Did my first gig!

[darrell]

If you guys remember, over the summer I was learning my scales, practicing everyday. I learned a few tunes, that I felt comfortable with, and last weekend-- I played for the first time in PUBLIC!!

I was really scared, but I was quite happy with it. I went to a little live-house where mostly guitarists play. When I mentioned I had a saxophone, they kept asking me to play, so one night I brought it in.

I was so nervous. What to play? I had been jamming at home to some jam tracks, but that's about it. I felt comfortable playing in Cm-(concert) which is the same notes as F-major on my tenor sax, except the "D" is the tonic. I was shaking!! The lights were in my face, it was real quite. Then the band leader counted in. Great.. tempo not too fast... Would I be too loud? Too soft? I didn't know. I didn't sound check at all. After they played for a while, the band leader passed the solo to me, so I just stepped up to the microphone but my sax up to it, and started playing a "D". Wow!! it fit! I slowly moved away from this tone center, concentrating on staying on tempo. I played a few patterns that I knew by heart, and it actually sounded pretty good. After a while I relaxed a bit, and the music just started to come out. It really felt good. I just closed my eyes, and played as if I was alone in my home. After I was done they all applauded!! What a great moment. I've since been back a few more times, playing more and more songs each time as I become comfortable playing in the key of the tune. I am VERY motivated to learn other songs they already know. They know I'm a beginner, and they have a few songs they play for me: Autumn Leaves, Summertime, Straight-No Chaser, along with some blues tunes.

I have to say. I was quite content playing by my happy little self until I saw the YouTube of Paul Potts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA

After watching this, it really motivated me to "just go for it!" So I did!

What a blast! Thank you all for answering all of my questions and being a great support network! Many many thanks.

Now, that I've got the "playing in front of people" phobia dealt with, I can really get down to polishing up a bit. I still have a LONG way to go!

darrell

 

[phil_edwards]

Well done Darrell. I posted about my first open-mic a while back - it's a great feeling to know you can stand up there and do it, isn't it?

You'll always be aware of where to improve, but if the audience are clapping you've done what you came for. Sounds like a good and accomodating band you've got - that helps hugely knowing they'll work with you (and step in to the rescue if it falls apart one night!).

A great start - certainly a motivator, don't you think!

Congrats, Phil

 

[Tenor Sax]

Well done Darrell,

I have done the solo bit a number of times, I still get the shakes.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Fantastic, well done Darrell.

 

[suethesax]

Well done Darrell. I shake like a leaf every time I play in public but they say nerves are good right?

 

[Jules]

Sue wrote:
Well done Darrell. I shake like a leaf every time I play in public but they say nerves are good right?

I've always had the feeling that if there wasn't a bit of an adrenalin rush then it wouldn't be half as much fun gigging....

 

[frankb]

Well done, Darrell! Respect.

You've a lot more guts than I have!