[TPIN] Difficult Band Member

[Daniel,John]

This thread has gone on for awhile, so it is obviously 
touching some nerves.  I play lead trumpet in a 
pizza/beer/no$$$ big band that plays once a week, but we 
also play other gigs for $$$.  I've noticed that people do 
have more fun when we are playing better, and as one of 
the more experienced players and as the lead player, I do 
feel an obligation to play my best.  This isn't possible 
if a majority of players think playing late is the same as 
swinging, playing loud is the same as swinging, and 
playing 3rd trumpet is the same as playing lead trumpet. 
 Sometimes I do speak up, but I am not the band leader. 
 Usually I put in my ear plugs and play the best I can and 
hope folks will follow.  Sometimes folks play too loud 
without realizing it.  Sometimes folks play late without 
knowing it, etc. Usually the most effective comment is 
something enthusiastically rendered like, "hey, let's play 
good time!"

However, if the same type of comments need to be made over 
and over, then obviously the comments aren't helping.
John