Playing with New People for the First Time

Being a bass player (and tubist), I’ve played in a variety of ensembles - large and small. From Symphony Orchestras, Wind Ensembles, Percussion Ensembles, jazz trios, latin-jazz string quintet, bluegrass bands, garage bands, and more; there are a lot of personalities of musicians to deal with. Sometimes everybody reads music, sometimes not, and sometimes you gotta show the guitar player the difference between E Major and E minor. Adjustments have to be made.

I was recently complimented by two local musicians in Estes Park on my musical professionalism and flexibility, which I do appreciate. I didn’t realize it but, I hold high standards when it comes to performing music.

So, here are Mr. Lenz’s rules for playing with new people for the first time:

Come Prepared

A few months ago, I was offered to perform with Cowboy Brad. He sent the set list of all of the songs, and which key they were in - great basic information for the John Denver covers we were playing. As soon as I accepted the gig, I created a new folder on my iPad with all of the lyrics and chords (except for one song that I could not find the correct lyric/chord combination). On my Spotify account, I created a playlist of, again, all of the songs on the set list. I listened to the bass-line in relation to everything else being played. Before our rehearsal, I had already listened to the set list two or three times, sometimes playing along to the recording, but also watching the lyric and chord sheets. Listening, Playing, and Reading at the same time help me memorize.

Preparing Orchestral Music, in-my-opinion, is the highest level of difficulty in the musical world. I only experienced the collegiate level of being Principal Bass and Section Bass. I didn’t enjoy it. The work to put in for bowings, fingerings, etc. on top of the work that you WANT to play was too much.

When you show up to the rehearsal, be mentally present to make music that you prepared.

THE REHEARSAL

When others are talking or playing, don’t talk and play soft.

Do not interrupt me. Do not interrupt others. I hate that. Also, if it’s my turn to solo, don’t play over me. I don’t interrupt you and you bet I’m going to be a strong supporting role that stays out of the way when you solo.

I heard the late CW5 Brian Anderson (RIP) talk about Gladys Knight and the Pips as his analogy to playing softer. “We want to hear Gladys Knight over the Pips! No one cares if it’s only the Pips!” Then he would yell it again while pointing to the soloist, “Gladys Knight”, and motion to the rest of the band, “Pips!”. I heard this analogy almost every month for 13 years.

You can grow dynamically with the soloist, but allow the soloist to lead.

We are together for the music.

The larger the ensemble, the larger amount of distractions happen. More distractions create less efficiency. Stop the chatty communication between cliques and leave “inside jokes” out of the rehearsal. Concerts and Rehearsals bring people together for the production of music, so bring your most direct musical intentions as your focus.

Music is fun! Smile!

There is some sort of connection with smiling putting you and others in a good mood. It will reflect your music! It’s more difficult for woodwind and brass players because of their embouchure, but sneaking in some smiles on rests works too. String players and percussionists have it easy and should let their smiles shine!