Jim Neglia
Orchestra Personnel Manager
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra Personnel Manager
I am a classical percussionist, contractor, personnel manager and author
Once showered and shaved, I pour a cup of coffee and head to my home office where I prepare all the seating charts for the rehearsals of the day. Once at Symphony Hall, I set up the seating charts, then set up the percussion section where I perform daily. Wearing both hats can sometimes be challenging but has never become such a large issue. After rehearsals are over, I enter attendance into the payroll, check in with my music director and general manager, practice, feed my sons, wine and bed.
Here's the first step for college students
I highly recommend reading Onward and Upward by Jim Neglia. I highlight all possibilities for a stable career but one that you must first love. You must love the path you have chosen or find a new path to walk. Allow people to help you, mentors, teachers, family. All the encouragement is infectious, allow it in. Shower yourself with belief in yourself. Set extremely high goals for yourself and as you approach them - set the bar even higher. Reach for the stars and settle for nothing less.
"Music is a wonderful thing to do for fun but how are you going to make a living? I heard this time and time again except from my immediate family who supported my every decision."