Double Bass Auditioning while out of practice, oh nos

[brainhii]

I picked up the bass sometime in the spring, and have been crazily woodshedding over the whole summer. I'm supposed to audition for high school symphony orchestra at the end of August, and to be honest, I think right now I am ready.

The thing is, I am gonna be out of town for most of August, with no access to an instrument, and when I come back to audition I'll be out of practice, and maybe even a bit jetlagged.

Has anyone else not been able to practice for an extended period of time? What does it feel like? Does your playing ability diminish a lot, or is it like riding a bike? Also keep in mind that I'm still young and have been playing only for a few months...

Oh, and any tips for maintaining chops without an instrument? All I'll have with me is a low grade bass guitar, which is useful to some extent.

 

[MDEbass]

I'm sure it varies from person to person, but for me, it takes from a few days to a week for me to get back into good playing shape. Good luck.

 

[StyleOverShow]

It is partly a physical thing and party mental (your ears on).

Is it possible that you audition before you leave explaining that you may not be back in time to get into shape and you would like them to hear you now.

Maybe a recording-video so they know its you?

-richard

 

[jordang]

one thing that i know would help you is to take advantage of the bass guitar

tune it very carefully and, if you have a good setup, you will be able to preserve your ear if you are playing correct pitches which will for sure help you

then theres time, which you can also work on

your feel for the instrument will diminish a little bit... you will get it back in 2 or 3 days i would think though (so, dont feel like you wasted any time practicing)

but, if you can do those two things and then work on musicality too then you might not be in bad shape

 

[Square Bear]

yes, take your bass guitar. for all the things the previous post mentioned, and to retain your callouses. also, they should let you audition before you go if you ask. i'm sure your school will understand.

 

[ole Jason]

I think it's a personal thing.

I was away from the bass for two years and after a month I'm back to where I was before I stopped playing. I think you'll be fine.

 

[earthlypunk]

A agree with what the people above me have said: see if you can audition early.

If you can't then take your music and a recording of the pieces that you;re playing with you and look at it and try and practice mentally. While this won't help with the physical aspect (that's what the BG) is for, but It should help you to get better even though you aren't playing. Good luck!

 

[Steelslammer]

Try to think of it as a time to reinvent your playing. Start over as well as keep going. Music is like hard soil it takes time to seep in.