Should I join my colleges big band or avoid embarrassing myself?

[salmon256]

Hello all TB peeps,

I have a little dilemma I guess I'm looking for similar stories or some thoughts on it.

My College has a Big Band Club. It is not a class, it does not have auditions, it welcomes all and they said of all skill levels (so they claim so far though). I'm gonna email them soon and get some honest thoughts. I am getting slowly but almost there of getting over my solo driving anxiety so I'm hoping for my last year to have fun in a music club (or do some ballroom dancing! )

I been playing bass roughly for 2 ish years, but let me start by saying I have put it on and off and gain some rust especially with timing which I been practicing a lot recently. I can sight read but it is still very rusty and because of anxiety I'll fumble, I've taken lessons and I really study up theory and chord shapes. But I can take my time and focus very well on sheet music if given. I'm still learning I guess we are all still learning though truthfully. I only played really in two groups that were Blues and honestly they weren't serious. The music the club plays is jazz but mostly easy standards (to me at least) and some pop-funk jazz fusion type songs. Nothing seems complex for bass at least. Though some of the sheet music still kind of scared me but it seems the BL section leaders would never overload they share on public groups and in theory I can play 2 or 3 songs of the 12 on a setlist for example or even none and just rehearse purely for fun.

So my point is, I am not the best sight-reader, I am gonna be upfront to them about that, it seems some people joined the band on guitar or drums with no experience or sight reading abilities even playing abilities so it makes me feel a bit better. I am nervous that it can be a giant embarrassment to myself if I join struggle to sight read, struggle with timing and mess up and fall pressure to playing in a real band for the first time. I am thinking maybe to just keep playing but I feel it is an a chance to play with others in a welcoming environment...

If they are welcoming to new players of my nooby skill should I join or save myself embarrassment? Any similar stories?

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question I'm just kind of nervous about it but don't want to let aniexties ruin fun experience just like my driving one has.

Have an amazing day all, please don't be too hard one me

 

[51PRI]

Yes, do it. It sounds like a great experience.

 

[RyanOh]

I hope you go for it! Doing is the only way to overcome any perceived obstacles. As long as you can commit some time to improve where needed, it sounds like a great opportunity.

 

[WI Short Scaler]

As long as you find a welcoming attitude to a new situation, I say go for it. You may learn a lot and it may open doors for you that inspire your playing.

 

[QweziRider]

If they are welcoming to new players of my nooby skill should I join or save myself embarrassment? Any similar stories?

I wouldn't hesitate. It's the best way to get where you want to be, playing with others and doing the work.

Every so often, I get to play with a local wind symphony when they get a bug for a bass on some material. For me, not being a consistent reader, it's like being in 4th grade all over again, re-learning to read. I'm horrible when I get the call and start practicing. But by show time and a few rehearsals with them, it all falls into place. You can do it, go for it.

 

[gln1955]

DO IT!

There is no better motivator for learning than playing with others a bit better than you.

You'll see at the first meeting/rehearsal, what ever they call it, if their "everyone is welcome" is for real. If it is, this will be a ton of fun and a great learning experience. If it turns out they are snobby or it's just too stressful of an atmosphere, well, nothing lost.

 

[dalkowski]

Heck yeah! Go for it and watch your skills accelerate.
Also don't sweat the soloing. What they most need is someone who can keep time and groove and swing with the drummer. Don't give up the one!

 

[Five or Six]

Sounds to me like you have a confidence issue...Do it and gain that aspect of playing, its important! If they don't like you they can fire you and a drummer at the same time.

 

[turf3]

The thing about big band bass playing - at least in the "learning" environment, is that you don't have to play every note perfectly. Honestly you can get away a lot of times by just playing the first note of a measure four times. The main job of the big-band bass player is to keep time and outline the chords. All those hard lines they've written out, you can simplify - as long as you keep time.

 

[RhinoBass]

Do it.

 

[foolforthecity]

YOU MUST DO IT! It will be a supercharge for your musicianship

 

[jacksplat]

While i have played for longer than you, I had a very similar experience. After a couple years, i can finally sort of read, but i was essentially illiterate when i began. For me, it has been a great experience and i believe my playing ability has grown significantly as a result. Go for it - no better thing for your playing than being in a band with players better than you.

 

[DaveParker39]

Yes. College is for learning, and learning involves making mistakes. It will be a good experience for you and everyone else.

I spent a semester in college learning handbells. I sucked at it. Still made me a better musician. The recital was decent.

 

[Leigh_D]

As a friend of mine says, "Step in before you step out".

Keep the time as turf3 says and no matter what, don't lose the feel. How you play is more important than what you play.

Your sight reading will improve as you play more. I found this book on how to count syncopated rhythms helpful: Download PDF - Michael Longo - How To Sight Read Jazz And Other Syncopated Rhythms [d4pqdjp0jrnp]

Most importantly, try to have fun. It's only music, it's not life or death.

**Leigh

 

[buldog5151bass]

Only one way to learn, that's by playing. If it beyond your abilities, the leader will let you know. I'm sure you won't be the only newbie, and I'm sure there will also be several players there whose ego exceeds their chops.

 

[JC Nelson]

Follow that path!

I said yes to playing a musical when I had no idea how to read music. Flash forward 13 years of playing musicals, I have gotten to play some of my favorite shows, including Les Mis, made many new friends, learned to read, and became a better player.

 

[CallMeAl]

Sounds like an amazing learning opportunity. Kind of tailor made for your position. That kind of playing (Jazz in general, and something slightly outside your comfort zone) is prime learning time!

I was a trumpet major in college, but was just getting going on electric bass on the side. One semester our combo couldn’t find a bass player so I volunteered. Sure I was in over my head and bombed a tune here or there; but it was an amazing experience, I learned a ton and don’t regret it one bit!

 

[Brother Goose]

Any opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone should be welcomed!

You've got this!

 

[jdwinva]

My old college has a pep band "The Green Machine" that is amazing. I didn't have time for it back then. I held down two jobs while paying for college so no free time. This would be great experience, you meet new people and will have fun.

 

[seescottrock]

The fastest way to develop your musicianship is by doing what musicians do - actively PLAYING MUSIC! This seems like a fantastic opportunity.