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Re: first ensemble, any advice?

Author: Bennett ★2017
Date: 2014-09-30 21:27

The first time I played in a community band, at about 60, I immediately got lost. Within 30 seconds I didn't know if we were on page 1 or page 2. For me, it wasn't so much playing the right notes, it was knowing when to play them.

Here's what I learned. First, you often won't be playing a melody - something you usually do when you're working on etudes or method books at home. A melody is a great crutch.

Second, you've got to count like crazy - both the notes and the rests. Don't stop to ponder your wrong notes - keep going.

Third, when you get lost, stop (and pretend to play if you wish - most likely
you'll be the only one who knows.) You'll soon learn the landmarks where you can rejoin the group, stuff like fermatas, big tempo changes, perhaps cue notes for other instruments, repeats, big mood changes, etc.

Take some of the band music to your teacher and work on it together, especially the counting.

And keep at it; it becomes easier and soon becomes enjoyable.

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