Of pay and playing

INFORMED communication is key to building thriving arts institutions. In that spirit, I would like to clarify some misconceptions about Pacific Symphony musicians’ wages as reported by Chris Pasles [“Building Crescendo,” Sept. 10]. Rank-and-file musicians are paid the $176.10 rate for performances but are paid only $129.76 for rehearsals, approximately half the services this season. The maximum wage for a section musician in 2006-07 is $32,775, not $39,000 as reported. It is also important to note that the full orchestra is not hired for all of the symphony’s performances. Musicians who are not needed for the smaller orchestras of family, pops and chamber concerts will earn $16,878 at most.

To earn a living, the musicians of the Pacific Symphony must teach and perform all over Southern California. The “versatility of [musicians’] lives” mentioned in the article is less an artistic choice than a financial necessity. This means that some musicians cannot play every Pacific Symphony concert. Creating “continuity of personnel” remains a daunting challenge, one that requires a true understanding of musicians’ wages.

CHRISTINE FRANK

Pasadena

Frank is secretary of the Pacific Symphony Players’ Assn.