HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0683.010 1998-2000
To: All Hawai i County Council Members
,
28 March 2000 r L r' n
,Ur lii~l'~ ! YIl 4 Li~
Dear Council Members: '
i~
I was unable to attend the hearings in Kona on 24 March due to work but was informed of the
proceedings by one of our band's volunteer members. I understand that one of the council members
raised the poiint that we currently show openings in our list of seventeen paid positions -and that no
one present from the bend was able to address the issue. I would like to do that in this letter.
First of all, the fact that the county allows us only seventeen paid positions for musicians [not
including director and assistant director) does not preclude us from having between twenty-five to
thirty members -which is indeed what we have. I understand from our assistant director that two or
three people are currently intending to apply for the existing paid openings.
Second, the positions are quite specific, i.e., X number of positions for flutes, X number far clarinets,
X number for saxophones, etc. Once we have that X number on the payroll, there are no more
openings for more. So, we have four flute players but not four paid positions; four clarinets but not
four paid positions; four saxophones but not four paid positions; etc. Once the paid positions are filled,
it's difficult saying to someone (especially someone good), "Please come play with us - at your own
expense."
Third, the pay offered is really nominal remuneration. When you take my pay - $924 per year -and
divide it by the hours that I spend at rehearsals and performances, you come up with less than $6
per hour. And let's not mention the fact that I live in Ocean View, which adds considerable travel time
and expense. And I have been with the band for five-and-ona-half years and have advanced to the
position of Musician III -the highest category.
Fourth, in order to apply far a paid position a musician must drive to Hilo to fill out the paperwork -
and schedule a physical exam for a later date. Almost all of our band members work full-time jobs or
attend school. Applying in Hilo is both inconvenient and expensive, whether in terms of lost wages or
driving expenses.
Taking these things into consideration, it should be easy to understand why even those musicians
eligible for a paid position are slow or reluctant to apply. And it should be crystal clear why we have
such difficulty attracting musicians of high caliber.
Mahalo plenty for keeping these things in mind when determining our upcoming budget.
incere
~ -
~arbara
B
ry am, Musician I
(Acting First Chair Clarin ]
P. O. Box 7010
Ocean View, H196737
939-7066
Comm. No. 683 •ot0
F4le No. ~ U~
Itef. To: FC
Hef. Date APR 0 4 2000