Probationary period?

[Huw Phillips]

This sounds perfect as long as you have no problem with me auditioning for other bands during that period and if I can’t make a practice or gig you’re understanding, the wheel turns both ways

 

[grimjim]

Why even have a probationary period? If someone doesn't fit, they don't fit. If they're not good enough, but work hard at being better, they might be worth keeping. I'd rather keep someone that gels with the whole situation than someone that is better but causes drama.
Plus if you discuss this probationary period with him/her, they may play it cool and after 90 days start showing their true colors. Better to see it right off the bat, then wasting even more of the bands time.
Maybe have a 90 day period that you and the current bandmates keep it amongst yourselves and see how it goes. Either way, I wouldn't discuss it with the new member. You could be insulting a guy that otherwise would have been a good fit.
Just my opinion though.

 

[JimmyM]

You put me on a probationary period for some local band, and I'll save you the trouble. It's OK to say stuff like, "Well let's do a few gigs and see what we all think," but tell me I'm there on a probationary period, you best be paying some pretty decent cash.

 

[JimmyM]

IME everybody's on probation forever and can be fired at any time. Everybody's also free to quit.

You know, that's really the truth. Wish I'd have read that before I replied. That's the long and short of it.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Exactly... Also, people who know they're in a trial or probationary period tend to act differently, so what's really the gain?

Getting some good rehearsals and a gig or two out of 'em before you kick them to the curb

 

[jdh3000]

Every band I join I assume it's an indefinite probationary period. If you're not signing contracts you're under no obligation to keep someone if they aren't carrying their weight.

I wouldn't say anything like "probationary period" up front, just let them know what's expected.

 

[Chrisk-K]

Do you have partnership in your band? If so, you can hire new guys as salaried employees.

 

[Yellow Bang66]

Pretty much the truth when bringing in a new member. A real audition should tell you where someone has the potential of going with your band within the first 20-30 mins - at most.

It will also tell the candidate everything he or she needs to know about your band. Swords cut both ways.

Yeah,It seemed that band had a lot of internal issues, so they were just being careful, I kinda got leery after the first 3 rehearsals, but like said I wasnt desparate fo a gig! Annd they just kept asking me to come back... so I assumed I passed the audition, so I found it as usual (dysfunction) that they made their offer so looong after!

 

[40Hz]

Yeah,It seemed that band had a lot of internal issues, so they were just being careful, I kinda got leery after the first 3 rehearsals, but like said I wasnt desparate fo a gig! Annd they just kept asking me to come back... so I assumed I passed the audition, so I found it as usual (dysfunction) that they made their offer so looong after!

Wow!

There are few things on earth weirder than certain band’s internal dynamics.

 

[Bass Viking]

If you threw that at me coming into your group, I'd turn around and go home. Obviously, anyone can be let go at anytime the band decides. More often it's been me quitting early on because the band isn't holding up their end and I won't waste my time. I've walked away from more auditions that the band didn't make my cut than vice versa.

If a hobby band/weekend warrior band told me there is a probationary period I wouldn't know whether to laugh or be insulted. "No problem sir, and what time does the world tour start?" Many groups think they're more than they really are.

I'll say this: if a band is going to operate like that they better have their act together and be super organized. Not casual and lackadaisical like so many groups are.

 

[ezra1]

Bassist's might tend to over think things .