Saturday, March 19, 2005
Wasted hours
Someone tell me why I spend 5 hours out tonight to play for about 45-60 mins. One of my less memorable performances - the fans outside the E & O Grand Ballroom were bloody noisy and so were the many guests - all normal for the cocktails, so I'm not objecting to that. What I am objecting to is the fact that most people spent their time inside, away from us so the bulk of people couldn't hear us, assuming they even knew we were there, which some honestly didn't. On top of that, you'd think that VIPs have enough dignity, let alone common sense, not to crowd a violinist when he's playing for their benefit and give some space to his bow! Heck I do this as a favour to the school. I was prepared to do it even when they told us we'd get no money, no food. Wasn't especially happy but I did commit. Later they said yeah, we'll provide some food and token allowance. Still I'd expect something better than wasted time and refreshments. Still I think I get off a bit better than Derek, Shankar & Charlotte considering they had to be at E & O from 6.00 to play ONE song, without being given a time, and also not being let into the dinner. If you're prepared to spend money hiring the Jeep Jazz Trio have the decency to treat your own students a bit better. I put up with crap in PFS Band but I don't think it was as bad as this (at least for school events) ever. What can you say when they make the MC pay when she's not even eating?
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3 comments:
Omigosh Teng, I thought it WAS a FABULOUS event, from ur MSN nick.. didnt expect that it turned out to be such a bad day for u. Can totally relate to that, having been in the band and all.. sucks, really, but not every1 will show appreciation for your efforts, yeah.. and bsides, since u'v thought of it as a service for the school, why not leave it at that? :) next time, play for us who will appreciate your music more! :P
it's not really the lack of appreciation i was unhappy about. just the general treatment of people and the lack of respect as a whole. seriously, just how ridiculous is it when there are people pushing past performers to get at the drinks, which waiters are bringing around anyway?
It is alarming that musicians and the like are viewed, at times, as effectively less than people. I mean seriously, the public wouldn't treat a complete stranger on the street like that. It goes beyond one school and it goes beyond musicians; so many others are disregarded similarly. The French my have chopped off all those heads way back when, but social classes still very exist (at least then, musicians were better respected).
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