Joining a band

[phoenix_c80]

Hi, I've been playing the alto saxophone for a year now. I go to a tutor once a week and practice solo. I was wondering how much experience do you need to join something like a college band. Is it for the experienced or is it for us all to learn together? What new challenges will come with joining a band? Finally, for the late-bloomers, do you practice solo or do you practice with others? By the way, if you guys can help, I live in NYC. Thanks.

[pepper]

depends on the quality of the other players, and wether you more or less share the same ambitions and abilities.

i played in a workshop group for a while, which was my first experience of group playing. it helps a lot and you'll find you improve a lot more than just practicing solo - which is equally vital and something you should never stop doing, as it is very important in developing your own sound.

[Gandalfe]

Hmm, you just have a year and want to pick up with a college band. I'd recommend a community band until you get some chops. Check out the community band list that Ron Boerger put together, pick out a likely candidate, and go have fun.

http://www.boerger.org/c-m/groups.shtml

[phoenix_c80]

Thank you guys. Gandalfe, can you tell me where to find Ron Boerger's listing?