Rehearsals- How to make the most of your time
April 02, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Rehearsals- How to make the most of your time
You got all the members of your new band. You can’t wait to play your first show. Let’s figure out to get the most of your time.
Preparation. Let’s make a plan. First choose a leader. A leader or a MD (Musical Director) will be the one for organizing the band. I think it’s important that everyone in the band has a responsibility; the leader should be a very open and responsible person. Have a band vote. You don’t want someone who has a dictator style of leadership. This will lead to problems along the way. The leader should be a very communicator and have an easygoing personality, along with being responsible. I know we are asking a lot. Just decide who is close to these qualities.
As a leader, find out everyone’s schedule and find out the best available times. At first a rehearsal schedule of twice a week should be enough. This allows everyone to absorb what went on in rehearsal, the weak spots, and the things that need to be worked on. As the leader decide what material is going to be the focus. Prepare a cd of material. Let the singers know what vocal parts each person will do. The leader may ask for some help in organizing the songs, copying cds etc. Find a place you can rehearse, if it’s a rehearsal studio or someone’s house. If it’s a rehearsal studio, see what equipment they have (PA, Drums etc) most rehearsal places book 4-hour slots with an average of $25 per hour. Figure out how this bill will be paid for. Start a band fund so money is available when the bill is due.
Being a part of the band is a great responsibility as well, just from a player’s part. When you decide you want to be part of a band, you need to realize the band is only as good as it’s weakest member. If you are going to be part of this band, make sure you are on the same page with everyone else regarding rehearsals, gigs, and time commitments.
When you get ready for your first rehearsal, make sure your equipment is in good working condition. If you play guitar, make sure your guitar is properly intonated, the action is se properly, fresh strings etc. Make sure your amp is not crackling or buzzing. Cables work, pedals fresh batteries etc. Drummers tune your drums or have a friend tune them. Put fresh heads on as well. Whatever your instrument is, make sure it is working.
Next step is to learn the material provided. For a first rehearsal, you may want to choose 5 or six songs to get started. This will not overwhelm anyone. It will also make it easier as you will be getting to know the other players you are playing with. When learning your parts, go over the top and know the parts like you know the back of your hand.
If everyone follows these few steps, rehearsals will be saved for things you can work on together as a band, like arrangements, dynamics and just playing together.
The leader should make some sort of arrangement to record the rehearsal. Everyone in the band should record the rehearsal if possible. Some sort of small recorder will work. You can also use this recorder for working out your parts as well. When listening back to these rehearsals, you can really hear what needs to be worked on. The leader should really focus on the recordings and let each member know what needs to be worked out.
One final thing I will mention, leave the drugs and alcohol at home. These rehearsals are short, average 4 hours, so rehearse. If you want to go out afterwards and get fucked up, do it! A lot of times if you get trashed during rehearsal, you will probably forget what changes have been made and you will hold everyone else up. You want to have your parts worked out before rehearsal, you don’t want to be the guy in rehearsal learning your parts and holding up everyone else.
Number 1 rule is having fun!
-Earl Smith