Orchestras cannot continue to embrace regressive tactics when it comes to making their business models work. Musicians cannot be outsourced to foreign call centers. We can’t (or shouldn’t) be replaced with robots or machines.
Our training doesn’t get cheaper, nor do our instruments, rents, and housing costs. But managements across the country seem to think that our salaries can shrink, or fail to keep pace with inflation, or be frozen, and it will make no difference to those of us performing in front of the public every week.
Finding new way to make the symphony orchestra an indispensable part of the the modern urban landscape is the way to bring orchestras forward. Fort Worth and Pittsburgh deserve orchestras that are paid commensurate to their skill level, and must be made aware of what having an orchestra of their caliber in their city means for their community.
Managers and conductors see constant increases in their pay “because that is what the market will bear”. Musicians seem to have no such market forces working on their behalf. That is why it is so important for we unionized musicians of the American Federation of Musicians to stick together.
Together, we can make a difference.
#growthnotcuts