Yes...I know... extremely far behind on the blog.
With the end of the college coming to a finish the last few weeks have been busier than ever and so I apologize for the inconveniance! Since my last update *checks blog to see date of last entry* I have been gigging with Feel Free Conspiracy locally and in Dundee; in the studio recording trombone for session skills; writing thousands of words for essays, reports and portfolios; playing a few degree projects and many more activities. Rather than my usual style of chronologically updating I think that this blog should be updated in under sub headings of each activity.
So...
Degree projects
Well the last few weeks have been hectic for the degree students as they desperately scavenger hunted for musicians to play in their degree projects. Although I have not been hired out as much as some students (a number performing in over 7 projects) I did manage to get involved in three. The first of these was with a bassist whose complex line up of both complex rock and jazz/fusion tracks and “improvised jams” made for an interesting and unprepared night at the Tams. If I want to become a successful musician I will have to be prepared to play material that’s complex in structure even with minimal preparation. Both these skills were required and used on the night as organization seemed to be completely out the window when I arrived. I tried to keep composed and professional throughout even though some of the tracks lost all their feel with more mistakes than hairs on my head (probably true after the gig) Overall I feel that I did my drum part justice and overall performing these complex tracks have helped me to prepare myself better for gigs and made me technically a better drummer.
The second of these projects was a Led Zeppelin tribute filled with some tricky numbers. This project helped me to become more aware of my texture for when a drummer plays Zeppelin they have to simulate John Bonham’s solid, powerful and sometimes complex feel. Overall I committed to the job in and felt that we managed to pull off a respectful show apart from a few mix ups.
Rocky the musical project was probably the most beneficial to my job speculation and was the largest production the college has put on for a while. For the show I was asked to play my trombone as part of the brass section with all the music transcribed for my benefit. For most rehearsals I was sight reading the tracks which really helped me to enhance my reading skills and playing under pressure (sometimes more pressure than others!) I was also drafted into play drums on one of the tracks at the last minute before the final show which can sometimes be a reoccurring event as a session musician that I may have to get used to. Once the final day came the whole cast, production team and musicians were running all over with stress levels reaching breaking point at times. It all came together in the end and the show was a success. The whole experience taught me a great deal about working in musical theatre and has greatly helped me improve on my general reading, trombone skills and following of MD’s. I hope to carry on learning about this musical environment and would be glad to participate in something of the same calibre in next year’s degree projects.
As this whole unit is related to me becoming a session musician I feel that a little and last update on my blog is due. On the last few weeks that I have been in the class I have been recording both trombone and drums for our production track “grits ain’t groceries”. Being in the studio and playing for the track has really helped to boost my confidence in terms of recording, getting my opinion in the studio and playing under pressure to a click. I have learned a great deal about being as versatile as possible and that sometimes a great deal of pressure is needed and strong mind to cope with some of the shenanigans that prop up in the studio. To also have the chance to produce the track has been a fascinating and educational experience and I hope the opportunity will come my way again in the near future!
Recently the band has been playing a few gigs locally helping us to cope better with live performance and setting up which at times, can be awkward. As I always say every gig is different and I take something beneficial away from everyone whether it is areas that need improvement to stop reoccurring errors or enjoyment and buzz from pulling off a pleasing show. Since the semester is reaching an end the band will now slowly disperse and so my live performance kicks will have to be released by other means. It saddens me to see this band fade however with one project ending a new one begins and I look forward to returning and starting fresh. Being in the band has greatly helped me to become a better musician in far further afield than performance. I have become much more confident player in the studio, enhanced my communication and networking skills vastly, learned many valuable lessons about the music industry and many many more factors
Here today.
So this is what it feels like to be writing one last blog...hmmm. Well since all that writing I have almost finished second year of college with just a few assignments and grades to be dealt with. I feel that my portfolio and interview for graded unit went well and although I was slightly nervous and fluency lacked for the interview the presentation has helped to boost my confidence with public speaking; something that used to put chills down my spine before! In terms of my planning stage goals I feel that a great deal have been accomplished but that’s to be saved for the final chapter “evaluation”. So for the final time I’m going to wrap this up as time is of the essence.
Cya in a bit!
