The musicians of AZOOMA spend a lot of time in the car driving to rehearse and perform with the Arizona Opera. We live in one of three cities in Arizona - Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson - and being an Opera musician requires us to regularly travel to Phoenix and Flagstaff for rehearsals and performances.
In recent contract negotiations with the Arizona Opera, the Orchestra’s negotiating committee has agreed - among other concessions - to subsidize the Opera in the face of rising gasoline prices during their long drives across the state.
In the form of a two-year freeze of our mileage reimbursement rate of 30 cents per mile - far below the IRS rate of 48.5 cents per mile - we are offering financial support to the Opera.
Recent news reports cite that gas prices may be as high as $3.75 (maybe even $4.00) per gallon by the summer of 2008.
A new documentary called "Freeway Philharmonic" reveals that our sacrifices are not uncommon. Freelance musicians all over the country are commuting hundreds of miles each month traveling from job-to-job to make a living.
A recent discussion at Polyphonic.org - "Driving for Dollars" - offers insights into this lifestyle. The stress of juggling multiple schedules, driving long distances for rehearsals and concerts, having lots of down time between services — or none at all — can be overwhelming.
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