The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to Denver and Colorado Springs … and local musicians contracted to play will receive about $560 below scale.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is hiring local musicians for a rehearsal and two performances at the Pepsi Center (18,000 seats) on November 15. The group will then travel to the World Arena in Colorado Springs (8,000 seats) for two performances on November 16.
Total pay per musician for all 5 services: $450
Had this show been booked at DMA [Denver Musicians Association] scales, each musician would then receive $1,011.40 – a difference of $561.40!
Accepting work below scale takes money immediately out of your pocket, but worse than that, it fuels a race to the bottom that can only damage our local industry for years to come.
DMA put out a call to Steve Trudell, who is the national contractor for this show. As may be expected, Mr. Trudell has not returned our call.
The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) has put out an advisory warning that Trans-
Siberian Orchestra” and “Mannheim Steamroller” are both avoiding union agreements both locally and nationally. Tour itineraries are linked below:
http://www.trans-siberian.com/tour
http://www3.mannheimsteamroller.com/events/
[Denver Musicians Association newsletter – 11/14/14 – http://www.dmamusic.org ]* * * * *