 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: wjk
Date: 2002-10-23 18:08
Do you need a degree in psychology to play in a band? I'm starting to play in a small combo, and "leaders" and "followers" are starting to emerge. How do you deal with the bandmate who feels his way is the only right way? How do you deal with the soloist who wants to always "hog" the spotlight?
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Author: Ken
Date: 2002-10-23 19:32
Replace the vocalist and trumpet player with a harmonica and banjo.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2002-10-23 20:28
Ken wrote:
>
> Replace the vocalist and trumpet player with a harmonica
> and banjo.
I played in a backup band for Earl Scruggs once.
Scratch the banjo.
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Author: Ken
Date: 2002-10-23 21:03
Mark Charette wrote: "I played in a backup band for Earl Scruggs once.
Scratch the banjo."
--Impressive, Earl was 'da man; got too much bluegrass on the brain lately. Swap out the banjo for a smokin' jazz guitartist with one of those cool early 70s Gretsch "White Falcons" with the gold-plated hardware. <;-
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-10-23 23:22
Dealing with "group dynamics" no matter whether it's jazz, or "classical" chamber music is a matter of diplomacy - in my experience
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Author: Morrigan
Date: 2002-10-24 04:47
Turn around and tell them exactly how you feel. They'll never bother you again, and you'll probably become the leader after that. This is your opportunity to lead well.
On the other hand, would the 'followers' know what to do if they were 'leaders'? The leaders may not know everything, but at least the followers, who may or may not have an idea, have *something* to go by.
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-10-24 08:09
This one deserves careful reasponses.
wjk writes, and I reply:
"Do you need a degree in psychology to play in a band?"
I do happen to have one of those, and my experience indicates that while not mandatory, it can't hurt. Furthermore, I am also a law school dropout, and that doesn't hurt, either. However, I am troubled occasionally by the effects of lumbar arthritis, and that *does* hurt. Fortunately, playing Clarinet in a seated position prompts hardly any raised eyebrows.
"I'm starting to play in a small combo, and 'leaders' and 'followers' are starting to emerge."
This is not surprising. The emergence of leaders and followers is a phenomenon observed everywhere from a kindergarten playground to a world war. Note that "a small combo" would be included in such a broad span of human activities.
"How do you deal with the bandmate who feels his way is the only right way?"
Suggest that he start his own group, so that he can simply tell everyone else what to do. You then do not join his group, even if tempted by the promise of wondrous compensation. This does not apply, of course, in the unlikely event his way really *is* the only right way. Such an instance would require alternative action.
"How do you deal with the soloist who wants to always 'hog' the spotlight?"
Suggest that he either go to Kliegl and buy his own spotlight, or perhaps simply play alone.
Regards,
John
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Author: Bob Arney
Date: 2002-10-24 18:56
In my General's office was a sign:
If you can't lead, and won't follow,
then--GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!
Maybe that is the best approach. If it is no longer bringing you enjoyment, then quit!
Bob A
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Author: JMcAulay
Date: 2002-10-25 02:26
There are actually two approaches, Bob: either quit yourself, or persuade the riff-raff to do it.
Regards,
John
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Author: diz
Date: 2002-10-25 03:43
Hey Bob Arney - g'day, I like that - I'll use it.
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