House Band Auxiliary Musicians require solid sight-reading and chart-interpretation skills, and are able to deliver music across a variety of styles such as Jazz, Rock, Broadway, Latin, Pop, and Country. Professional-level reading is essential, but also needs to be complemented with strong intuitive listening skills and familiarity with a broad array of styles and repertoire. House Band Auxiliary Musicians will perform on a mix of Company-provided percussion instruments onboard including conga, timbales, bongos, and others, as well as vocals and/or other Company- or Musician-provided instrument depending on the instrument. We encourage them to bring at least one personal hand-drum (cajon, djembe, etc.) that could safely travel as checked luggage or carry-on. House Band Auxiliary Musicians should expect to regularly perform with the House Band for large shows, as well as in small groups around the vessel as required.
Priority for hiring consideration will be given to musicians who can double on professional lead-vocals, with solid pitch and range in a variety of styles, or who can double on another House Band instrument at a professional reading level.
All of our House Band Musicians are expected to:
- Perform on their instrument as scheduled by the Music Manager not more than 35 hours in a week, averaged not more than 5 hours per day, with performance schedules of 2-4 sets typical;
- Dress professionally in "Theater Blacks" , tuxedo / formal attire, with other business casual attire available as-needed;
- Join into a shared cabin with one other teammate;
- Attend regular trainings and meetings as part of life onboard;
- Take part in regular safety exercises and In-Port-Manning duties;
- Enthusiastically engage with guests and teammates as part of live performances, on- and off-stage; and
- Rehearse with the group and/or complete personal practice as-needed.
Benefits of performing with Princess Cruises include:
- Flexible contract scheduling above 14 weeks;
- Variety of itineraries and locations;
- Negotiable starting salaries based on qualifications;
- Eligibility for discounted cruise fares after one year of service;
- Partial reimbursements on Seafarer's Medical Fitness Certificate costs;
- Reimbursements on certain baggage/travel costs;
- Company-provided travel to and from the assigned vessel (subject to visa and legal considerations, through select major airports);
- Company-provided accommodations when traveling to the assigned vessel (subject to scheduling needs); and
- Access to certain guest areas, facilities, and amenities, on an as-available basis (subject to Captain's Standing Orders and any health guidance in effect).
Video auditions / showreels are required -- YouTube links are the preferred method. Interviews / auditions are planned and scheduled on a case-by-case basis and focus on:
- Sight-reading
- Knowledge of genres, styles and percussion patterns
- Improvisational abilities;
- Doubling on 2nd instrument and/or lead vocals; and
- English proficiency.