One Thing Leads to Another...

I find it goofy how making one small decision can change plans so quickly.

At the end of the school year I decided to join a summer reading band that a music educator in the state was hosting. We sight read music, and it is a great musical thing to add to my social calendar.

This week, as I sat down, a familiar face sat down to my right. She is the bass clarinet player for the PSU Concert Band, and is a joyful woman to be around. Toward the end of our sight reading session, she turns to me and asks me to join the Center Harbor Community Band here in NH, because they are looking for a first alto position and desperately need a player for their gig on July 4th.

I said yes. Obviously!

After emailing the director, he offered me a paid position with the band, and pay is based per concert. I was FLOORED. I didn't think I would ever get paid to play a gig, especially in the discipline that I want to be in which is classical/concert band playing.

My biggest pieces of advice to anyone looking to get gigs are below.

1. Take every opportunity to play with people who are positive connections

2. Always say yes to gigs (unless they are sleazy, and be cautious around gigs offering "exposure")

3. Practice, practice, practice

4. Be the musician that YOU would hire!