What would you do...

jbeights · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:35 am Post subject: What would you do...

I am interested in what some of you guys would do if you were in my situation. I have been studying and playing again for almost three years now and would like to play in more groups outside of just church every sunday. There are some groups here in town, however no openings or they are not very serious in their efforts to perform. (I want to be in a group that takes it seriously) We have a couple of Universities in town that have ensembles. (you see where I am going with this) I am thinking about applying for the school of music and taking some classes so that I can play in some decent ensembles. Its crazy I know, but I am not sure I have a choice. What would you do?

jbeights · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:36 am Post subject:

And no, I am not going to switch to golf. I already drink way more than I should.

iWinland · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 11:51 am Post subject:

Try forming a brass quintet with like minded people. No reason in paying money to a university to play, though some universitys have a community band also...
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jbeights · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:11 pm Post subject:

cheiden · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:23 pm Post subject:

When I cameback after a long hiatus I quickly fell in with a community college big band that was friendly to "nontraditional" students. The cost was very reasonable and the band very challanging. They only performed a few times a year but it was enough to keep players motivated. To my knowledge the 4-year universities are not generally so accomodating. If that doesn't pan out just keep networking anyway you can. Odds are good you'll get your next opportunity from someone you've yet to meet.
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jiarby · Heavyweight Member Joined: 08 Jul 2011 Posts: 734

+1 for local community college based night bands. There are 3-4 here where I live. I now play in 2 big bands and a concert band.

Thx Dave!

Oncewasaplayer · Heavyweight Member Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 787

In my comeback, joining a community college community band was the perfect next step. There I met many players, became friendly with the directors and became much more confident in my playing. I next joined one of the community college community big bands--also a key step in my development.
The community college has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and I found players of all ages in the groups. The tuition costs for these bands is very reasonable--especially compared to the costs of a four-year school.

If you have a com. college nearby, check out what they're doing.
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Redhothorn · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 12:59 pm Post subject:

Aside from CraigsList there is also something called BandMix.com
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trumpetera · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:06 pm Post subject:

jbeights · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:10 pm Post subject:

jbeights · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:11 pm Post subject:

jbeights · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:15 pm Post subject:

cheiden · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 1:46 pm Post subject:

It's always something of a balancing act to find groups that I consider good serious enough to warrant the effort, that isn't so good/serious that I couldn't be accepted or be really comfortable. In general I think it's valuable to play in a variety of groups, some of which you're one of the better players and other groups where you have to work to keep up.
_________________
"I'm an engineer, which means I think I know a whole bunch of stuff I really don't."
Charles J Heiden/So Cal
Bach Strad 180ML43*/43 Bb
Yamaha 731 Flugel
Kanstul 920 Picc
Conn 80A Cornet
Bach 3C rim/Bach 1-1/2C underpart

jbeights · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 6:14 pm Post subject:

Pete Anderson · Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 9:41 pm Post subject:

Do you take lessons? Maybe your teacher could put you in touch with some like-minded people? S/he would be more likely to know lots of serious musicians or know someone who knows someone, etc.

Do the colleges near you have music programs? Maybe you could put up flyers and try to recruit some players that way.

Are parade bands a thing where you live? In my area, there are a lot of bands that march and play music in parades throughout the spring/summer/fall. You show up, march, get a check. The music is easy which means you get an interesting mix of people who are just there for the money, and music students or pro/semi-professional musicians looking to make an easy couple of bucks.

Typically the overall level of musicianship is low due to the people who don't care and are just there for the easy money, but you never know who you might meet. I did a parade once and was surprised to find out that the tuba player had a gig with the BSO later that night... These groups can be a great way to meet other musicians.

jscahoy · Veteran Member Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 294

The problem with university ensembles (besides the cost) is that they usually rehearse during working hours. I'd suggest joining the largest group you can get into, even if it's less than ideal. It may take awhile, but if you can really play, someone will notice and get you connected with a better opportunity. It really is all networking.

In the meantime, you can always play along with SmartMusic

jbeights · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 3:06 am Post subject:

cheiden · Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 8:43 am Post subject:

Right after highschool I tried a couple of local local amateur bands and was discouraged for the same reasons the OP mentioned. I was fortunate that one local community college bands had both night/weekend classes, a good number of strong players and a wicked hard book. The local big bands I also found were a mixed bag but I did learn to enjoy playing every part, sometime's being one of the better players proping up the section and sometimes doing all I could keep up playing 5th. It was with these amateur big bands that I really was able to start working on my lead playing and the ocassional improvised solo.
_________________
"I'm an engineer, which means I think I know a whole bunch of stuff I really don't."
Charles J Heiden/So Cal
Bach Strad 180ML43*/43 Bb
Yamaha 731 Flugel
Kanstul 920 Picc
Conn 80A Cornet
Bach 3C rim/Bach 1-1/2C underpart

jbeights · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:11 am Post subject:

cheiden · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 10:31 pm Post subject: