Allegro

‘Why we joined the union’

Volume 116, No. 7July, 2016

Simon Holland

Simon HollandI am a bassoonist who doubles on saxes, clarinets and flute. For more eclectic tastes, I also play the didgeridoo! My aim is to play in a Broadway pit orchestra. Having spent the last 20 years playing in London’s West End, musical theatre is what I know well, so I’m hoping that there is room for me over here. I know that bassoon is a more recognized double in America, which is exciting…it’s quite a rarity in the U.K.! I found the musicians’ union in the U.K. invaluable when it came to looking after my needs. Because of this, joining Local 802 was one of the first things I looked into when moving here. I believe that a strong union is the only way to stave off the relentless paring down of pit musicians.