[Dixielandjazz] Attn. All Members/DJML Member Survey

[BillSargentDrums at aol.com]

<<I'd be interested in knowing what percentage of DJML members are
professional musicians.  Which begs the question - "what is a professional
musician"?  Is it someone who belongs to the American Federation of
Musicians (AFM) and plays regular gigs for at least scale? Is it someone who
plays four gigs a year?  Is it someone who plays wherever and whenever
anyone will have them, even if there is no pay?  Is it someone who books a
band for next to nothing just to undercut another band?>>

I would consider someone who makes a majority of their living (income) from 
the performance of music a professional. Others who perform less and make a 
majority of their income from another source I consider hobbyists.

I have been a full time 100% musical performance professional for 36 years 
now.

<<Also, what percentage of DJMLr's are band leaders, composers, producers,
fans, etc.>>

I've also been a bandleader for 30 years.

<<While we are on the subject, how many play trombone, trumpet/cornet,
clarinet/sax, tuba/sousaphone, string bass, piano,  banjo, drums, and (God
forbid) washboard.>>

I am a drummer, occasionally a percussionist. Piano was my foundational 
instrument. (am currently working on a revival there) And, as of the last year, due 
to the number of paying gigs for it, I've become a washboardist. (God for 
give me please, but it pays ok, I get to walk around in the band and be a clown, 
and I am no longer envious of the trumpet player about set-up and tear-down.)

<<Kurt "Proud member of AFM local #75" Bowermaster>>

Unions S U C K ! ! !

Bill "Only for the insurance member of Local #8" Sargent
414-777-0100
BillSargentBands.com