We played a show at Greenhill, a K thru 12th grade school.
We played in the "quad" (kinda like a courtyard/commons area) where the kids had their lunch
(Hot dogs and hamburgers and lemonade) outside, while we we're playing music.
It was a constant rotation of different grades lunch periods.
I was pretty anxious the day before because we (the band) hadn't played together for a while and we we're missing some key players i.e. Nick (piano), who was busy writing a 20 page paper for school. (he goes to North Texas). So it was kinda hectic trying to go thru songs without a piano player plus a few other missing players to boot, while putting a set together for the rotation of kids lunch periods. This meant continuous playing without feeling like "we just played that song" and "are these cool for this age group" etc.
The rehearsal was, in my opinion, kinda like a train wreck, (that's why I was anxious) but some people in the band disagree with me on the "train wreck" part. (different perspectives)
We had to be there at 8:30 in the morning for load in and a line check. All this was going on by the way, with kids and faculty all around.
We started promptly at 11:15 and didn't stop till 1:20. We dove right in with "hold me now" and so on.
We did quite abit of improvising, which I always love to do.
I brought alot of hand held percussion instruments (shakers, maracas, bell chimes, tambourines, blocks etc) for the kids to play while we we're playing, to keep it really interactive.
The kids we're GREAT!
They we're very excited to be a part of the music. It was AWESOME to see the expressions on their faces and their enthusiasm towards keeping time and playing with the band.
What was perceived to be a cluster of an unfocused musical experience (in my mind) the day before.
Turned out to be a WONDERFULLY focused musical experience day for us all. "Many magical moments for sure" Julie says.
Not to mention the kids that we're inspired in ways they don't even realize yet.
So, all in all, it worked out, just like it ALWAYS does. Try to remember the power of the unknown. (I'm talking to myself, feel free to apply to yourself) Life has a way kicking in when you need it.
Oh, it also helps to be in The Polyphonic Spree.
Take it easy,
Tim
We had to be there at 8:30 in the morning for load in and a line check. All this was going on by the way, with kids and faculty all around.
We started promptly at 11:15 and didn't stop till 1:20. We dove right in with "hold me now" and so on.
We did quite abit of improvising, which I always love to do.
I brought alot of hand held percussion instruments (shakers, maracas, bell chimes, tambourines, blocks etc) for the kids to play while we we're playing, to keep it really interactive.
The kids we're GREAT!
They we're very excited to be a part of the music. It was AWESOME to see the expressions on their faces and their enthusiasm towards keeping time and playing with the band.
What was perceived to be a cluster of an unfocused musical experience (in my mind) the day before.
Turned out to be a WONDERFULLY focused musical experience day for us all. "Many magical moments for sure" Julie says.
Not to mention the kids that we're inspired in ways they don't even realize yet.
So, all in all, it worked out, just like it ALWAYS does. Try to remember the power of the unknown. (I'm talking to myself, feel free to apply to yourself) Life has a way kicking in when you need it.
Oh, it also helps to be in The Polyphonic Spree.
Take it easy,
Tim
