nervous

[bmxerss]

so im trying out for my church band tomorrow and im so nervous. im an okay player but i have a feeling im going to screw something up, lol. so what do yall do to get rid of the butterflies?

[carlthegroover]

Just remember that it is music, not a test. Remember to concentrate on your groove and avoid fills unless you're comfy with them. Remember to lock in with the drummer and keep your playing tight with what (s)he's playing.

And just go with a positive attitude and go thinking you'll have fun. If they're so uptight about you screwing up a few times (which everybody does, I think), I'd say it isn't for you.

Just my two cents.

[Bredian]

Is there a line? Often not.

I was a fill in for a jazz ensemble, hadn't played in almost 3 decades when I got the call, 2 weeks practice, now looking at my seventh year and no replacement in sight. (I am a church outsider - a ringer)

Do your best. If it doesn't work out, there will be another opportunity elsewhere. If you have recordings of the tunes, play them and know them (singing the part or playing in your head) so you can anticipate what to expect.

You don't get anywhere by not trying. Congrats on the opportunity.

[Journey55]

Another thing would be, if you do mess up just play it off, if you make a physical sign that you messed up, chances are that they'll notice it, however if you play it off like it was right then you'll probably get away with it

[bmxerss]

thanks everyone. there is one guy who i see picking a bass onstage every once and a while. then my friend, who is a pretty rad guitar player, was asked to join, and when the youth pastor found out i played bass she said how they needed one. so im going to get my bass tuned up, then hope for the best.

[AQUANOVA]

I play in my church's praise band and it's the most accepting crowd I ever played for.

That being said, I find it quite different from playing a secular gig.

Playing in a restrained way (less is more) is very important when the band is leading the congregation in singing.

Don't showboat.
Sometimes when we get nervous, we tend to throw in lots of fills and such. Resist this, serve the song instead.

Also, be ready to be adaptable to changes in song structure as the band leader calls it.
Take notes so you don't forget about that breakdown or acapella part that's coming up.

The butterflies should go once you realize that God gave you the ability and desire to play bass
and He's happy that you are serving him in this way.

Good luck

[bmxerss]

Originally Posted by AQUANOVA

I play in my church's praise band and it's the most accepting crowd I ever played for.

That being said, I find it quite different from playing a secular gig.

Playing in a restrained way (less is more) is very important when the band is leading the congregation in singing.

Don't showboat.
Sometimes when we get nervous, we tend to throw in lots of fills and such. Resist this, serve the song instead.

Also, be ready to be adaptable to changes in song structure as the band leader calls it.
Take notes so you don't forget about that breakdown or acapella part that's coming up.

The butterflies should go once you realize that God gave you the ability and desire to play bass
and He's happy that you are serving him in this way.

Good luck

+1

[bassgod0dmw]

Be as confident as possible. Just go in there thinking you're going to do a great job.

[JTFormula]

The first time I played in public after 18+ years of home jamming, I was very nervous. At 39 years old, you think I wouldn't be. But the first gig we did was a dive bar with a handful of people. It was awesome. Its amazing how focused you get when you are actually up there. Don't worry if you make a mistake (you prob will), just play it off like nothing and do your best.

Remember, its your local church so it is a very laid back tryout. They know you will do your best and you will show them how good you are. Everyone gets nervious, just play and enjoy it.