the forgotten section

So, I just got done with my first professional job as a freelance percussionist. I made so money that I didn't have before, so I guess it was worth it. This wasn't the New York Phillharmonic, but it was something that I can put down on my resume as professional experience. During rehearsals I found the conductor to be somewhat of a cocky sob. I put it behind me and got on with the job. After the concert is done the conductor aknowledges each section of the orchestra to the audience. He starts out with the brass, then the woodwinds, and finally the strings. Then he heads off stage. He comes back out and does the same thing and leaves once again. After a dull roar of applause, the house lights turn on and everyone starts to leave. While everyone else is leaving I look at the other percussionist and say, "Did he just forget about us?" They looked as puzzled as I, and all agreed. Now i know what the fat kid feels like in dodgeball. I get over this quick and start to move all the stuff back to where it belongs. After about twenty minutes of moving stuff we are finally done and ready to get paid. We walk right by the conductor and instead of saying a hello or noticing that we exist, he quickly (and rudely) turns and walks away. We pick up the check and start to leave.


What gives a person the right to be a complete and total asshole? Last time i checked noothing. I don't care who you are, what you have done, or how much money you make you should stilll be nice to people. Remember the Golden Rule we were all taught in kindergarden? Treat others how you would like to be treated. Apparently this does not exist anymore. Even if you are the best in what you do, you should still treat others with respect. All people care about these days is themself. I would bet that if someone was dying beside you, you would walk away and say "sucks to be him." But, if someone were to take your money away from you, you would do anything to stop them.


Since when is a human life worth less than money? As a lifeguard over the summer we had many training days and this is one I will never forget. The head guard picks out five of us and said, "Show me a good scan of the water." So they all stand up and do a "good" scan of the water. Now, he throws in a roll of quarters and said "Now, do a scan of the water." These lifeguards were looking into that water so hard to find that money. BAM! This just proves my point. Sadly, I have to admit that I was one of the lifeguards.


This point of all this rambling is remember your kindergarden manners and treat others how you would like to be treated. You never know something you might do or not do could change someones life.