band survey...??

[strat62]

having some issues in our band, thought I'd share this "survey". anybody have any additions?

BAND SURVEY (circle the appropriate answer)

1) Regarding practice/rehearsal time, I....
a) feel once a week for a couple hrs. is good
b) feel we should only practice if there is a gig coming up
c) don't think it's really necessary. I am perfectly happy doing the same stuff every
time out

2) Regarding frequency of gig dates....
a) once a month, (or more)
b) once every 6 weeks or so...
c) once every other month...
d) 3-4 times a year, (or less)
e) whenever anybody will have us

3) Regarding adding new songs, I think we should....
a) continually be working on adding new songs.
b) add a new song or two every now and then
c) just stick with playing the same stuff.
I have no problem with doing "Hey Bartender" until my tongue snaps off it's roller...
(see 1c above)

4) Regarding the organizing of practice time...
a) we should learn songs together as a band during rehearsal
b) we should learn our specific parts beforehand

5) Regarding setup and teardowns...
a) everyone should be on time and take part
b) only those who are able need to take part

6) Regarding leadership...
a) all band members are equal
b) band members are not equal with some given different levels of value/importance

7) Regarding selecting new songs, we should..
a) pick songs that have to be "danceable"
b) include a wide variety of songs as long as they are popular and fun to play

8) Regarding communication. If I have a "bone to pick" with someone in the band I prefer to…
a) bring it up directly with them and resolve the matter in a calm and timely fashion
b) hold it in to let it cook for awhile until I'm good and mad enough to blow my cork

9) My main reason for being in a band is....
a) to have fun
b) money
c) to feed my ego
d) b & c

[Floyd Eye]

1) We practice 2-3 times a week, 4 hours a night.

2) A

3) A

4) A and B

5) A

6) A

7) B

8) A

9) A

[jp58]

1.A we play at least once a week, not counting impromptu jam sessions and hanging out

2. Haven't had a gig, but we really aren't ready for that. Its mostly originals and concept album stuff so we have a bit to get worked out first.

3. A always working on new stuff and improving stuff

4. Both, even if you know your part, you need to learn to play it together as a group

5. Everyone helps everyone else, no questions asked.

6. Everyone is as important as everyone else.

7. B, all our covers are songs everyone has heard on the radio, or they come from heavy influences.

8. Talk to the to their face asap, no need for feuds.

9. A, we do it because we love it. Its a passion, a release, and the one time each day or week when everything feels okay.

I never realized how lucky I had it to be playing with like minded people. In the last few days I've seen tons of threads about bad band situations, lazy band members, etc.

[Marley's Ghost]

1) Regarding practice/rehearsal time, I....
a) feel once a week for a couple hrs. is good

But we double up if a gig is upcoming and we have new material to learn.

2) Regarding frequency of gig dates....
a) once a month, (or more)

Twice a month is the most we want to gig.

3) Regarding adding new songs, I think we should....
a) continually be working on adding new songs.
We always have songs on the drawing board

8) Regarding communication. If I have a "bone to pick" with someone in the band I prefer to…
a) bring it up directly with them and resolve the matter in a calm and timely fashion
I usually air it out with another member before bringing it up at a band meeting.

9) My main reason for being in a band is....
a) to have fun

It's a hobby, although the cash is nice.

[Stumbo]

I think the OP wants suggestions for his survey, not your answers.

Maybe questions about:
PA ownership/renting the PA from the owner.
Larger share to whoever books a gig

Add:
6c) One member should be the leader.

[jmattbassplaya]

You`re survey, IMHO, is missing at least one answer for most questions.

For instance I`d add these to each question:
1. d) more than once a week

2. f) as often as possible. hopefully once a week or more.

For this one e kinda hits the same idea, but to me ultimately sounds like we suck and will only play gigs when people are desperate for bands.

3. I have no suggestions for this one.

4. No suggestions.

5. c) people should only worry about their own gear.

With this one I`d also leave out the mention of being on time and would create a separate question that would ask something on the lines of... Being on time means: a) arriving on time. b) arriving 15 minutes early to allow time to setup. c) showing up whenever is most convenient for you.

6. I`d leave out the mention of value and importance, or I would make an option c that addresses that separately.

7. c) play only what we want to play regardless of the audience.

8. c) have another member argue my case for me or have a mediator.

9. e) a and b

I mean come on, those two can go together lol.

[phatbass]

Being a gig-whore, I don't really do the "being *IN* a band" thing, but if I was to go through it again with a band I was serious about:

1. I'd rehearse at least 2-3 times a week on set nights. And record EVERY rehearsal with members getting a copy at the end of the night. Record into Audacity on a laptop and everyone brings a USB thumb drive. And do your homework. Once the Band has a decent nights repertoire, with plenty of specialty numbers and spares, this could *maybe* be backed off a bit.

2. e) Gig as often as possible anywhere that meets minimum requirements (pay and conditions) as determined by the band. I realise some guys can't do mid-week/overnight gigs.

3. Add new songs when the old ones are nailed. So a)

4. b) Learn at home, iron out the wrinkles at rehearsals.

5 a) Unless someone is sick/injured.

6 a) Anything else and I'm an employee on a wage.

7 a) and b), really. Well known AND danceable.

8 a) If it's a REAL problem, discuss it.

9 All of 'em.

[Sartori]

BAND SURVEY (circle the appropriate answer)

1) Regarding practice/rehearsal time, I....
a) feel once a week for a couple hrs. is good
b) feel we should only practice if there is a gig coming up
c) don't think it's really necessary. I am perfectly happy doing the same stuff every
time out

Preferably more often than this. Rehearsing frequently even for short amounts of time is better than rehearsing not very often but for a long time.

2) Regarding frequency of gig dates....
a) once a month, (or more)
b) once every 6 weeks or so...
c) once every other month...
d) 3-4 times a year, (or less)
e) whenever anybody will have us

All else being equal, I'd like to play as many shows as I can.

3) Regarding adding new songs, I think we should....
a) continually be working on adding new songs.
b) add a new song or two every now and then
c) just stick with playing the same stuff.
I have no problem with doing "Hey Bartender" until my tongue snaps off it's roller...
(see 1c above)

Depends on the situation, but writing new songs will help to avoid becoming stagnant.

4) Regarding the organizing of practice time...
a) we should learn songs together as a band during rehearsal
b) we should learn our specific parts beforehand

I HATE learning songs at rehearsal. It is a waste of time. Rehearsal is for rehearsing songs, not learning/practicing them. That's each member's responsibility.

5) Regarding setup and teardowns...
a) everyone should be on time and take part
b) only those who are able need to take part

The band succeeds or fails as a unit. Each member is necessary and therefore each member's equipment is needed. It follows that everybody should help with loading the equipment, no matter whose it is specifically.

6) Regarding leadership...
a) all band members are equal
b) band members are not equal with some given different levels of value/importance

Equal doesn't mean we all have the same responsibilities, though. I'm sort of the "designated *******" of the band, it seems.

7) Regarding selecting new songs, we should..
a) pick songs that have to be "danceable"
b) include a wide variety of songs as long as they are popular and fun to play

I don't play in a cover band. I don't play in a band that makes any "danceable" songs. So keep that in mind. Success means that you are enjoying playing and the audience is enjoying your playing. If only the first happens, you might be having fun, but you aren't getting compensated well (as nobody cares to listen). If only the second happens, then it's turned into just a job. So pick songs that you enjoy and that the audience will enjoy.

8) Regarding communication. If I have a "bone to pick" with someone in the band I prefer to…
a) bring it up directly with them and resolve the matter in a calm and timely fashion
b) hold it in to let it cook for awhile until I'm good and mad enough to blow my cork

Mind games are stupid and counterproductive.

9) My main reason for being in a band is....
a) to have fun
b) money
c) to feed my ego
d) b & c

Nobody should play in a band purely in pursuit of money. It's a retarded thing to do if your only goal is to earn a buck. Only play in a band if it's fun.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

BAND SURVEY (circle the appropriate answer)

1) Regarding practice/rehearsal time, I....
a) feel once a week for a couple hrs. is good


2) Regarding frequency of gig dates....
e) whenever anybody will have us


3) Regarding adding new songs, I think we should....
a) continually be working on adding new songs.


4) Regarding the organizing of practice time...
a) we should learn songs together as a band during rehearsal
b) we should learn our specific parts beforehand
(Both are importnat)


5) Regarding setup and teardowns...
b) only those who are able need to take part
(within reason)


6) Regarding leadership...
a) all band members are equal


7) Regarding selecting new songs, we should..
b) include a wide variety of songs as long as they are popular and fun to play


8) Regarding communication. If I have a "bone to pick" with someone in the band I prefer to…
a) bring it up directly with them and resolve the matter in a calm and timely fashion


9) My main reason for being in a band is....
a) to have fun

[DWBass]

1-a
2-a
3-b
4-b
5-a
6-a
7-a&b
8-a (b usually happens for me though)
9-a&b

[pbagley]

My additions to the survey, the selection letter in CAPs:

5) Regarding setup and teardowns...
a) everyone should be on time and take part
b) only those who are able need to take part
C) Larger share for those who perform roadie duties as well as playing the gig.

6) Regarding leadership...
a) all band members are equal
b) band members are not equal with some given different levels of value/importance
C) All band members are equal, and at some point everyone is taking a leadership role in some area or another (booking gigs, coordinating rehearsals, logistics of gigs, etc).

7) Regarding selecting new songs, we should..
a) pick songs that have to be "danceable"
b) include a wide variety of songs as long as they are popular and fun to play
C) Include songs that are appealing to our audience, then put a little personal spin on the music to make it fun to play.

8) Regarding communication. If I have a "bone to pick" with someone in the band I prefer to…
C) Bring it up directly with the other person(s). If that does not resolve the issue then bring up the problem with the entire band to find a mutually acceptable solution.
D) Quit the band now. I don't need this kind of frustration.


9) My main reason for being in a band is....
a) to have fun
b) money
c) to feed my ego
d) b & c
E) a and b

[RustyAxe]

Depends on the experience and ability of the individuals. Originals or covers? Assuming a cover band, all are experienced and have chops:

1. If we've already played the setlist and have a good repertoire, are gigging regularly, no rehearsal is needed. Practice is a different issue, and every member should practice daily. A band that spends more time rehearsing than gigging is a band I don't need.

2. Two or three times a month is good for me. Much more and it begins to feel like a job.

3. New songs? For a new recording or whenever someone asks for a song we don't know but would like to add.

4. Distribute recordings, individuals learn and practice their parts, come together to rehearse. A couple of rehearsal sessions should do it (adding two or three new songs).

5. Everyone takes part. Those not so technically inclined can be grunts and just carry stuff in and out while others make the connections and such.

6. Bands work better for me when there is a definite leader. That doesn't mean a meat-eating fascist dictator, but someone who has authority to make decisions. A wise leader consults those he leads, is considerate of those he leads, and maintains the respect of those he leads.

7. Depends on what you play and where. Bars? Dance music.

8. Sometimes the band should get together over a beer or coffee and just talk. Band issues should not be discussed between the individual members without the others present. Mistrust, subterfuge, hidden alliances ... political crap that I don't have time for.

9. All of the above. If it ain't fun, it better pay. If it don't pay it better be fun or make me feel good about myself and the music. If I don't feel good about myself or the music it ain't fun, and no money will change that.

[strat62]

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

You`re survey, IMHO, is missing at least one answer for most questions.

For instance I`d add these to each question:
1. d) more than once a week

2. f) as often as possible. hopefully once a week or more.

For this one e kinda hits the same idea, but to me ultimately sounds like we suck and will only play gigs when people are desperate for bands.

3. I have no suggestions for this one.

4. No suggestions.

5. c) people should only worry about their own gear.

With this one I`d also leave out the mention of being on time and would create a separate question that would ask something on the lines of... Being on time means: a) arriving on time. b) arriving 15 minutes early to allow time to setup. c) showing up whenever is most convenient for you.

6. I`d leave out the mention of value and importance, or I would make an option c that addresses that separately.

7. c) play only what we want to play regardless of the audience.

8. c) have another member argue my case for me or have a mediator.

9. e) a and b

I mean come on, those two can go together lol.

Thanks to all for the input!

[Stumbo]

You might want to check out: If I only knew then... and the threads in my "Being in a Band" link below.