[TPIN] Difficult Band Member

[RRW1951 at aol.com]

Yep, you pointed out some of the details that do influecne
the reasons for a band member speaking out.  Indeed, there may
me excellent reasons for comments about intonation or
the agreed upon style of swinging/phrasing, but I know that
the means of delivering such messages can become divisive
and even become a power struggle, and in those cases,
none of the comments were truly about the apparent issue,
but about "top dog" stuff, and ulterior motives are unhealthy
until they are discussed directly.

Richard

*****


<< 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 >>

<BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> Get a sneak peek of 
the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour</HTML>