As of this writing, we could not have a timelier topic. Each of us has been affected in one way or another by COVID-19. In this chapter, I write about how the decision to shut down was put in place in Detroit and for several conducting dates I had going forward. But health issues for musicians have existed long before 2020.

Hearing loss, various injuries to muscles and nerves, and even mental health disorders are part of what make up the life of the orchestral player. There are times when one wonders, knowing that these perils exist, why do they enter the profession in the first place?

Do any of you have questions about health concerns for those onstage and even in the audience?