OK, Now What Do I Do?!?

[fballatore]

I'm in a quandry...

I was recently introduced to someone in my neighborhood that has a band, and mentioned that I play sax (well, I try to play sax - been playing less than a year and a half. Still a beginner in many ways.) Anyway, he told me that they didn't have a sax or any horn players, and wanted to introduce me to the rest of the band. He invited me to a gig that they were playing tonight. Let me back up a little. The band is primarily a garage band that plays for fun, but they do play gigs once in a while (sounds like their mostly gratis gigs - again, mostly for fun). Well, I went to the gig to hear them and meet the rest of the band. I was blown away - they were very good! Mostly 70's and 80's classic rock and pop tunes. Now they're sending me their set lists and want me to check them out to see if I'd be interested in joining them. Many of the tunes they played are naturals for a sax part. Now I'm scared to death. I don't think I'm anywhere near ready for this, and kind of told them so tonight, but I'd really love to do it.

What do I do? How do I handle myself? I don't know the first thing about being in a band!

I'd appreciate any comments.

Thanks,

Frank

[makemyday]

Go to the rehearsal and tell them everything you've told us - and then just go for it! You really have nothing to lose - not even your face (they asked you, remember?). It will be a wonderfull experience, really. Have fun!

To prepare yourself, get the original recordings and play along with them (make notes if necessary). Try memorizing the words to the songs as well, as they will give you a clue as to what happens in the music (a good arrangement is always made to make the melody come out better).


Oh yeah, and be prepared to get drunk or something afterwards :)

[gary]

What makemyday said - it's right on.

Also you might want to get your hands on John Laughter's and Pete Yellen's books on rock and roll sax.

[Pete Thomas]

Just do it! You will not regret it I guarantee. There's a pint riding on that.

(follow the previous advice also)

[G-dawg]

To reiterate -

Be open and honest with the band (and yourself). Have fun. Even if things "don't work out," you will gain great playing experience!

[A Greene]

Sounds like fun - unfortunately the average JOE can't tell the difference between Clarence or Coltrane. So just go and Blow.

[esimpson252]

Have a good time. It will be a great learning experience.

[Mark5047]

I agree with everything said here. Just go do it, and honestly you may surprise yourself.
And don't stress.... remeber, this sax playin stuff is supposed to be FUN!!

[Frank D]

Another vote for go play. Most people can't tell your skill level, but they love a sax.

[The A Train]

Frank - You will learn more in a month of jamming with a band live than a year out of books.

[fballatore]

Thanks for all the comments guys; you've given me the confidence to pursue this!

But now I have a million questions. Here are my first two:

1. What's expected of me as a band member besides showing up with my sax and my chops?
2. Should I expect the band leader to hand me the music for the parts I'm expected to play? I'm assuming I'll have to transpose the music myself.

Those are starters. Man, am I nervous. :shock:

Frank :confused:

[Face Ache Mike]

Frank, I thought Spyro Gyra had a sax player? ;) Go for it, if you don`t feel ready now, this will only help the process and you will that much sooner :)

[Mark5047]

Frank

You may not get music - you may just get charts to play from. From there, you will likely have to transpose. Really not a big issue once you start doing it that way. I was so concerned when I started playing with a band recently because I had no experience reading from charts, but I told the group leader and he said "show up anyway, lets see where this goes" and honestly I didnt know what to expect when I showed up for the first rehearsal. It went good. from there it just got better and better. Belive me, people love to hear the sax and the other members of the band know that as well. Everyone wants you to succeed in this.
If they gave you an idea of the songs they are doing, then get a copy of the ones you are interested in starting on and just play along in the comfort of your own house. That will at least give you more confidence at rehearsal, and give the band an opportunity to hear what you can do.
I agree with Medusa Man - you WILL learn more from this than you can from books.
Keep us posted!

[tjontheroad]

Thanks for all the comments guys; you've given me the confidence to pursue this!

But now I have a million questions. Here are my first two:

1. What's expected of me as a band member besides showing up with my sax and my chops?
2. Should I expect the band leader to hand me the music for the parts I'm expected to play? I'm assuming I'll have to transpose the music myself.

Those are starters. Man, am I nervous. :shock:

Frank :confused:

Yeah Frank, go for it!!!

Best advise is to not go in with any expectations. You have to be flexible. It's rare for a local band to have things worked out for someone new. You've got to feel your way around. It may or may not work out. Just keep an open mind and remember that you're likely to play with many acts along the way in the future. Just have fun and blow hard 8-)

[A Greene]

I wouldn't expect any sort of chart. I will probably be something more like OK Sax SOLO - and just let it rip. I would sort of figure some things out softly and not worry.

Get the song list and some recordings and you should be set.

Good Luck

[Bill Mecca]

Frank,

tell them you can't do it and the offers will come pouring in...:lol:(from experience there)


seriously though, you said this was a garage band, well ,don't expect charts, music, anything. If you know some of the tunes they perform, get the originals, or ask them for a tape of them playing the tunes, they might be in different keys than the originals to compensate for vocal range etc.

If you don't know the backing riffs, make up your own, keep it simple, and remember the addage "less is more." a few tasteful lines here and there will work wonders. the worst thing to do is to play over everything.

three things to take besides your horn.... mic, cable and mic stand.

[gary]

I don't want to scare you, but guitar-based bands "usually" play in a predominance of sharp keys, as opposed to flat keys, favoured by winds and writers of wind music. Start working on your pentatonics and blues scales in concert A, E and B.

[Master.America]

And G. And sometimes C...

I like Bill's recommendation. After playing blues jams for a while, I've seen other sax players come in and play throughout a whole song. This bugs people and seems to give sax players a bit of a bad reputation, and will probably get you kicked out of the group pretty quickly. Part of playing in a rock/blues group as a horn player is to know both when and when not to play. Usually, a bop here and there is all it takes to sound pretty polished in a group like that. At least, until you learn the backing riffs.

[JL]

Definitely do it! Nothing better than to play with better musicians, especially when they invited you in. I wouldn't expect to get charts or music, but you'll want to have an idea of the chord changes.

As others have said, don't overplay. Some specific ways to avoid overplaying: In general, you don't want to play over the singer. Try playing fills or a riff that occurs in the spaces between the lyrics. Maybe lay out every other chorus or verse.

Also, as others have suggested get a cd with the tunes they are playing and play along at home until you know the material. And have a good time.

[Kritavi]

Keep in mind as well that in many situations of this type it is your attitude more then your proficiency that counts. A humble, friendly beginner is often more welcome then one might assume.

[Frank D]

Never pass up a chance to play. It's good practice, and you never know what it will lead to.

[bluesaxgirl]

Go for it. One of my favorite pastimes during the school year is hanging out in the band room and listening to the players in the wind ensemble (who are much better than I am). Just by observing, I have learned so much-- Have fun! :)