Finding playing opportunities in the Chicago area

[Tubageek]

Hello all,

Long story short, I was a music major in college, graduated in 2002, but I haven't played much since then. (My principal instrument was tuba, but I probably spent just as much time playing euph by my senior year.) I want to start playing music again, but I really don't want to play with mediocre groups. Assuming for the sake of discussion that I can get back into playing shape quickly, are there any openings for good groups on either tuba or euph? If not, is there a need in the pro community for ophicleide and/or cimbasso players? The quality of the group I play with is more important to me than the instrument I'm playing.

Thanks,
Scott

[djwesp]

Hello all,

Long story short, I was a music major in college, graduated in 2002, but I haven't played much since then. (My principal instrument was tuba, but I probably spent just as much time playing euph by my senior year.) I want to start playing music again, but I really don't want to play with mediocre groups. Assuming for the sake of discussion that I can get back into playing shape quickly, are there any openings for good groups on either tuba or euph? If not, is there a need in the pro community for ophicleide and/or cimbasso players? The quality of the group I play with is more important to me than the instrument I'm playing.

Thanks,
Scott

The most success I've ever had in a big city, just having fun, and making a little extra cash....


Play downtown by the bars. Setup a cheap boombox and improv on top of a take 5 CD. It is a great chance to get your fingers back under you, not worry about the rest of the ensemble being very good, and it is a great way for people that DO play in the groups to discover you. A good tuba player, playing out in public, is something that gets around in the tuba community.

[james]

Chicago is a tough scene to break into as far as gigs are concerned. There isn't a ton of work but there are plenty of players who have been here paying dues for several years. While you're getting back into shape I would suggest finding a community band to play with. There are several of these in the area and they usually need tuba players. Nix the idea of street playing. I believe there was an ordinance passed recently which bans street music in certain parts of the city. Mainly the north side of Michigan avenue from what I can remember. Yes, the word of tubas playing on the street does get around but usually for the wrong reasons. Street playing may earn you some cash from pedestrians but I don't think it will help you "break into the scene". Not many contractors stop and ask for cards from these individuals.......

[djwesp]

I believe there was an ordinance passed recently which bans street music in certain parts of the city. Mainly the north side of Michigan avenue from what I can remember.....

There goes my once yearly dose of fun in downtown.

[Alex F]

There are few bands in the city proper. These are generally church/ethnic bands with a variety of talent raning from "pro" down to, shall we say, "basic." DePaul University has a New Horizons band of 21 players with varied skills - our tubist is quite good and we could use a euph. (DPU's NHB is directed by the wife of our own Jim "rascaljim" Langenberg, who is herself a pro horn player). There are also a number of community orchestras which are quite good, but the ones I've heard have the tuba covered with good tubists and, of course, don't have euph parts.

In the suburbs, however, there are a number or community bands that are well though of. Wheaton, Arlington Heights/Palatine, North Shore come to mind, and there are others. There are also a couple of high quality brass bands. A number of their members post here. Maybe they can chime in and comment.

[rascaljim]

There are a ton of community bands and brass bands in the suburbs that would be a great first step for you. Where are you located/ willing to drive to?

The new horizons band may be a little below your level if you majored in music. Otherwise there is actually a couple former music majors in the group as well as some non music major musicians. In fact, their only current tubist, who's back from an extended hiatus from the tuba, studied with Perantoni down at U of Illinois back in the day.

If you really want a technical challenge, go for one of the brass bands (ie, prarie, illinois, chicago, etc...). I wouldn't be too quick to turn my nose up at the free gigs. A lot of my gigs come from people I meet at some of those free gigs.

The local colleges and community colleges are a great place to make music. I've heard some really good sounding community college bands so it'd be worth looking into.

As an addition to what James is talking about, I live in chicago, but I'd say about 90% of my musical work is outside of the city (and in many cases across the state). It's really REALLY hard to get work in Chicago.

Good luck!
Jim Langenberg

[Tubageek]

I don't really care about pay for the gigs. If I had a choice between playing a gig with a good group for free and playing a well-paying gig with a bunch of guys who just get by, I'd take the free gig any day of the week with no hesitation.

I was with a community band for about a year (in a town not too far from Wheaton) and I left largely because the group wasn't rehearsed very well. There were several good players in the group, but the conductor did little to fix mistakes, and what mistakes the director tried to fix weren't fixed by the next rehearsal. I haven't auditioned for Wheaton, but I've heard they're a summer band only.

Btw, I'm in the western suburbs. The distance I'll drive depends on the group and the situation.

Thanks for everyone's help.

Scott

[Tubageek]

I forgot to mention: I would LOVE to play in a brass band. I played in the Sheldon Theater Brass Band while I was in Red Wing and loved it. I know of a couple of groups in the area, but I didn't think any of them were looking for low brass players. (I've actually been toying with the idea of starting my own because of that.) Is there a list of Chicago area brass bands out there somewhere?

Scott

[Steve Marcus]

In alphabetical order:

Chicago Brass Band

Illinois Brass Band

Prairie Brass Band


Steve Marcus
Tuba Section Leader, Chicago Brass Band

[tofu]

In alphabetical order:

Chicago Brass Band

Illinois Brass Band

Prairie Brass Band


Steve Marcus
Tuba Section Leader, Chicago Brass Band

Saw the Chicago Brass Band (CBF) at Christ Church in Oakbrook today together with the Singing Men of Oakbrook. Really a nice concert Steve. The band sounded great and the tuba section had a very nice, deft almost delicate sound. Never woofy or overblowing. You guys had great intonation and played together well as a section (even if there was only one British looking tuba) Nice selection of music for the season and the tuba section even had a few nice solo sections.

[tubajoe]

I want to start playing music again, but I really don't want to play with mediocre groups.

Taking that approach will more than likely get you passed by.


The way to get gigs is get out and play with anyone and everyone.

Always remember the "6 degrees of separation" rule. At this point you are starting out fresh, so go play with anyone that will have you.

THEN, people will notice you. People know people who know people who sometimes need a tuba or euph player. THAT'S how it works. The 4th chair clarinet player of a community band might have an uncle that is a high end music producer or contractor...etc etc. You never know... and the point is that you gotta get out there and make some noise.

Chicago is a vibrant town, but is also FULL of some of the best brass players in the world, coming in and out to study, hang, etc. (which makes it a great place to learn from your peers!)

Chicago is also a very suburban area. Meaning that much of the activity goes on outside of the city proper - be willing to play from Milwaukee to Indiana. I always believe that there is room for anyone... providing they are good/interesting enough.

Even the amateur brass playing in Chicago is of a very high level, and amateur groups are often peppered with budding professionals (due to the obvious fact that Chicago is Mecca for brass study) And, the British Brass Band scene in town is very, very good. ...some of the best bands this side of the pond.

Take any (and I mean ANY) playing opportunity as a NETWORKING opportunity. Soon enough, providing you are positive, enthusiastic, optimistic, and play your cahones off, the calls will no doubt start to happen ...and eventually the better groups will be wanting you.

It works. It worked for me in both Chicago and NYC.

peace


joe