Via Violinist Zach Brock
http://www.zachbrock.com/site/2012/09/steve-kindlers-cadenza-on-pastoral-from-visions-of-the-emerald-beyond/
Transcription of Kindler's solo on "Pastoral" from "Visions Of the Emerald Beyond".
While you are at it check out Zach Brock's playing.
Contact Steven Vance at 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/ for performances, workshops, teaching, writing or speaking opportunities.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
DON'T DO THAT !
I played with a band for an association gig and although I was relieved not to be the band leader there were things that I saw that I need to tell you "DON'T DO THAT !". None of these were the worst things I've ever seen but they were simple, controllable, and important to the success of any musician or group.
1. Start on time. The band was ready to go at the contracted time and guests starting coming in but the band leader was not aware of what time it was so we started 10 minutes late after quite a few guests had arrived. DON'T DO THAT. My feeling is that you should be playing, whenever possible, as the guests arrive. It creates a good first impression, sets the tone, gives you a presence that you can't get back if you start after people are there, and starts you on your way to what the Disney people call "controlling the experience". You want your customers to be impressed from start to finish and although you don't cook the food or adjust the thermostat you can control what you do. Even if you don't think people will notice you are late - assume they do. You are being paid for your time - earn it. Even give a little more when the situation calls for it.
2. We played a 40 minute set and took a break. Not unusual for a 3 hour gig but without going on my rant about why do musicians need so many breaks I have to say that 45 minutes was a but much. DON'T DO THAT ! There were extenuating circumstances due to complaints about volume (see below) and the fact that they set up the registration table within 5 feet of one of the main PA speakers. There were also announcements being made over the house PA that could not be heard when we were playing so recognizing that and trying to the guests time to talk is not a bad instinct but ...
3. Volume. During the very first song the friend of the bandleader who had arranged the booking for the band came up and asked us to turn down. I was not controlling the sound board and did not think it was excessive but I'd rather be told to turn up than turn down. Be sensitive to the surroundings. When I check sound I listen to for the volume level I think is good and then turn it down 10% to account for my "rock and roll ears". Nothing will prevent you from getting a return invite like being "too loud". Of course, that is all subjective but my rule is whatever I think the person who is paying me wants is what I'm most likely to do. Yes, when they set the 94-year-old at the table next to your speakers at the wedding someone is going to be unhappy but you must find a balance that will please the client - maybe more than you.
4. Be accommodating. When a member of the group asked to use our PA to make some announcements I was out in the room and could not hear a word he was saying. I told our sound man about it and the reply was "Not my problem" meaning it was not the music so he was not responsible or concerned. Plus, he was a little ticked about his mix being watered down by the requests to keep the music "background". Why you hire a 6 piece band if you want the volume to be "muzak-like" I don;t know but that is the real world. DEAL WITH IT.
5. Play the whole time. The band started the third and final set with 30 minutes left to play. After two songs the band leader said "good night" with 20 minutes left on the contracted time. Why ? I guess because 90-95% of the people had left. DON'T DO THAT ! Several people had finally started to dance and begged us to keep playing. So, we turned everything back on and finished the set. Those few that stayed came by and were very complimentary. I subscribe to the "Bruce Springsteen theory of performance" (I made that up). Give 100% whether there are 12 people in the room or 12,000. Those 12 can become your most ardent fans and can someday turn into 12,000.
Was it a terrible gig ? There were plenty of things I would not have done. Was it a great gig ? We got paid and received compliments at the end of the night. I guess it was another 1 of 10,000 gigs.
Steven Vance is a freelance musician who has played or booked over 10,000 gigs in the past 20+ years. This blog is designed to be educational for musicians of all stripes and ages who want to book more gigs. For more information on my performing, writing, speaking and teaching call 800-303-1947 or go to http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html.
1. Start on time. The band was ready to go at the contracted time and guests starting coming in but the band leader was not aware of what time it was so we started 10 minutes late after quite a few guests had arrived. DON'T DO THAT. My feeling is that you should be playing, whenever possible, as the guests arrive. It creates a good first impression, sets the tone, gives you a presence that you can't get back if you start after people are there, and starts you on your way to what the Disney people call "controlling the experience". You want your customers to be impressed from start to finish and although you don't cook the food or adjust the thermostat you can control what you do. Even if you don't think people will notice you are late - assume they do. You are being paid for your time - earn it. Even give a little more when the situation calls for it.
2. We played a 40 minute set and took a break. Not unusual for a 3 hour gig but without going on my rant about why do musicians need so many breaks I have to say that 45 minutes was a but much. DON'T DO THAT ! There were extenuating circumstances due to complaints about volume (see below) and the fact that they set up the registration table within 5 feet of one of the main PA speakers. There were also announcements being made over the house PA that could not be heard when we were playing so recognizing that and trying to the guests time to talk is not a bad instinct but ...
3. Volume. During the very first song the friend of the bandleader who had arranged the booking for the band came up and asked us to turn down. I was not controlling the sound board and did not think it was excessive but I'd rather be told to turn up than turn down. Be sensitive to the surroundings. When I check sound I listen to for the volume level I think is good and then turn it down 10% to account for my "rock and roll ears". Nothing will prevent you from getting a return invite like being "too loud". Of course, that is all subjective but my rule is whatever I think the person who is paying me wants is what I'm most likely to do. Yes, when they set the 94-year-old at the table next to your speakers at the wedding someone is going to be unhappy but you must find a balance that will please the client - maybe more than you.
4. Be accommodating. When a member of the group asked to use our PA to make some announcements I was out in the room and could not hear a word he was saying. I told our sound man about it and the reply was "Not my problem" meaning it was not the music so he was not responsible or concerned. Plus, he was a little ticked about his mix being watered down by the requests to keep the music "background". Why you hire a 6 piece band if you want the volume to be "muzak-like" I don;t know but that is the real world. DEAL WITH IT.
5. Play the whole time. The band started the third and final set with 30 minutes left to play. After two songs the band leader said "good night" with 20 minutes left on the contracted time. Why ? I guess because 90-95% of the people had left. DON'T DO THAT ! Several people had finally started to dance and begged us to keep playing. So, we turned everything back on and finished the set. Those few that stayed came by and were very complimentary. I subscribe to the "Bruce Springsteen theory of performance" (I made that up). Give 100% whether there are 12 people in the room or 12,000. Those 12 can become your most ardent fans and can someday turn into 12,000.
Was it a terrible gig ? There were plenty of things I would not have done. Was it a great gig ? We got paid and received compliments at the end of the night. I guess it was another 1 of 10,000 gigs.
Steven Vance is a freelance musician who has played or booked over 10,000 gigs in the past 20+ years. This blog is designed to be educational for musicians of all stripes and ages who want to book more gigs. For more information on my performing, writing, speaking and teaching call 800-303-1947 or go to http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html.
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