What Should Be Done In This Situation (Musician Doesn't Show/Call)

[CRYCHI]

Bless LGM members with love and happiness:

We had choir rehearsal today for the first time in three weeks (since the holidays).  The organist and I talked the previous day, regarding the plan for choir rehearsal.  He teaches the songs, determines the parts/keys, etc., while I just bring the lyrics (I'm a choir director).

However, he did not show or call so everyone looked to me to lead rehearsal.  He could not be reached when we attempted to call and find out what happened.   Fortunately, I can play a little bit, so the choir went over some vocal exercises (that we haven't done in a while), sang some of our simpler songs that I could play, and finally, I attempted to teach the chorus of the song that we were scheduled to learn to the best of my ability.

In the end, I was very upset that I was put on the spot, especially without notice.   Usually, there is another musician, but they had another engagement, so I felt even more "alone"and under pressure.   

What actions would you recommend that I take at this point (after prayer, of course)?  Has this happened to others?  What did you do in that instance?

[betnich]

IMO, If someone doesn't show without notice, better be sick or dead...
Is this the first time, or is this musician a flake?

[under13]

What actions would you recommend that I take at this point (after prayer, of course)? 

Listen to what God tells you after you pray

[sjonathan02]

You should probably try to find out from the organist his reason for not showing or calling or being available. I always like to hear the other person's side of the story before making a decision in any case.

This.  A simple conversation (provided this is an irregularity) is all that is needed. 

In the meantime, you may want to ensure that you are properly prepared, as the choir director, to teach parts and go over songs in case something like this happens again.

[LaylaMonroe]

You should probably try to find out from the organist his reason for not showing or calling or being available. I always like to hear the other person's side of the story before making a decision in any case.

Agreed.

[ferrente]

In the meantime, you may want to ensure that you are properly prepared, as the choir director, to teach parts and go over songs in case something like this happens again.

True!

[mickilovesmusic67]

I have learned to always try to be prepared for cases such as this.  If this was the first time, I may could overlook it; but if it became a habit, I would have to get someone else that was dependable.

[vtguy84]

I agree with Sketchman.  Talk to them first.  Things do happen.

It also depends on who is in charge as far as your second step.  Are you in charge as the director? Is he in charge as the organist? Or is there is a MOM that oversees the ministry? 

[MrSparrow06]

1st offense private meeting, no pay (obviously) and a warning of a 1 or 2 week suspension. Written and signed by church official/Pastor
2nd offense meeting with Pastor,  suspension, written warning of termination if there is a 3rd no show no call.
3rd offense termination

In this day and age with all of the texting, calling, emailing that people can do from their cell phone or any stranger's phone a no show no call is only ok if the person is in the hospital in a coma or any medical emergency. Anything short of that is unacceptable.

[amstudiosproducer]

If it is his first time, no call no show, I would have the Pastor give him a verbal warning. Agreed with the statement You as the choir director should be pro active and have a back up plan. I would should that you and him should have a monthly planning sessions and maybe you can record the parts so that you can learn them in advance..