TubeNet

At times, I feel playing the tuba is just another outlet for scrutinization: Audition results; contest ratings; critique. I'd like to make music for music's sake.

Share inspirational experiences with music. I'm sorry I can't think of one to contribute.

I founded The Old Dam Community Band on Leap Year Day of 2000 and had no real experience at this sort of thing. The Band has evolved to be as much social interaction as making music. Today, The Band's entire purpose is to give EVERYONE an opportunity to get together to play music... without regard to their experience. There are many places for professionals to play but very few that allow 'come-back' players without tryouts.

http://www.olddamband.com

the elephant wrote:Performances.

To me, this is SO true. No matter what is going on, what the specifics of the situation are, it always seems like when the performance starts it simply engulfs my consciousness. I guess for me, performing is my escape. It could explain my seeming addiction to that realm.

TubaTinker wrote:I founded The Old Dam Community Band on Leap Year Day of 2000 and had no real experience at this sort of thing. The Band has evolved to be as much social interaction as making music. Today, The Band's entire purpose is to give EVERYONE an opportunity to get together to play music... without regard to their experience. There are many places for professionals to play but very few that allow 'come-back' players without tryouts.

http://www.olddamband.com

I really admire the premise behind community bands like this. Just make some music and have fun. Sounding good is just a bonus.

the elephant wrote:Performances.

My first dress rehearsal with a university orchestra was my first orchestral experience. The feeling is ineffable. It's a great sonic environment to be in, even if it's just tacetly observing.
The first time I experienced a major full-time orchestra live is something I won't soon forget. Words can't do it justice. Who knew a bunch of noise and sounds could have such a profound effect on people.

Brass bands are also a lot of fun. It's a shame they arent as big in the US

I like Dan's comment about the Old Dam Band. It's is why folks start community bands.
I play in the Durham Community Concert Band for this reason. http://www.durhamband.org/

Oddly enough, our group has been around for 30 years and has spawned smaller groups that audition members and go for a more pure musical product - Durham Jazz and the Triangle Wind Ensemble

NCSUSousa wrote:I like Dan's comment about the Old Dam Band. It's is why folks start community bands.
I play in the Durham Community Concert Band for this reason. http://www.durhamband.org/

Oddly enough, our group has been around for 30 years and has spawned smaller groups that audition members and go for a more pure musical product - Durham Jazz and the Triangle Wind Ensemble

That's the way we operate, too. We have several sub-groups that are basically 'by invitation' and then only if the person also plays with the parent group. Any donations the smaller groups receive go straight into the general operating fund of the parent group. Everyone has a good time. No squabbles. No competition for '1st chair'. Egos are checked at the door.

I live in a small town with unusual musical opportunities for a town its size. I'm fortunate enough to play in a brass band, a community band, a 19th-century band, a local college band that occasionally needs extra low brass, an ancient dance orchestra that I've played in for 40 years, and occasional shows and church gigs.

While I like performances, I'm overjoyed by any opportunity to pick up horns or strings in these groups on a regular basis. Rehearsals mean as much to me as playing in front of a crowd.

I consider myself blessed by the efforts of the folks who run and maintain these organizations. If it's an opportunity to put mouthpiece to lips (or strings to fingers) in the company of friends making music, then l'm a happy man.

TubaChristmas. If the group is big enough, you don't have to be any good at all.

alfredr (performance-averse is not my middle name, but it's close)