Friday, January 14, 2011

Professionalism

Disclaimer: I am writing this blog in a frustrated mood. I have calmed down a little, but I am still very upset at the things that have occurred.

Tonight I will be singing in a recital with 4 of my friends, and we were going to be accompanied by a person whose name I will not use. We have been in contact with him for over a month about him playing for our recital. He agreed and was all gungho about it, so we all thought it was a good option. He is a great pianist, and we were excited to work with him. From that moment things started to go downhill. He is not easy to get in contact with. He doesn't respond to text, phone calls, or e-mails. We all have tried contacting him, but he responds when he is ready. So, we were able to schedule a rehearsal for Wednesday (for a recital that is supposed to be on Friday). Tuesday night we receive an e-mail from him stating that he has a doctor appointment during our rehearsal time, and he has to go because he is going out of the country on Saturday. He asked could we possibly rehearse on Thursday at his place or he can meet us. Some of us said we can rehearse on Thursday, and some declined. So we were ready to rehearse on Thursday, and we didn't here back from him until 5:12 p.m.! He said that he thought we couldn't rehearse on Thursday. Why in the world would he ask can we rehearse, and then not respond to calls, e-mails, and texts? So, not the performance is almost 24 hours away, and we have yet to rehearse with our accompanist.

One of the other singers tweeted that he wish he could have rehearsed with the accompanist before the concert, and I retweeted it, saying me too. We both finally got a message from the accompanist almost right away saying that if that is the way we feel we should find another accompanist for tomorrow. He then went on to say that it was too far and not enough money, and he complained about getting the music late. He then proceeds to text my friend that planned this event, and told her that he is not going to play tomorrow because he feels disrespected by me and my other friend. I'm trying to figure out what was said or done that was disrespectful. Is there something wrong with having the desire to rehearse with an accompanist before a concert? So he drops out of the concert, and it is 24 hours away. Now we have to find someone that can play all of the music at the 11th hour. Luckily my friend found someone, and we all have to pray that it works out.

My friend then receives a text from our original accompanist saying that he decided on a "confidence front" that he will not play because of what was said, but he has found a replacement. At that point all I could do was the stupid look. If he had such a problem with what was said, why would he find someone else to play, and agree to it so quickly? There is definitely something fishy about this situation. He didn't want to play from the beginning. If there was a problem with anything he should have said it then, and not 24 hours before the concert. He was just using that to get out of playing because he probably overextended himself. If he knew he was going out of the country the next day, then he should have told us that a long time ago. I am very perturbed at his lack of professionalism and character. He has made himself look very bad, and in his selfish and cowardly act, he has sabotaged our concert. I am going end here because I don't want to get my pressure up anymore than it already is.

Good Day.

2 comments:

  1. Professionalism is a problem with people of the arts! They want others too treat them right but they won't do the same.

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  2. I agree!! I'm just shocked that his associations for 2 people turned into 4 people. He truly put us in a bind, especially after money was spent for the programs and set aside for him. I'm disappointed that even in today's adult world people can't be honest. My mother and grandmothers always say, "honey honesty is the best policy."

    On a more pleasant note.....tonight went well!!! Hold your head high and know that God is pleased.

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