The Job :
The Piano/Keyboard position is very demanding since he or she must
sight-read show charts that are completely written-out. Led by the
Musical Director, the Show band is the ship's main orchestra backing
all shows and performers on the main stage. A typical 7 day cruise
would consist of three different hour-long Broadway-style revue shows
performed with a click track, and four Variety Shows in which the
Show Band accompanies specialty acts such as comedians, jugglers,
magicians, singers and virtuoso instrumentalists who are flown in
for short contracts.
Because the showroom accommodates only half of the passengers at a
time, two shows are performed each night. (It’s called “first”
and “second” seating). As a piano/keyboard player in the
show band orchestra, your duties is a combination of the following
three:
- Playing the synthesizer to accompany all productions shows
and guest entertainer shows.
- Playing solo background cocktail piano.
- Playing piano in the band for dance sets either as the pianist
in the trio, trio with horn or with the full band. Synthesizers
such as Korg M-1 or a JP Series from Roland are supplied as well
as amplifiers.
Please note that as of December 1, 2002, the instrumentation of the
show band has changed to the following :
The purpose of this change it to move towards a more Contemporary
sounding unit (More like the David Letterman Band or the Jay Leno
Band type of sound). New requirements for these instrumentalists are
excellent knowledge of the contemporary styles and grooves. Excellent
sight-reading is still a requirement.
The Deal : This
job offer does not constitute a binding agreement. The job will
be yours only after ProShip's account executive has confirmed it
with you. You will be paid in US dollars and your room and board
and transportation (from North America) will be provided to you
free of charge. ProShip will coordinate all travel arrangements
(for you and your equipment) and assist you in processing all necessary
documents such as contracts, letters of employment, passports, visas,
vaccination certificates, customs declaration forms and hotel reservations
(when necessary).
Life at Sea : Space
is the most valuable commodity on a seagoing vessel; therefore you
will be sharing a cabin with one other musician. And to ensure the
ship’s cleanliness, you really will get maid service! All meals
and buffets are provided free of charge. The food on board is good,
varied and well balanced; and, because the portions are large and
the food rich, be prepared to gain a few pounds. But there’s
always the gym, water-sports, long walks on the beach …