Posted by Joe S. on February 17, 2004 at 00:58:14:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: How to land gigs in new area posted by Knows the situation on February 16, 2004 at 22:37:46:
As a bit of more concrete advice, why not assemble a stack of quintet music, and contact a bunch of local churches' organists/choir directors? (yeah, a bunch...like dozens, in order to hopefully end up with two or three gigs)
Tell these organists/choir directors you have a very fine brass quintet and you are interested in performing. You don't even need to mention that you are new in town. (Don't fall for the "sucker punch" [Easter gig]. All the trumpet players who have a pulse are already booked.) Don't hesitate to ask good money for your quintet. If you don't ask for enough money, the organists/choir directors will be suspicious about the quality of your quintet. If/when you succeed in booking one, two or more gigs, get the best brass players in town that are available booked for these gigs with you. (Don't be afraid to ask the very best players. Surprisingly often, the best players don't get asked to play gigs because those who might ask them are intimidated. "Best" players need gigs, just like "OK" players do.)
Once you've succeeded in booking and performing a few successful quintet gigs, not only have you made some money and some good church gig contacts, but the four best brass players in town
- heard you play.
- are now acquainted with you.
- owe you some favors (reciprocal gigs).