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Post subject: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 7:38 am
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Hey guys! Some of you may remember me. I see a few familiar members are still here.
I haven't been on here in a while, but I am in need of some wise words from the Fender forum.
I am currently auditioning for a band. They gave me a list of 12 songs. For the first rehearsal, I knew about 3/4 of the material. I have now played 3 rehearsals with the band and had a one on one lesson to go over some songs.
They told me they needed me to play a gig in the next month or so, so I would have lots of time to be ready.
I thought I had the gig.
After the 2nd rehearsal, I received a message saying that they expected me to know their material by the end of this month, and that is when they will decide if they want me in the band or not.
A friend just let me know that a few days ago, they posted an ad looking for a guitar player.
Now I am on the fence about this band. I have wanted to play their genre for quite sometime, but with them posting the ad and having me rehearse with them for 5 weeks before I know if I am in or not seems odd.
The rehearsals are fun, and I have even learned a new song not on the set list.
As far as I'm concerned, an audition should be a few songs, one jam and then find out a day or two later. It seems like I am investing a lot of time to something with an unknown outcome.
Please let me know your thoughts.

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 8:36 am
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Yes, it's hard to feel enthusiastic about anything if you don't know there is a future. You've indicated you are having fun at the rehearsals so try to look at it that way....an opportunity to have some fun playing. Then, if you get the gig it's bonus!


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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 9:10 am
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Different people will approach the audition process differently.
I find no fault in them wanting you to prepare for and play a gig with them before they make their decision final.
The gig is where the rubber meets the road.
That's where they find out if you have what it takes.
Your suitability for the band is defined by your performance on stage.
I have no problem with any of that.

What is not cool is the sneaking around behind your back and (I assume) keeping you in the dark as to how you're doing.
If they want to be completely thorough in their evaluation that's fine but they should be upfront about it.

I know it's hard but I suggest you keep your head in the game.
Ignore the insecurity of the situation and just play your heart out.
That's the only win/win scenario.
Doing your best and ignoring the distractions is the best way to get the gig.
If you don't get the gig, at least you won't have any nagging regrets later about what you should have done differently.

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 9:42 am
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I'm still going to give it my all. I guess I'm just frustrated with the length of audition time.
I usually know after one or two jams if someone will be suitable to join a band.
They haven't asked me to leave yet, so that's a good thing!

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 10:06 am
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I agree with BMW-KTM, I know your not getting payed to be there, but the closest thing I can think of is, when you get a new job most of them have a 90 day probation period, before you know if you really are going to keep the job. You are having some fun, learning new songs, and playing your guitar, that is a positive, ( I am having trouble even finding some one to play with, once in a while my nephews come over). The fact that they are not telling you about the ad, is not great, but the fact that you know gives you the upper hand, as it might compel you to stay in your A game and not to go off track when your inspired to do so. When you get the gig you can than take it outside their box when appropriate
Good to see you back on the forum
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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 10:22 am
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I'd go right to the source (the band leader or band as a group) and ask
them why they posted the ad. I don't like wasting time. Good luck!

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 3:54 pm
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I don't know, it seems like they might be jerking you around, especially with you spending that much time with them, then placing another ad after the fact. They might be keeping you around until someone else comes along, to fill the space. Not to be negative, but I wouldn't count on this amounting to anything. From what you wrote, I just got a bad feeling about it. It's ultimately up to you, though. I guess go with what your gut tells you.

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 6:23 pm
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Agree with MM, ask why they posted the ad. Not clear if you solicited any feedback following previous auditions, but seems reasonable to know what their thinking is. If there is a reluctance, that may be telling in and of itself. Good luck.

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 6:24 pm
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I wouldn't worry about the advertisement, they had an ad out when you answered right? Maybe they are unsure about you, and if they have gigs lined up they are just hedging their bets to make sure they have other options IF you don't work out.

Coming into an existing band can be tricky. I replaced a guy once, who could do all the EVH thing with tapping and all that, but they asked me to come jam in a club with them. I did a couple times and had fun. What I didn't know is they were looking to make a change in direction and wanted to play more classic blues and rock and he just couldn't stop with all the wanking away stuff. They also tried another guitar player out too, I wasn't upset I enjoyed the jamming. They called a week or so later and asked me to come see them and they asked me to join. I knew the drummer and it just took a little time for the rhythm guitarist/singer to get a good feel for me and time for them to talk it over. We played a lot of gigs almost every weekend over the next year or so. Good times.

Agree with others here, just enjoy the experience and the opportunity to learn something new. Depending on the size of your area, they may let you go, but recommend you for another band on down the road.

Just some thoughts and maybe a different way to look at the situation.

T2

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 7:03 pm
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yoda, the force is strong in you. Good to see your post. Glad to know you're playing. Have fun !

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 7:23 pm
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Reply to the ad? Perhaps you can replace yourself with yourself...


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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2017 7:35 pm
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arth1 wrote:
Reply to the ad? Perhaps you can replace yourself with yourself...

.... and at the same time give them the impression you're dissatisfied and looking for a new band.

:lol:

Seriously, that's an example of what not to do.
Art's just screwin' around.
If you want that gig, don't answer the ad.
Unless you want to hash it out once and for all with the band and force their hand.
That may or may not end in your favour.

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 7:32 am
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Thanks for the replies everyone.
I tried out for this band about 10 months ago. My audition was me playing along with 2 recordings. We chatted a bit and then it was done. I received an email saying it was down to me and another guy, and they had decided to go with the other guy. No problem.
4 weeks ago, the main guy emails me saying their guitar player is leaving and do I want to check out a rehearsal, so here I am now. They reached out to me, said that they need me for upcoming gigs etc.
I think they have a lot of ambition and are trying to line up as many gigs as possible.
My thoughts now are that they might be trying to get to the next gig with a guitar player, and if someone they think is better comes along, they may go that route.
I thought of contacting them via the ad, but I don't want to be a sneaky guy trying to find out the information.
Next rehearsal I may inquire about the ad, but I'll wait to do that in person. In the meantime, I'll keep working on these tunes and hope for the best. If not, I'm not going to worry about it too much. This would be a second band for me, as I am already in a rock trio. This is a ska band and I have always wanted to play ska, but have never found enough people interested. I thought it would be awesome to play a totally different genre. I'll keep you guys posted.

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 8:44 am
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yodacaster wrote:
I'm not going to worry about it too much.

The fear of loss is the path to the dark side.

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Post subject: Re: Auditioning for a band
Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2017 11:21 pm
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Heya, Yoda. A lot of good advice here. I agree that the method they used to place the ad is a poor judgment on their part. Still, it is their ballpark. I just want to add that if you play it smart, have fun, and pickup some stuff, it could still work out in the long run if you roll with it. Nothing is for sure; but, you never know, if it doesn't pan out you may get some good reference that will lead you to another band in that genre, and another guy might just be temporary or a good lead to another group. Whatever the case, best of luck.

FSB
". . . you know it ain't easy. You know how hard it can be." - John Lennon

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