In a message dated 07/31/2001 10:23:46 AM Central Daylight Time,
mem_79@h... writes:
mem_79@h... writes:
<< The letter writer has a valid point, I just don't particulary agree with
it, but it does make you think. >>
I disagree. I don't believe the writer has a valid point at all. I think he
is a cheapskate. What if his grandmother knew the funeral home director
socially? Would he expect the director to provide his services at no cost?
Or the florist? Funny how no one minds paying for those services, but when a
musician or clergy charges, they're being greedy.
When my sister married 2 years ago, my gift was to fly down to Florida and
sing for her wedding. I chose all the music and made copies to mail to the
organist; I brought a friend with me to sing the service music (at no
charge). A few days before the wedding, my mother called and said,
"Christine, I'm going to give you $200 to put into a card for Caroline so
that people will not think you are cheap." I refused. I told her that my
services were worth that and that I didn't need to give over and above that,
and if I did decide to give over and above that, it would not be so that I
didn't look cheap, it would be because I wanted to give her something else.
She didn't understand that, and was really afraid people would talk about how
I didn't give anything.
But those are my issues.
The issue here is perception. And it does make you think. It makes you
think about how sad the perception is of singers, particularly in church
settings where people believe that you should sing for G*d, and not for pay.
If that's the case, than church music degrees should be given free of charge.
After all, training someone to sing for G*d should be a mission as well.
Right?
Not.
Christine Thomas
"For men are strong where we are weak ... they always think before they
speak."
(What fun is THAT?)
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