Data Tree of ensemble members.

Last week, I was to play for large Christmas concert and nativity musical at a local church. The event was supposed to start at 7PM.

At 5:30, just 90 minutes before the show, I started getting several calls, texts, and emails from other band members alerting me that the event was just cancelled due to an oncoming snow storm.

I was glad to get so many notices rather than not having any word requiring driving several miles through deep snow only to find myself alone in an empty church parking lot.

Make sure that, at your first rehearsal, you pass around a "Contact info" tablet so everyone has access to the other ensemble members data. Have them include their phone, email and address (in case someone has car trouble and needs a ride)

You never know when a rehearsal or performance will be changed, postponed, or cancelled at the last minute due to such situations as inclement weather conditions.

good gigging!

Larry Marra

www.musicteachers911.com

Silence is Golden

Silence is Golden

OK, this tip should be obvious to seasoned players, but sometime it bears repeating for the newbies.

NEVER WARM UP ON STAGE!

Warm up somewhere the audience can't here you. When you are tuned and ready to perform, enter the stage silently and wait for the conductor to cue the first selection.

The stage should be where the audience hears the first note of the ensemble during the entrance of the first number. They did not come to hear you run through scales or difficult passages.

nuh said?

good gigging,

Larry Marra

musicteachers911.com