inspired to ask.....

[ray5123]

A recent question posed to the forum was about PM expectations from players in the band.... which is an interesting read for me :)

My question is what do players look for in a band? This is assuming they want to be in a band. :eek:

Having fun should be the first on the list :D

[kb_piper]

If I'm scouting out for a new pipe band I always look at the P/M first. For example how well do they instruct, tune, socialize etc.

I find that if the P/M is a good instructor, can set up a band and is easy to get along with.. it usually reflects everyone else's skill and personality in the band.

Yes, fun is important, but I have the most fun when our chanters are singing and the drones are rock solid while playing some awesome tunes with good friends.

cheers,
kb

[JLC]

Well, currently being in the process of looking for a band to at least practice with for a while (until I actually start my job...) I'm looking for a group that will help me to improve my playing and be willing to put up with a rank novice (two years, just now solo competing). Sure, the social aspect is nice, but as long as I can get along with the others in the group and improve my playing, socializing is definitely secondary.
However, this is probably going to reflect the goals and aspirations of each individual piper. Pipers will probably look for a band that meets their expectations, and if they start out in a band that doesn't, then I'd wager they'd be looking for another one fairly soon. In short, I guess it depends what you want to get out of it. :shrug:
JLC

[Mike Szarka]

I think there will be a huge range of opinions on this - we are all in this for so many reasons. But I would say:

1) A band where every member is committed to improving and putting their best performance on the field. This means a band where all the members practice hard.

2) A band where members are treated as people first and players second.

3) Leadership which combines competence with consistency and willingness to listen, and which does not tolerate lack of commitment.

4) A band which is not dominated by cliques and where talking behind the backs of others is kept to a minimum, particularly when the issue is not music.

5) A band where real friendships form.

6) A band which actively discourages snobbery or putting down other bands/players.

For myself, having played almost exclusively in Grades 1 & 2, high standards of competence and commitment are important to me. But I anticipate that there will be a time in my career when teaching is more important than performance, and then it will be committment alone which will be the critical factor. It matters more than anything.

Mike

[kb_piper]

Good point Mike, another thing I forgot to mention in my earlier post. Commitment. I would cut off my right leg before missing an engagement, and I don't think I could stand being with a band full of people who plain old don't show up or make constant excuses.