, too.

Do I take the pro gig or the fund-raising gig?

**jmattbassplaya** · #2 01-03-2010, 06:01 PM

Is there really even an option here?

Marcus Johnson · #3 01-03-2010, 07:05 PM

Do the fund-raiser, it'll do your soul some good.

Oh, and PM me with the contact number for the pro gig.

M0ses · #4 01-03-2010, 07:08 PM

128 km is WAAAAAAYYYY too far to drive for less than a bunch of money. I would have to tell them sorry, even if I didn't have a chance to play another great gig the same night.

Don Higdon · #5 01-03-2010, 07:54 PM

You have an inviolable right to act in your own best interest. Do the paid gig, and have a clear conscience in the process.

Uncletoad · #6 01-03-2010, 08:37 PM

I always look at long money vs. short as well.

If the freebie leads to thousands of dollars of work over a long haul and the other money gig is a one hit dead end the no bread gig is a no brainer.

However if the pro gig leads to more pro gigs and the semi pro gig leads to luke warm futures than the decision that way is simple as well.

If there is no long term implication either way take the money.

**** the cheapies, always play the bread if the long ball isn't in the picture.

lobey · #7 01-03-2010, 08:41 PM

Take the paying gig, and donate some of the money to the fundraiser.

longfinger · #8 01-03-2010, 08:53 PM

Take the pro gig.
And put some real effort to find a replacement for your spot in the freebie gig. Preferably someone close to the concert area.

The irony is the free gig is a 'fund-raiser'. The pro gig is a 'fund-raiser' too, and for a very worthy cause... :-)

Jason Hollar · #9 01-06-2010, 08:02 PM

Fund Raisers are tough issues all around. I do a coupla events (close to home) that are with artists who employ me regularly -- but that or a $500 gig?! That is a no-brainer!

carl h. · #10 01-06-2010, 08:12 PM

Are you principal in the freebie gig? If so, you should stick with it, if not take the money gig.

Square Bear · #11 01-08-2010, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

I always look at long money vs. short as well.

If the freebie leads to thousands of dollars of work over a long haul and the other money gig is a one hit dead end the no bread gig is a no brainer.

However if the pro gig leads to more pro gigs and the semi pro gig leads to luke warm futures than the decision that way is simple as well.

If there is no long term implication either way take the money.

**** the cheapies, always play the bread if the long ball isn't in the picture.

good point. my experience says that the freebies pretty much pin you down as the "guy who does freebies," which is a role that can be hard to get out of. also, i like to take the gig with less driving unless the pay is really that different. you're not getting paid for those hours in the car and in fact, they're costing you more than you probably realize. for out of town gigs, i sometimes add up the hours driving. think of every 2 1/2 hours as a service, subtract for gas/food/lodging and do the math again. may not look so good per service anymore. sometimes a $75/service in town gig beats a $120/service out of town one. take the money and time you save and get an oil change and you'll still have more practice time that day than if you were traveling.

bejoyous · #12 01-08-2010, 05:39 PM

Well, I took the pro gig because:
a) I gotta mortgage to pay
b) I went to university with the principal bassist
c) It's a union gig
d) I've turned them down before and I don't want to be bumped down the sub list.
e) The rep is very cool (a Chinese violin Concerto and Beethoven 8)
f) While the freeby gig is a fund raiser they do pay a bit during the rest of the season and the music is played at a very high level (there are several retired pros in the orchestra), I disagree that they have enough money to have 18 soloists in a 6 concert season but haven't raised the musicians' pay in 6 years and there is no contract either.

Hmm, now I have a similar scenario with my other distant semi-pro orchestra vs. my local pro orchestra...

fenderfunker · #13 01-08-2010, 05:52 PM

We all need to pay our bills, mortgage, food, lights etc. so do the money gig. If people ask me to play a benefit, I now ask to be paid and then donate the money to the cause. That way, you know the 'Cause' gets the money, and you can claim a tax deduction and people don't get the idea that you're the 'go to' band when they want free music.