My thoughts
My career is starting to take shape. As much as I beat myself up, I have to step back once and a while and be objective. The evidence is there: getting calls to perform, requests to arrange, interviews, and job offers (part-time educational positions here-and-there). I will write this so that I can reference it later when I get a little dark. :)
Stage presence needs to be addressed in jazz as it is often neglected. I recently witnessed a singer, when not in front of the band but still on stage, reading a newspaper and often see other instrumentalists checking their watches and cellar phones for messages and updated scores on games. Ridiculous. How is the audience supposed to take the music seriously when the musicians, by their actions and body language, indicate that they would rather be somewhere else. Sure, some gigs suck and many venues treat us like c@#% but until we treat ourselves with respect and acknowledge the musical efforts of the musicians around us, how can be expect the musical climate to change? So, bow after your solo and acknowledge the audience, smile once in a while, turn off your phone (better yet, keep it in your case) and actually listen to the other musicians when you are not playing. We chose this line of work so enjoy it. It is and should be enjoyable.
As a frequent sub, and a band leader who frequently needs subs, I often reflect on the importance of acknowledging the work that these guests do for the ensemble. Sure, you may get section mates that lean over and say "nice work" but unless the leader of the group introduces the new player and thanks them afterwards, the guest may leave with a "bad taste" in his/her mouth. This is also true for situations when the sub knows the leader of the band. Never take the time investment of the "sub" for granted, as that player may be not be as willing to come in the next time you call. Now, to be clear, I have seen this error from both sides. I have noticed old friends/band leaders not acknowledge my presence the entire night and I have kicked myself after my own rehearsal for not introducing the guest player and for not thanking him/her afterwards. It is something that we should all keep in mind.
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Dr. Michael KearnsMusician, educator, husband, father, web designer ... my life is like a mosaic with each piece vying for my attention. Archives
March 2019
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