Subway Musicians Freefall

One year ago, almost to the day, I posted the blog ‘Happy Subway Musicians’. Today, not so much. I just went down to get the mail and found our letter from the TTC had arrived. Another big dip on that rollercoaster ride…we went from #7 this past year to not getting a regular licence at all this year. Thankfully, because of the Auxiliary Licence program offered to previously licenced musicians in good standing, we can continue playing in the subway. We just won’t be on the official rotation schedule and can be bumped by musicians with full licences.

I know the judging is subjective but that doesn’t really lessen the sting of not scoring well at the audition. I had a feeling at this audition that we weren’t well received by the judges. I’ve mentioned that to a few friends over the past month and I love how they have become indignant on our behalf, unequivocally sure the judges weren’t qualified to make a decision not in our favour. Of course they are, the judges all have impressive music backgrounds, but I still love it when friends rally.  

I often think I don’t have a tough enough skin for this business but hey, I just realized I may be toughening up a bit…so far, no tears (although the day is still young). I think that’s a good sign!