[HANASHIR:3020] Re: Exclusive or not?

[Laura Berkson <braveann...>]

Carol, 
I worked this year in 2 synagogues and a day school.  I am currently working
out a contract with Temple Shalom, the synagogue where I have the title
"Director of Music".  The place has a membership of 150 households;  I lead
music at Friday night services, on High Holy Days, and most holidays, and
direct 2 choirs.  I also teach in the weekday Hebrew school, which the
Temple Board considers separate, and I have separate paychecks from the two
entities.  I have avoided making a commitment to them for Sundays, because I
am also a performer, and I like to have the option to do concerts and not be
locked into a regular Sunday gig.  We specified certain Sundays and
Saturdays when I was expected to be there.  These were designated at the
beginning of the year.  Last year we had a verbal agreement, while we are
now working out a written contract.  

This became my "primary" commitment, vis a vis work at other congregations. 
If something came up which conflicted with my designated dates at Temple
Shalom, I discussed it with the rabbi, who, for the most part, has been
incredibly flexible, because he realizes that this is a part-time job which
provides only a portion of my overall income.

I don't think it's fair for a congregation which has such an arrangement
with you (or me) to insist on exclusivity.  However, you might want to
designate some kind of agreement as to how you deal with the offer of work
at the other temples, if the place where you are choir director/songleader
is the place you work most regularly or which you consider your "primary"
congregation.

If you want to discuss this further with me, feel free to email me privately
at braveann (at) ids(dot)net(dot)

Laura 


Laura Berkson
Music Specialist, Alperin Schechter Day School, Providence, RI
Director of Music, Temple Shalom, Middletown, RI
Artist in Residence, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, RI

41 Potter Lane, Kingston, RI  02881
Tel.# (401) 782-8625  (also manual fax, but please call ahead)


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