It absolutely sickens me that this is going on. I know people are really starting to have a hard time down there, and the board and management just sit by and let them wither on the vine. Read on and if you can, send a donation!
http://www.adaptistration.com/adaptistration/2007/12/jacksonville-12.html#more

The musicians in Jacksonville should take what's left of their dignity and leave those hobbyists in charge looking for something else to ruin. The musicians shouldn't lower themselves to waiting attentively under the table for sustenance to be tossed down like unwanted scraps from above. I am embarrassed that this kind of abuse has gone on for as long as it has for them. Jump ship and let it sink. Get another job.

I agree with violindriver, however it may not be that easy to just jump ship. People have lives they have built there, families, kids in school, and houses they have to keep since the market is so rotten to sell currently.

The board should be ashamed. When an audition ad comes to the papers, that is somewhat of a promise. A promise of a job, reasonable pay, and a tradition of music making. To lash out at musicians that came to the table wanting to discuss terms and take away all the game pieces is nothing more than a spoiled child breaking a toy so nobody can have it. Shame on the board and shame on the executive management for not being a better liaison between musician and board. Had the management educated the board better, there wouldn't be this ridiculous reality.

Shame on the conductor for not having the brass ones to tell the board (nicely) why the musicians should be paid a fair living wage. After all, the musicians make the Maestro look good.

I can't tell you how disappointed I am in all of them! Can anyone fix this!?