Engagements

[Robert]

Interesting results from the current Poll. Lead me to wonder whether or not we should be loking introspectively and reflect on whether or not we could tweak our presentation as we set up, play and then pack away? Whilst we are not professional musicians these are Profesional engagements- question is - Are we presenting oursevles in the : Best Light?

[Admin(Terry)]

I know some bands have designated people to do certain tasks at each job. Trouble is with our current attendance I can't see it working as it's impossible to ask people to do things when they aren't there. It's an old chestnut with the band. We don't have a band sergeant either whose job it is to organise people for such jobs.
Tricky one Robert.
Terry

[Robert]

I totally agree, in fact it would probably restrict recruitment, but my thoughts were more about how we present ourselves rather than who does what. Such as fiddling about sorting music on stage once a concert has started (done it myself) or chatting whilst the conductor introduces the next piece (done that too). Small things that could detract from the overall presentation. We're not the worst band for this by a long way but without a discussion, we can't improve (then again do we really want to?).

[Jeff]

Interesting discussion, this. I think the main thing is to bear in mind that we are 'on show' from the moment we arrive at a venue, and we should try to enjoy what we do (even if we're getting drenched unloading percussion at the Acorn Theatre!!). I remember the comments we received at Newark last year - it was a cold, miserable 'summer' day, and one of the organisers commented how we all went about our business with a smile on our face. A good advertisement for the band, for certain!

Aside from this, we can certainly improve on our presentation - not that it isn't good at the moment, but there are always little improvements that can be made. And we don't really need a Band Sergeant for this (never liked doing the job myself, and it's difficult to get anyone to do it, anyway) , it's really just a case of minor 'tweaks' (as you put it, Robert) and getting everyone to think about how we present ourselves. Food for thought there, and I'll certainly be looking a bit harder at how we come across in concerts and having a think where improvements can be made.