That Jazz - Monkey Max Music and File Download

Chapter 16: So You Wanna Be in a Band: Fitting into a Jazz Ensemble
It’s easier to recruit one member at a time. If you find one person with whom
you can build rapport, the two of you can have an easier time adding a third
or fourth together.
You can tell a lot about a person by talking over the phone. For starters,
you need to know if you like a person or can establish a basic connection.
Personalities and life experiences may be as important to your group’s chemistry
as musical experience and ability. When talking to perspective band
members on the telephone, have the following list of questions at hand. You
can screen out a lot of people on the phone without taking the time to meet
them in person.
� Why do you want to be in a band?
� What kind of equipment do you have?
� How long have you been playing and how often do you play?
� What level do you consider yourself?
� What kind of performing experience do you have?
� What are your strengths as a player? Weaknesses?
� Where would we practice?
� Do you want to play gigs?
� Do you have any leads on gigs?
� What are a few of your favorite songs?
� Can you suggest other musicians to round out our group?
Also talk about practical matters such as time, money, and transportation.
Someone may be a great player but won’t work out if he can’t attend regular
practices due to time or distance factors. Also, you don’t want a drummer
with a tiny compact car who’s counting on you for transportation or a guitarist
who has a fine guitar but no amplifier. As long as you’re making music
for fun more than money, it shouldn’t be difficult to agree on finances. But if
you’re playing for profit, figure out the details ahead of time. You don’t want
to explain the payout details outside a club at 2 a.m. after a gig.
If you like your candidate(s) (and the answers you get) after asking these
questions, take the next steps to getting to know them:
1. If you’re just starting, you need to audition your first players.
After you’ve recruited some musicians, you can invite new prospects to
meet the play with the group.
2. Count off a tune you both know and see what happens.
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