Greg’s notes on how behave like a (semi-) pro on the bandstand

Since I got back into music, I have found myself occasionally frustrated by what I would call a "lack of professionalism" among band mates, both in concert and jazz bands. Most likely they were not trained the way I was; my high school jazz band played a lot of dance gigs, and we held ourselves to a very high standard. And I learned a lot in college bands about discipline and teamwork.

So I thought I’d lay out my take on how to be a (semi-) pro in a big jazz band. Some of this may be review. Some of this may seem a bit intense, but in a competitive environment a band will need to show a high level of professionalism to be successful and be invited back.

I’m assuming here that you already know how to play your instrument with an appropriate level of skill. This is not about musicianship, this is about the other stuff.

Music

• Rule number one. Do not put the band in the position of having to wait for you to futz around with your music.
• Have the set list up, in order, and ready to go. Be ready to switch to the next chart immediately after the conclusion of the last chart. Always be ready for changes in the set list from the leader.
• Some people like to put their music in three ring binders. I find that unwieldy and hard to balance on top of a stand. And, you can only have two pages displayed at a time when often you will need three or more. I prefer the traditional method of just taping the sheets together in a continuous stream, because it allows me the easiest and fastest way of moving the music to where I need it.
• Always bring the full book, and be prepared for tunes to be called that aren’t on the set list.

• Or, use sheet music software. I would recommend getting some time in on the software before using it to gig with. You do not want to be in a situation at a gig where the software is misbehaving, you have a dead battery, etc.
• In general, do whatever works for you but always keep in mind rule number one.

Equipment

• Music stand. If you need one (or more) make sure it’s heavy duty and can support whatever you plan to put on it, even outdoors in a windstorm. I like the Hercules stand with the tripod base, because it can get low and is stable. I also have a Peterson plastic stand – it actually blew over on me one time. Not a good choice. Some bands have fronts or stands for the saxes, or even other sections. If so, be prepared for that and the issues you may have in seeing the music a bit further away than you are used to. One band I am in rehearses with old cardboard band fronts in order to be consistent. The older you get, the more this is an issue, especially when standing for a solo. But then you have all those changes memorized, right? 🙂 Some people get corrective glasses made just for this purpose.
• Music light. Always bring one (unless you’re using a tablet or laptop). You never know when you’ll need one. I have used them outside under a tent because of shadows. I prefer the Super Giglight or the Mighty Bright Orchestra Light. Both can be battery powered if needed. Do not count on AC power being available.
• If you’re outside… a sheet of Plexiglas or other way of stabilizing your music outside in the wind, that allows you to quickly turn pages or do whatever else you need. You can get Plexiglas sheets at Home Depot. Clothespins notoriously suck at this. I also have a pair of special "music" clips that look like long clothespins with the front piece being clear. The problem with any pin or magnet type solution is that if you have to turn a page, you are screwed. It’s actually faster and easier to lift the glass, flip the page (or slide the music to the left), and put the glass back, then to fiddle with the damn clothespins. One of my music stands also has some springy wires built in to hold the music down. Worthless, the pressure point is never in the right place and they aren’t strong enough.
• Instrument stands. Bring whatever you need to hold whatever you’re going to play, and make sure it is set up so it won’t easily be knocked over. Ask me how I know 🙂
• Tuner as required. It’s a reference point, but don’t be a slave to it as the piano may not be in tune. Be ready to adjust tuning at any time.
• Always bring backups for things that may fail onstage. Batteries, etc. In general, know that everything you bring to a gig (including your instrument) is reliable.
• Greg’s gig bag contains:
  • Spare reeds that I know don’t suck. At least one Plasticover or other synthetic read that needs no warm up time. If you’re running late, you may need that extra two minutes.
  • A spare neck strap. I’ve had one fail.
  • Masking tape (for cork repair) and Scotch tape for music repairs. Cloth medical tape can also be used for a lot of interesting things.
  • A seat cushion. Venue chairs almost always suck. I got a nice one at Costco (in the automotive section) with Coolmax and memory foam. It’ll make a lot of difference in a long gig on a tiny folding chair.
  • A clip on battery powered fan. Gigs can get toasty.
  • Water bottle. Be sure and stay hydrated, just don’t knock the damn thing over during a quiet spot. I actually have a water bottle holder that slips onto a music stand (looks like a big spring) to hold it out of the way.
  • I always carry a random bag of stuff like batteries, tape, other little stuff. And some repair tools like tiny screwdrivers, etc. I’ve had to use them more often than I ever thought I would.

Dress code

• Could be a topic of endless discussion. For most cases, you have three options:
  • Super formal. Tuxes, suits, etc. For weddings and formal dances, etc.
  • Nice but not formal. Usually black button down shirt, black slacks, black nice shoes (not athletic shoes or sandals) for guys. Most indoor gigs are in this category.
  • Casual. Can be polo shirts/khakis, or even more casual. Usually outdoor festival type gigs.

• That being said, I think the tropical shirt thing has run its course :0.
• Some bands have official shirts and uniforms. If so, then problem solved.

Behavior

• BE ON TIME. I’m only gonna say it once. Being late for a gig is grounds for a serious conversation. Be early if you have to. Don’t be late. Bandleaders will forgive a lot of things, but not being present is usually hard to swallow.
• Help out with set up and teardown where needed (rhythm section particularly, and PA where needed). Do not leave after the gig until tear down is complete and given permission by the bandleader.
• DO NOT warm up or tune on stage. That’s what the green room is for, assuming there is one. If not, find a place where the audience will not hear you. They are not paying to hear you run scales.
• DO make sure any microphones you will be using actually work. This is between you and the sound guy if there is one.
• Always be ready to go to the next song IMMEDIATELY. Do not assume there will be a lot of chatter in between charts. The crowd is not there to listen to us talk.
• Follow the leader. This shouldn’t need to be said, but I’ll say it anyway. You should always always always follow the section leader. Section leaders, you should always always always follow the bandleader. If we’re in the middle of 8 choruses of piano solo and the leader holds up his fist, WE EXIT at the next repeat no matter what else may be going on. Do whatever you have to do to make that happen; hand signals, yelling, whatever. Be alert and always listening and watching to what the rest of the band and specifically the leader is doing. The whole point of a band is to PLAY TOGETHER.
• The primary reason you are there is to provide a show for the audience, and perform. That can be fun, but that’s a secondary goal. The primary goal is audience enjoyment.