Greetings, I have taken a position in which I will teach 2 middle school choir classes (126 7th-8th grade total) and 2 high school choir classes (138 total students) as well as a high school chamber choir and several smaller vocal ensembles. The position has always come with a full time accompanist as the previous directors have never had piano accompanying ability. The problem is this, I am a competent pianist and do not need an accompanist in class, I feel more comfortable doing it all myself. For concerts I either get friends to play or college music majors or I play myself. I have been told by the administration that if I decide to let her go I can use the money for my music account (my choral boosters association pays for the full time accompanist and looking over the budget it is a large amount of money!!) My question is this, if you were in my situation would you get rid of an accompanist position if you did not need it to give you more spending money for your program or would you keep the position. It is my opinion my program does not have enough students to warrant me needing an assistant. I do have a huge choral boosters association and I just want to save money where I can, I would rather they money be spent on the kids so that more can participate in my program. Your advice is greatly appreciated on how to handle this sensitive matter.

 

Thanks! Chris