Marion, often I don't call--I fax them a list of my available times/dates for the next few months and a note asking them to call me when they are booking future months.

Whether by phone or in a fax, I'll say that I really enjoyed doing music with the residents and I'd love to return when they have a spot open for me in their calendar. If the A. D. says "I'm full for August and haven't started on September yet," I say something like "I'd really like to be considered for September or October, but I don't want to take up your time, since I know how busy you are. When should I contact you about booking for another month?"

(If it's May and they say they're already booked through August but won't start on September until July 31, I'll probably contact them again late June.)

Genie