You Got Your First Gig! Now What?

That first gig is an exciting rite of passage. What an experience to be paid to perform! Even the most seasoned professional can more than likely remember the first time that they received money to play their clarinet or saxophone! Whether the job is a municipal band, a jazz ensemble, community orchestra, or a worship group, a few things are essential to consider, so that all goes well, and the first gig leads to many more!

Be Prepared

First, lots of preparation is in order before the first rehearsal or performance. For those coming from school ensembles, even the best players may be used to a certain amount of learning their part in rehearsal. While not ideal at any stage of development, the professional group is no place for this behavior. In the “real world,” time is money, so rehearsals are a place to put things together, not to hammer out individual technique!

Request Music in Advance

If possible, request music in advance. From there, diligently add it in to your daily practice schedule. If music is passed out at the first rehearsal, then keep a pencil handy. By marking parts at passages that need work before the ensemble meets again, and then following through, you will be pulling your weight from the beginning.

Checklist

Before any rehearsal or performance, make a checklist to insure that nothing is forgotten at home. While this may sound silly, the pressure and excitement that accompany early professional performances may make this a great safety net. Make sure to include your instrument, all necessary accessories, a pencil, proper concert attire, and anything else that may be desired (clothespins or a binder for an outdoor performance, for example).

Be Early

For absolutely any rehearsal, keep in mind the standard dictum that “on time is late.” Planning to arrive at least half an hour early for any service is a good rule of thumb. That way, you can assemble your instrument, find your place, and settle in, far before business commences. For performances, forty-five minutes before showtime is an even better rule of thumb.

Pay Attention!

In rehearsal and performances, make sure that you pay attention! Your phone should go on silent, and should be locked up tightly in your case, bag, etc. Social media and email can wait. Instead, make a great impression as a musician who can be trusted to listen and fulfill the intent of the ensemble leader effectively and efficiently. Also, be sure to be friendly and engaged with the other musicians. A great player who is also a pleasant person often gets the next gig.

Offer Your Help at the End

Finally, stay a few minutes after, and see if there is anything that you can help with. For municipal groups, jazz bands, and church groups, they could often use an extra hand stacking chairs and stands, breaking down equipment, and the like. By helping, you will be showing that you are a team player, which is the sort of person that any ensemble wishes to have around for the long term!

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