<p>Glad I checked in - - Congratulations!
.</p>
<p>Any benefits with his tenure??? Congratulations to him and his supportive parents. Job well done.</p>
<p>Thanks all for your good wishes. </p>
<p>lorelei, by benefits I'm assuming you mean health insurance, pension, paid vacation, etc. Alas no, as it's a small regional per service orchestra. Other than the contractually mandated contribution to the AFM pension pot, there's nothing tangible. Intangibly, there's broadening of contact base, the occasional outside gig reference, actual pro orchestral experience and a high quality of play. While the orchestra is in good financial shape, they are re-negotiating the collective bargaining agreement now, but in these times they're lucky if they get a meager per-service increase and hopefully an increase in the travel expense reimbursement given the skyrocketing costs of gas.</p>
<p>The music director of nine years passed the baton at the end of the season just ended, as was his plan. The short list of candidates will each conduct a program in the upcoming season, and the orchestra has substantial input in the selection process. It should be an interesting season, and a chance for son to see and be part of this process early in his career.</p>
<p>Health insurance was my only thought. Perhaps this position makes him eligibile for some kind of professional organization benefits, self funded premiums, but a group of disciplined, functional professionals....sounds like a good pool with whom to be insured. </p>
<p>Being part of the process which sorts, critiques, hires is invaluable, and it will surely raise his own standards. All of these contacts and experiences are great.</p>
<p>Been away for a few days. Congratulations to Violason!</p>
<p>Adding my congratulations too. It sounds like a very exciting time for him.</p>
<p>My hearty congratulations to Violason! (I hope you were just kidding about the poverty thing.)</p>
<p>lorelei, he's an American Federation of Musicians member, and is investigating the various plans offered through the union. Right now, he's been taking short term policies that will cover the major expenses through his alumni association. Fairly decent coverage at an equitable cost, but it's a stop gap policy only. He has to decide before the end of July.</p>
<p>lkf725, the poverty level comment was tongue in cheek. He's able to pay his bills, student loans, car and health insurance, but is living at home. His income is a combination of the regional orchestra, some private teaching, contracted short term teaching, a few gigs. His steadiest source of income is his part time (35 hour/wk) job. As I said, if he had two more regional chairs with non-conflicting schedules, he'd have a liveable income from music alone. </p>
<p>cartera, binx, thanks.</p>
<p>Well, you gotta start somewhere! And just think how many kids would love to get their foot in the door the way your son has. I'm sure he has only bigger and better things to look forward to!</p>
<p>Congrats to violadad's son. May it be the first step of many in a noteworthy career. (And that pun was not even intended.)</p>
<p>I would like to add my congrats as well. The expererience is worthwhile and at least helps him to stay in shape as he does other auditions as well.</p>
<p>Hi Shennie - off topic: I was wondering how your S liked his first year of grad school?</p>