Performance Appraisal Comment – Jamess Cook (Musical Manager, Nov 2024 – Feb 2025)Jamess Cook acted as musical manager during the initial phase of the contract (November 2024 – February 2025). As a musician, he is highly talented and brought a high artistic standard to performances. His musicianship and commitment to show quality were evident throughout his time on board.
However, in his managerial role, several challenges were encountered:

• In some cases, show programming was carried out without confirming the readiness of the musicians. For instance, a complex piece such as the American medley was scheduled on short notice, with insufficient time for study or rehearsal.
• Requests for rehearsal or support in preparation were often denied or ignored, creating unnecessary stress and placing performers in difficult situations.
• Sheet music provided by Jamess was frequently handwritten, untidy, and included multiple corrections and inaccuracies. This caused confusion and extra effort for the musicians, particularly without follow-up rehearsals or clarification.
• Certain logistical aspects—such as physical space limitations in venues like the Crooners Bar—were not taken into account in advance, resulting in performance challenges. In one instance, this led to pressure to separate ensemble musicians, despite their established format as a unified group.
• Communication was often unclear or ambiguous, with responses that lacked managerial precision and were difficult to interpret.
• During critical situations, such as illness of a key performer, flexibility and supportive leadership were lacking.

In summary, while Jamess is a strong musician, his management approach during this period presented notable difficulties in communication, planning, and leadership. With development in these areas, he has the potential to be a more effective leader in the future.