First audition

CerealKiller · #1 05-10-2009, 06:27 PM

I've been playing for about ten months now and saw a local ad in CL from a church looking for a bassist.

Problem is.....

1. I haven't been to church since I was 14. I am 39 now.

2. I haven't listened to an ounce of Christian rock up until two days ago. My idea of rock is Black Sabbath.

3. I have no clue as to what would be expected of me. I can semi-understand sheet music, but can't play it on the fly like that without working on it.

Don't get me wrong. I love playing and would work hard if given the opportunity, but am I at a serious disadvantage here?

I saw a YouTube video with Paul Baloche talking about how a worship group should pick a bass player.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MgDdHrctkM

I got a pretty good kick out of the video but his advice seems pretty sound to me. I'm just afraid of looking like a complete idiot when I audition.

I called the guy yesterday and my audition is tomorrow afternoon. I realize one has to jump in the ocean sometime, but I'm just on edge about this.

Any pointers would be extremely helpful.

quale213 · #2 05-10-2009, 06:57 PM

I was in a similar situation as well when I did the tryout for church bassist; I had been to church 5 times in my life, and never listened to gospel. Well, the church turned out to be awesome (baptist) and loved my funky sound (I had been playing for 8 years at that point). My advice is to know your keys, so if and when you do not know the song ask for the key and the changes and keep the pocket solid.
Have fun, it will be a learning experience. Let us know how it goes

steveksux · #3 05-10-2009, 08:05 PM

Don't worry about making a mistake during it.... church folks are supposed to be about forgiveness, right?

Play hard, with feel. Ignore mistakes, they're in your past. Obsessing over past mistakes distracts you and leads to more future mistakes. He's got good advice. Good solid feel, in time, good meter, good groove will get you a lot farther than fancy riffs and no pocket.

Randy

**Stumbo** · #4 05-10-2009, 11:33 PM

You might want to check this out if you haven't already: Christian bass players: help with songs?

CerealKiller · #5 05-11-2009, 03:46 PM

Well....

I learned how much I suck as a bass player today.

He picked out two Baloche songs I've never heard and gave me lyrics with chord changes. He played guitar and sang wonderfully and I was pretty clueless.

I suggested I learn the songs and come back to try again. Thankfully he agreed.

I realize I've only been playing for nine months and am probably well over my head, but I'm determined to do better. It will definitely be a learning experience.

bass player 48 · #6 05-11-2009, 03:59 PM

If you haven't been to church in 25 years, and your idea of good music is Sabbath...

Why are you going after a church gig again?

I understand that you are new to all of this - but trust me on this: There are lots of us 30 something and 40 something and beyond dudes who play rock music just for fun and there are guitar players and drummers who aren't really that far beyond your level and they need bass players. No reading rquired. Learn Mustang Sally, Sunshine of Your Love and get out there!

PS - If the church gig is really what you want, then the very best of luck to you and I hope that you nail those songs and go back and get the gig. I hope at least part of that is that you want to get back into going to church or have Jesus play a bigger role in your life or whatever. If you wouldn't be going to church otherwise - don't go to church just to play bass.

JMHO

quale213 · #7 05-11-2009, 04:04 PM

Don't be too hard on yourself, these bumps are a part of the learning curve.

elpezpr · #8 05-11-2009, 04:10 PM

Maybe someone is calling?

Quote:

Originally Posted by bass player 48

If you haven't been to church in 25 years, and your idea of good music is Sabbath...

Why are you going after a church gig again?

I understand that you are new to all of this - but trust me on this: There are lots of us 30 something and 40 something and beyond dudes who play rock music just for fun and there are guitar players and drummers who aren't really that far beyond your level and they need bass players. No reading rquired. Learn Mustang Sally, Sunshine of Your Love and get out there!

PS - If the church gig is really what you want, then the very best of luck to you and I hope that you nail those songs and go back and get the gig. I hope at least part of that is that you want to get back into going to church or have Jesus play a bigger role in your life or whatever. If you wouldn't be going to church otherwise - don't go to church just to play bass.

JMHO

bass player 48 · #9 05-11-2009, 04:15 PM

By the way...

Quote:

Originally Posted by CerealKiller

(snip) am I at a serious disadvantage here?

Checks thread title:

Quote:

Originally Posted by CerealKiller

First audition

Yes, yes you are at a huge disadvantage. But so is everybody at their first audition... and there's no way around it except to get your first audition out of the way. Good luck! (with the re-audition)

bass player 48 · #10 05-11-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elpezpr

Maybe someone is calling?

I hope so... that's really what worship music is all about, isn't it?

two fingers · #11 05-11-2009, 04:29 PM

Ha! CerealKiller! I dig that name! That's what my wife calls me in the morning while I'm leaning over a bowl of something really "fibery" and good for me.

Anyhoooo...Back to your topic. I hope it works out. But if it doesn't, I live just south of you. I don't know about southern VA, but Eastern NC has NO BASSPLAYERS! You should be able to hook up with some guys with similar musical tastes. Good luck!