Is this how orchestras fire people?

I think an orchestra should hire or fire anyone they wish, its their right. That said, I was in the Laredo Tx philharmonic for 20+ years. Here is the process they used to fire me. They would always send us our music ahead of time unless we were not playing. As a 4th horn they didn't always use me... I played in about 90% of the concerts. So the season starts, and no music. The second concert I was near the office so I asked the conductor for my folder, he said I wasn't going to be in that concert...... ok. Then several months pass and a fellow player I ran into informed me I had been replaced. Is that the norm? Fire a guy after 20 years and not even bother to tell them! I have had many sleepless nights trying to figure out 1.) Why I was fired and 2.) what did I do to be treated this way.

2012-03-07T20:17:32Z

I am only wanting to know about the part where they don't even bother to tell me after 20 years service.

As to my replacement, the principal said he was a moron. I think I was replaced so they could put a student in my spot. They don't really pay them.

lainiebsky2012-03-07T10:29:51Z

Favorite Answer

Was that a union gig? There's probably something in the agreement about firing. Even without a union agreement there was probably something in whatever contract you signed about a grievance procedure.

Most orchestras have a procedure spelled out.

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The PDF Ghost2012-03-07T17:04:17Z

You know as well as I do that the orchestra business is cutthroat. A 4th horn one day, and on the streets the next. My guess is they found a guy from somewhere like the Boston Philharmonic who was like a 6th horn there, but was like a 3rd horn in Laredo, so they just took him in and bumped you. There's NO business like SHOW business!

21

?2012-03-07T17:02:37Z

I think so, it is even harder when you get fired from a rock band. No one wants to own up to the fact that for whatever reason they think you suck and you are out, they are at heart cowardly. You better go on and look for your next gig, best of luck.

10

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