Dangerous Work Amongst the High Seas...

[joyzeegirl]

Hello People of Trumpet Herald!

I'm new to Trumpet Herald, but I came across this forum topic and really felt the need to throw some of my cents/experience in, if I may....

I currently work for a cruiseline(think Circus) as a trumpet player. A lot of the showbands on these ships are 7-piece format, therefore only one trumpet spot. Been doing it for a few years. Now I'm classically trained, but I could hold my own as far as playing lead. I'm no Maynard, but it's there.

Now back in September, I get onto a ship where the Musical Director is a sadist, basically. (Mind you, he DOES play trombone, a brass instrument...) He makes us play 5-7 hours a day, 5 days a week. This is NOT a joke. And not only that, I was having to fill the roles of both lead and 2nd player--you know what that means...Having to play both lead AND soloing. A lot. And his mentality was that if HE could do it, so should everyone else. And if you didn't want to solo, or needed to take things down, he would dock you on your record, and threaten that you should leave the ship.(This is no joke either, it really happened.)

By the end of the contract, my lips were pooped, of course. I went home put the horn in the case for 10 days. Then took it out and did some light calisthenics to get things back in shape for my next ship. I get on my next ship, and the first week of the schedule is fine. (again, playing lead.) Then the next week, my upper lip was starting to get really tense, and clenching a lot. It got to the point where I had to leave the ship because people were noticing, and told me I needed to leave on medical signoff to recoupe. I KNOW in my heart that it was from that evil MD's schedule, and not having enough rest time after a 2-month contract like that.

Now, if I may....I've got strong lips. My training is from great teachers at a fine school, so maintaining lip health has always been a steady principle for me. Been playing trumpet for 20 years, and never had an issue. And then this. (Not to mention I'm losing a LOT of money being home from this on disability!)

I also noticed that my lip(upper) was somewhat swelled at the time I put the horn in the case a few weeks ago. However now, it's gone. And my buzz response feels great. I'll be SLOWLY getting back into practicing soon...

I guess my overall point here, is that on the cruiseships, where no union or regulation is, these sadistic bosses can do as they please. I just wanted to share this with as many people as I can to help inform people of what's out there--I don't wish that on anyone, I really don't! And I guess too because the topic appears to relate to endurance and all... So beware! I must say that I would recommend staying AWAY from cruiseship work, because there is no protection for that from Unions...

[lmf]

What if cruise ships are the only gig one can get at the time? Play or not play?

[joyzeegirl]

I guess my response would be do it, but be ready to walk on a person who would force you to do such a thing.

I'm lucky, my lip healed. I do know people who's careers have been RUINED because they kept going, and that was the only work they could find...

Honestly, is it worth your trumpet career, is the big question?....

[Mikeytrpt]

No.

I chose to get re-trained in a different field for my "day job" but still play evenings and weekends. If I was going to keep music as my sole source of income, I would have had to go on the boats. Not much other freelance work available these days.

Now I can turn down the crap gigs.

[joyzeegirl]

Totally hear that Mike!

I'm honestly considering some sort of other job that will pay bills but let me achieve the musical goals I wish to--cause lord knows I'm not letting this stop me!

And I don't think it should stop anyone else either!

[ConnArtist]

I got nuthin' to add, as I have no experience in that arena, but i just had to say...

LOVE the moniker, joyzeegurl.

I grew up in Morris County... not really the joyzee part of NJ, but NJ all the same.
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"Stomvi" PhrankenPhlugel w/ Blessing copper bell
1958 Conn 18A cornet
1962 Conn 9A cornet (yes, the Unicorn )
Reynolds Onyx cornet
c. 1955? Besson 10-10 trumpet
1939 Martin Imperial Handcraft “Model 37”
1986 Bach Strad 37 ML

[joyzeegirl]

Yeah, I live in LA, the land of reading license plates....For some reason, people have a hard time reading "joiseygirl"...so I finally said screw it, I'll write it like a license plate. People get it every time...

[lmf]

Sounds like "cruise ships" aren't very glamorous "or nice" to its musicians and/or other crew members.

[BedfordTrumpeter]

[lmf]

[razeontherock]

[OldTnTptBoy]

I grew up in Essex County, my brother still lives there, and my younger brother lives in Morris County, and it never occurred to me that the JoyZeeGirl handle was about New Jersey. And I do not "talk like that" either.

[fraserhutch]

Yes you do! You just can't hear your online accent like we can
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Schilke B1
Callet Jazz
Scodwell Standard Bb
Roger Ingram 1600is
Wild Thing Flugel
Dillon Rotary Picc.
GR and Curry Mouthpieces

[WildCat]

Welcome to the real world. This kind of stuff isn't isolated to just cruise ship work. I don't think I've ever really worked with a contractor that gave a crap about my chops, health, well being, and often whether they paid me afterward. If you expected something rose-colored and happy, you went to school for the wrong subject.

Unions only protect union gigs, which in most places in the USA, are few and far between. The glory days are long gone, and unfortunately, we have to assimilate, or fail.
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Vince K.

[John Mohan]

Why is this in Reveille? This is a nice discussion and belongs in either the Lounge or maybe in the Commercial section.

In other words, what's a nice thread like this doing in a place this? (Sorry, couldn't resist...)