My Big Break!!! Please Help!!!

[paul c]

Right. This band have asked me to audition for the spot as their drummer..OK you still with me? They've done bloodstock a few times, tirelessly tour Europe and America, open for acts such as Saxon and Motorhead... the list goes on, but theres one problem,, Im 17 and still in school. First, I need tips on a good band audition - manner, preparation, practice, stuff like that. And second i need to know should I take the job, taking into consideration school, friends, girlfriend, etc etc.
Thanks a lot.

[Casper "DrPowerStroke" Paludan]

Right. This band have asked me to audition for the spot as their drummer..OK you still with me? They've done bloodstock a few times, tirelessly tour Europe and America, open for acts such as Saxon and Motorhead... the list goes on, but theres one problem,, Im 17 and still in school. First, I need tips on a good band audition - manner, preparation, practice, stuff like that. And second i need to know should I take the job, taking into consideration school, friends, girlfriend, etc etc.
Thanks a lot.

Congratulations on the break. Really cool! Just remember this may not be your big break, just a nod to your abilities. You will probably get many chances like this, you may even be able to get a sub for a year until you are done with school. That is my advice: finish school! You are so close, and sound like you are enjoying it too. So stay the course. DPS

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Finish school, definitely finish school. Be utterly serious with the band, but at the same time, try and make your life as balanced as possible. Add strings to your bow. Try and work out a daily routine of practice that fits in around school and not the other way around. With regards to the audition, be yourself but be confident and polite. Try and be friendly as well, but always focused and LISTEN to the rest of the band.

There's a local screamo band who are playing Bloodstock this year called KobraKai. Definitely not my style of music, but they're pretty tight and nice guys. If you go, have a great time and try not to get killed by Vikings.

[That Guy]

Congratulations on the break. Really cool! Just remember this may not be your big break, just a nod to your abilities. You will probably get many chances like this, you may even be able to get a sub for a year until you are done with school. That is my advice: finish school! You are so close, and sound like you are enjoying it too. So stay the course. DPS

I couldn't have put it any better. Great suggestion DR. Paul, you are still so young and have sooooo much ahead of you. Please don't jump at this prematurely. You need to let it settle a bit. I know that right now you are jumping out of yourself and think this is the greatest opportunity in the world. IT MIGHT BE! But, you need to take a step back and really evaluate this. Let it float around in your conscience for a while. When things like this pop up, it can overwhelm ones mind. It can blind oneself from the negative side of these types of opportunities. It's like.. "falling in love." When it happens... you are on cloud 9 and there is no wrong in the world. But, after awhile... you begin to see the imperfections in the other person that you were not able to see at first and can even end up resenting your decision to attach yourself to that person/opportunity. Ever heard the term.. "blinded by love"? Thats the thing you need to protect yourself from in this case. I'm not trying to deter your from this in any sense. It might be the best thing you could ever do for you love of drumming and your career. But, it could be the worst thing for your drumming and career as well.

Just chill for a bit. Let it settle.

Just as the DR. said... "Just remember that this may not be your big break, just a nod to your abilities."

[drumtechdad]

Learn their tunes! Inside out, upside down, chart them if you have the time.

Secondly, in my experience, when a band is seeking a new drummer, they are not thinking "boy I wish we could find someone who can play flashy bar-long fills of polyrhythmic dazzlement." They are thinking "boy I wish we could find someone who can groove.

Be on time, be professional, if they ask you to do or try something, do it. And try to act as if you're having a good time. Be personable. There's a million guys out there who have the chops to do their gig, but it turns out that 90% of being in a band is getting along well with the rest of them.

Best of luck.

[Disco Stu]

Learn their tunes! Inside out, upside down, chart them if you have the time.

Secondly, in my experience, when a band is seeking a new drummer, they are not thinking "boy I wish we could find someone who can play flashy bar-long fills of polyrhythmic dazzlement." They are thinking "boy I wish we could find someone who can groove.

Be on time, be professional, if they ask you to do or try something, do it. And try to act as if you're having a good time. Be personable. There's a million guys out there who have the chops to do their gig, but it turns out that 90% of being in a band is getting along well with the rest of them.

Best of luck.
I'd say that's pretty good advice, but if they're opening for Saxon and Motorhead, they may want a little flash too. As for the rest (school, etc.) I'd say don't sweat it until you absolutely have a reason to. That is, deal with that when and if they offer you the gig.

[fijjibo]

I thought I was getting my lucky break once - but the band just turned out to be lying to me.

This was ages ago though.

My advice is to be wary too - go on the internet and research the band - make sure they are genuine.

But mostly - Enjoy yourself!!!!

[joeybeats]

Get your degree. And, if you have the opportunity to do so, go get another one after that.

I've never met or heard one person claim that they regret having made the decision to stay in school and graduate. Joey

[intooder]

Adding to what everyone else said: From the sound of it they seem to be a well established band (check it out anyways). They are going to require pocket, groove, ability to improvise and come up with creative bits, musical and interpersonal compatibility and being reliable. If you don't have all of these, you wont get the job - unless they are super desperate. The flashy stuff is just extra which might be used to break a tie (shouldn't be your primary concern).

As far as school goes, that is a question only you can answer for yourself. Finishing school will prove to be the smart thing, in the long run, but if this seems like the opportunity of a lifetime to you - go for it. Ideally, like the others said, if you can balance school and the gig, that would be perfect.

Make sure the gig is a sure thing before making any changes with school, your life, etc. Good luck!

[Muckster]

If this is seriously a legitimate thing, don't do anything without a lawyer.

[Lee Mangano]

For 17 your smart enough to ask for advice, Im going to assume you'll make the right choices...keep in mind if your that good at 17 to cutt this gig, you'll only get better...