How many callback are acceptable?

[sean_on_bass]

Playing in a band that works corporate gigs, usually means putting up with lots of "non"-musical BS situations.
Dragging you thru a number of stressful BS auditions may be a way of finding out if you have the ability to roll with the punches, and have the guts, professional attitude, and/or personality it takes to deal.
If you get upset and cranky, they may figure out you can't handle that part of the gig.

Yeah, but do people actually think this way?

"So get this, we're going to string each audition along for multiple sessions, waste ours and their time, as a TEST to see if they can put up with working with an unprofessional band."

Wouldn't it just be easier to hire the player that knew the songs, played them well, had the gear, and a good track record?

 

[B-line]

Yeah, but do people actually think this way?

"So get this, we're going to string each audition along for multiple sessions, waste ours and their time, as a TEST to see if they can put up with working with an unprofessional band."

Wouldn't it just be easier to hire the player that knew the songs, played them well, had the gear, and a good track record?

Yes it would, and yes it is.

Does someone actually think, that when a major act is preparing for a show, or when a session is called, that the MD or Producer drags their butt and has to overthink who might be the perfect fit??
No, because time is money, and most players who get the call are generally pre-qualified to get the job done right.

When someone has work lined up, the may enjoy the authority and status of being able to pick and choose , and look for the perfect fit. I get that, but asking someone to come back for a 3rd time, even a 2nd IMO shows that they don't really have their agenda and material together enough to allow the most competent player to fit right in.
Not rocket science, It's only R'n R!

I have a friend, a Cellist, who has worked with (3) major-city symphonies. In every case, she was given the chair after (1) audition. Now just what does this magnificent Corporate Cover Band (no slag; it's what we do!) require over them??

 

[guy n. cognito]

Yeah, but do people actually think this way?

"So get this, we're going to string each audition along for multiple sessions, waste ours and their time, as a TEST to see if they can put up with working with an unprofessional band."

Wouldn't it just be easier to hire the player that knew the songs, played them well, had the gear, and a good track record?

Unfortunately, yes they do. I've encountered a few situations like this, including cancelling an audition as I pulled in the driveway to "see how I would react".

 

[sean_on_bass]

Unfortunately, yes they do. I've encountered a few situations like this, including cancelling an audition as I pulled in the driveway to "see how I would react".

And were you eager to join them after that? Just seems like it makes the band look bad, not you. I guess some bands are just way too full of themselves and take it way too seriously, even for a business venture.

 

[guy n. cognito]

And were you eager to join them after that? Just seems like it makes the band look bad, not you. I guess some bands are just way too full of themselves and take it way too seriously, even for a business venture.

Oh, no. I walked after they told me about it.

 

[Groove Doctor]

I'd say one is adequate, two auditions max. But hey, just roll with it. If you don't get the gig, learn their setlist anyway and stay in contact as a backup and future replacement.

If you're NOT auditioning for several bands at once, just roll with it. Keep applying for other bands though, something better may come along.

 

[groooooove]

i recently did 5 callbacks for something -

they started out with over 1,200 candidates and whittled it down step by step. i got the gig. i would've got for a 6th if they asked me too. but thats because it's a "perfect" gig.

it depends. corporate events pay a lot, so you may want to hang in there. if its for a junky gig, then one is too many. i see no reason to bail now, keep it up.

 

[74hc]

I'd say three.... after that, all you are doing is providing free studio musician service for their rehersals. You should decide at what point you need to start getting paid.

I'm sure dbase will come along soon and say that payment needs to include food and post pics of said food.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

"It would be a good gig, they play corporate gigs as well as festivals and they are paid well."

Keep your eyes on the prize and your pride in your pocket.

 

[B-line]

i recently did 5 callbacks for something -

they started out with over 1,200 candidates and whittled it down step by step. i got the gig. i would've got for a 6th if they asked me too. but thats because it's a "perfect" gig.

it depends. corporate events pay a lot, so you may want to hang in there. if its for a junky gig, then one is too many. i see no reason to bail now, keep it up.

1200 candidates?? How long was the audition schedule? 6 months?
I hope you're exaggerating about that 5 callbacks, do what you gotta do.
Corporate gigs pay VERY well, and there are many, many advantages to them as compared to Clubs, Casino Showrooms etc IME, but nonetheless:

 

[B-line]

"It would be a good gig, they play corporate gigs as well as festivals and they are paid well."

Keep your eyes on the prize and your pride in your pocket.

That's a good credo, but it never pays to sell yourself short, and I personally would not be interested in any project that feels it needs more than (1) call-back at most to determine if I am a fit.

 

[Woolber]

I just skimmed the responses so this may have been said but, maybe they are assessing how everyone improves from audition to audition. Did you take any constructive criticism to heart? Did you remember any things that were discussed about a particular song or arrangement? In other words, auditioning your work ethic, learning capacity and commitment.

 

[Joe Nerve]

Depends in how bad you want it. And how well you can read the vibes you're getting.

From my perspective (and not being there to get my own sense of the people involved - so take it with a grain of salt):

I think three auditions maximim is about right no matter what. First audition is usually just to see who is going to be in the pool of possible hires. Second audition is the second cut to get down to the real candidates. Third audition should be enough to decide no matter how closely two or more people are tied.

If called back for more than that, I'd take it as an indication there's a split opinion about you. That never tends to turn out well for the winner in the long run.

At least from my experience. YMMV.

I agree with the above.

After three I'd do my best to come up with an excellent way to let them know I'd love to have the gig, but they need to decide either yes or no. I'd say something along the lines of, "You know what I can do, if you decide you want to work with me, call any time." No need to throw in anything like, "... though I might be unavailable." . I think NOT saying something like that actually works better in a certain way. I also think that cutting them off after three, with complete confidence, shows a level of professionality.

I would also let them know that I would be able to do anything they wanted me to do, in a timely fashion. I like for bands to know I'll be the easiest to work with. And I would do my best at my last audition to make sure I kicked everyone else's ass, in every way possible.

In the gig I landed in January (the best paying gig of my life) I was told I wouldn't have to audition for months before the old bass player left. They were hiring me based on my reputation and recommendations. A week before I was going to "rehearse" with them for the first time, they told me the plan had changed. Someone in another band doing the same material had just become available, and some other guys popped out of nowhere that the rest of the band were interested in using. While that sucked for me, it also pumped my adrenaline. I put in double time on learning tunes and making sure I nailed everything. I knew the material to the point where I didn't have to think about notes, and I could focus on groove and feel. The extra work got me the gig.

Good luck. I lool forward to hearing the update!

 

[Ric5]

So I just finished my second callback for the bassist/vocalist position in a top 40 band. It would be a good gig, they play corporate gigs as well as festivals and they are paid well. After leaving the 2nd audition I asked if they are still auditioning people. They said yes but I’m in the running and it’s really going to come down to who sings best. Now, I really want to get this gig, but I’m starting to feel a bit yanked around. I have put a great deal of time into these auditions and even hired a vocal coach to prepare me. After all, this isn’t the Rolling Stones. If they can’t make up their minds after seeing everyone twice, how many times is it going to take? So how many callbacks are acceptable before you just finally tell them your bowing out?

Remember bands are full of musicians ... many musicians are jerks ... you are expecting jerks to actually behave like normal people ... I find that things like common manners don't apply when auditioning for a band

 

[pwhalen]

That's a good credo, but it never pays to sell yourself short, and I personally would not be interested in any project that feels it needs more than (1) call-back at most to determine if I am a fit.

Just curious, would you have the same view of a job interview?

 

[B-line]

Just curious, would you have the same view of a job interview?

Absolutely.
As it happens, music IS my job, with a supplemental income as an MI Rep.
It so happens that I'm the "Boss"- that is, the Contractor.

But- even in the World of Job Interviews, given what my qualifications are or hypothetically would be for the position- Damn right! Hire me or don't waste my time. How many times do you think for example, a Computer Programmer who has a demonstrated proficiency, Degree, experience, etc. for the job, would need to be considered?
And like the MD or B/L I gave as an example, Do you think that HR at MicroSoft jerks around to fill a position?

 

[SAlcott]

Yes it would, and yes it is.

Does someone actually think, that when a major act is preparing for a show, or when a session is called, that the MD or Producer drags their butt and has to overthink who might be the perfect fit??
No, because time is money, and most players who get the call are generally pre-qualified to get the job done right.

When someone has work lined up, the may enjoy the authority and status of being able to pick and choose , and look for the perfect fit. I get that, but asking someone to come back for a 3rd time, even a 2nd IMO shows that they don't really have their agenda and material together enough to allow the most competent player to fit right in.
Not rocket science, It's only R'n R!

I have a friend, a Cellist, who has worked with (3) major-city symphonies. In every case, she was given the chair after (1) audition. Now just what does this magnificent Corporate Cover Band (no slag; it's what we do!) require over them??

Ask your 'cellist friend how much prep she did for her auditions, how many people showed up to try for the job, and what the audition process was like. A major orchestra these days will announce a vacancy and invite "highly-qualified" applicants to audition in person after culling resumes and recorded submissions. There will be at least two rounds of solo performance behind a screen, usually starting with prepared pieces in several styles followed by excerpts from the entire repertoire of orchestral music, after which a lot of applicants will be eliminated. It can sometimes (as happened to two of my classmates from school who auditioned for the same gig) end with two finalists onstage at the same time alternately playing the same excerpts until the inevitable mistake happens, at which time a voice from the hall says, "thank you" and that's it. Sometimes as has happened recently with some principal bass auditions, an orchestra will go through the entire process and not take anyone.

6 Minutes To Shine

 

[40Hz]

Just curious, would you have the same view of a job interview?

Depends on the job.

In my IT business, each project we got was exactly like being hired for a regular job. The people that had a clear idea of what they needed to do and who they needed to make it happen had very short but intense interview/hiring cycles. Tire kickers, cattle callers, and amateurs tended to like to have the RFP/presentation/interview process drag on forever.

Took me longer than it should have to learn if you're going to be signed on, the decision almost always comes down fairly quickly.

 

[john_g]

For most bands, I would say two, but I would definitely do three if it was something I really wanted. No more than that and I want an answer after the third. If they cant decide by three try outs, you dont want to be in that band anyway.

 

[Acoop]

If it's vocals they're after then it's really up to them and if you're still in the running, consider yourself lucky. ... It's most likely a vocal blend they are after and that's up to the vocalist because he or she has to work with you. ... I'd work with the tapes to get the best relaxed vocal blend you can get. ... Without knowing it you might be feeling anxious at the audition and they're seeing if you'll stay that way or eventually relax. ... I'd hang in there because it'll only improve you as a player in the long run whatever happens. ...