For this assignment you need to make a list of the possible problems that could stop your rehearsals from running smoothly. You then need to go into more detail explaining your reasons for this. You should also use your experience of the rehearsals you were part of before Christmas. The following headings should help you:
Technical issues and problems
- resources not being right
If someone hasn’t learned a certain song, they could show up with sheet music or tablature and learn it during the practice. However, most of the time, people don’t have the time (Are too lazy) to do such a thing, so the practice suffers as a result.
- equipment not available
Someone might not show up with the right equipment i.e. Jack Lead, Tuner, Strings.
- setting up equipment properly
Someone might not know how to set their amp up properly for the best sound, so they might just be coasting through with a bad tone and the practice not going as well as it could.
- sound levels
A practice starts off, usually, with members getting a level of each of their instruments to see if everyone is at an equal volume. If this is not done, then the bassist could be louder than the lead guitarist which is not very good for some situations. It is also a good idea to test out pedals with your original amp settings as well.
Musical issues and problems
- choice of material not working
If people don’t agree on the music chosen in amongst them selves, then there needs to be a middle ground compromise; There can’t be a song that everyone in the bands hates.
- songs chosen not at right level for individuals
If a song is chosen that is far beyond one or more of the musicians skill, then it might be an idea to try either a different song by the band, or try a different band in the same genre area.
- songs chosen require certain instruments
If you’re a regular 4 piece band, and you want to cover some Stevie Wonder for example, you’re going to need some brass players to really make the song feel right. This is either easily counteracted, or will become a nightmare hunt for the right people. Either way, don’t pick those songs until you have everything right.
Practical issues and problems
- poor attendance or timekeeping
If there is a certain person that is either constantly late or absent from a practice, they should be told by either the band made leader or the entire band. They should either be on time 100% or not be there at all; you run the risk of being kicked out!
- not enough time to rehearse
If you don’t have a long enough time to rehearse, it will make your band hard to get gigging because you’re just simply not ready for it. You need to relocate to somewhere you can get a proper rehearsal to get some real hours in.
- leadership or lack of leadership, too many cooks…
Usually, a band needs some kind of strong figure type to lead the band, not in a tyrannical way, but in a productive way. If there are too many of this type of person, there could be clashes within the band and nothing would get done. On the other hand, if there are no leaders, nothing productive will happen and nothing will also get done.
- lack of teamwork, lack of communication, personality clashes.
Teamwork is needed in the band to keep the train rolling. When members of a band stick together, they will achieve lots more than a band with one or two passengers. Communication wise, all members have to talk to one another, whether it be little changes within songs that maybe a member or two weren’t there. Sometimes a song could be added to the setlist. Everybody needs to know what’s going on, if they don’t there are weak links then and the band will fall apart slowly. Lastly, personality clashes can hurt a bands stamina greatly because one idea will be shot down for another and it can hurt a members ego or sense of self worth. A middle ground always needs to be found in bands with personality clashes, otherwise it’s just not worth pursuing.
Mark Kirby 