Need Help Getting MY Name Out For Gigs!!!

Warbird · Posted: Sat May 04, 2002 11:50 am Post subject:

Well, I have finally reached the saturation that a high school student can reach. I have been told to start playing in gigs and that I am ready for that. Being that I am not a college student or graduate as of yet, I am somewhat handicaped compared to other people, but I was wondering how exaclt you get your name out there to play in wedding gigs and for parties. My trumpet teacher has told me that he would keep me in mind if someone asked him, but other then that, what all can I do? Thanks for your time.

In Christ,
Joseph N. Pack
_________________
Holton MF ST307 -Marc Bobby Shew 1E10.3
Bach Strad. Mo 43 - Bach 1X
1929 Conn. - Bach 1X
1935 H. N. White Co. Cornet - Denis Wick 4B

_Don Herman · Posted: Sat May 04, 2002 12:16 pm Post subject:

Check out some local churches and volunteer to do offertories. Ask the HS amd MS band directors if they'd like you to do a "trumpet demo" for the younger guys. Attitude is everything; make sure you are having a great time no matter the gig. Never talk down anything about the gig. Look for local jam sessions -- but listen a while (like, days or weeks) before you sit in! A rep takes years to build but can be wiped out in seconds.

HTH - Don
_________________
Don Herman/Monument, CO
"After silence, that which best expresses the inexpressible, is music." - Aldous Huxley

Quadruple C · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Nov 2001 Posts: 1448

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2003-09-29 14:43 ]

pair of kings · Posted: Sat May 04, 2002 2:32 pm Post subject:

Develop a repertoire. learn some tunes, learn to sight read well and to transpose. give respect for other players. try to learn something from everyone. make a demo cd showing your strengths as a player if you are serious.

Strawdoggy · Posted: Thu May 09, 2002 5:45 am Post subject:

Things will be slow at first. There always seems to be more players than gigs. It is tough to break in unless your playing is good enough to get people remembering your name.

If you do get a gig:

1) Be early
2) Do what the leader tells you - no arguments
3) Have all your equipment
4) Dress properly
5) Prepare the music and/or sightread to the best of your ability (sight reading could be a thread of its own)
6) Have a cell phone

Dont:

1) Badmouth other players
2) Blast or show off

I am sure I forgot some other points - anyone else?

Above all, treat each gig as if it is an audition for the next job.

trickg · Posted: Thu May 09, 2002 7:30 am Post subject:

I agree with Don. Find a local church with a decent music program/organist and volunteer to do some music. I started out doing preludes, postludes and hymn descants. If you perform well, are on time, dress properly and keep your ego in check, word will get out and you will find yourself getting paid to do weddings and other special services.

Community bands are also good places to get out there and get your name in the mix. Just make sure that you always have a pencil or pen on hand if someone wants your contact info. Good luck!

_________________
Patrick Gleason
- Jupiter 1600i, ACB 3C, Warburton 4SVW/Titmus RT2
- Brasspire Unicorn C
- ACB Doubler

"95% of the average 'weekend warrior's' problems will be solved by an additional 30 minutes of insightful practice." - PLP

Strawdoggy · Posted: Fri May 10, 2002 4:47 am Post subject:

There's one I forgot that Patrick made me think of:

Have a business card ready if someone ASKS for it.

trickg · Posted: Fri May 10, 2002 5:15 am Post subject:

I've had business cards in the past, but for a HS player it might seem a bit presumptuous, although they are certainly more handy than digging out a pen/pencil and finding something to write on.

_________________
Patrick Gleason
- Jupiter 1600i, ACB 3C, Warburton 4SVW/Titmus RT2
- Brasspire Unicorn C
- ACB Doubler

"95% of the average 'weekend warrior's' problems will be solved by an additional 30 minutes of insightful practice." - PLP

EBjazz · Posted: Fri May 10, 2002 11:12 am Post subject:

I find that your best source of gigs is other trumpet players. Try to meet the cats that are working at or above your ladder.
Rehearsal bands are good for that.
Find a band that doesn't have a trumpet player and sit in. Sit in as much as you can.
_________________
Eric Bolvin
http://bolvinmusic.com/product/the-modern-jazz-trumpet-method/
www.bolvinmusic.com

mark936 · Posted: Mon May 13, 2002 12:11 am Post subject:

If I were in your spot or I "could do it all over again" I'd find some way of hanging out at the local Jr. college's jazz emsemble rehearsals.

It seemed like a jump into hyper space and I could have been better prepared for college.

And you meet other trumpet players that might help you out and use you to substitute in dance bands.

Emb_Enh · Veteran Member Joined: 29 Oct 2002 Posts: 455

How are ya doin on this onme Mr.Warbird??
_________________
Regards, Roddy o-iii RoddyTpt@aol.com

"E M B O U C H U R E___E N H A N C E M E N T"
BOOK 1 also... BOOK 2 + demo CD

[Self Analysis and Diagnostic Trumpet Method]