Thursday, October 8, 2009

All Musicians Need to Read This One

How do you measure a great lead alto player. Here you go:: The other night at our concert we were going to play #67 The Nearness Of You. A fantastic tune that features the sax section. It especially features the doubling abilities of our section. During one part of the tune, it goes back and forth between the lead alto and the second alto each altering sax and clarinet back and forth. During intermission I took my music back stage to practice and get everything just right. We went back to the stage and starting our set. When we got to #67 my music was no where to be found. No one knew this except for me and Kevin the leadman. I decided to fake it so no one would know. When we got to the section between Kevin and I all of a sudden he started switching horns like a wild man. YOU SEE HE HAD MY MUSIC MEMORIZED TOO. He played every single note of the back and forth section on the correct instrument PERFECTLY. It was so perfect Larry never know we had a problem. To top it off after the show, Kevin said, Your Fired, laughed and said "That's happened in the past and it will happen again in the future" He was very kind and supportive. He knows I work hard all the time to have everything right. THAT MY FRIENDS IS THE MEASURE OF A GREAT LEAD PLAYER AND SECTION LEADER.
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5 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 8, 2009 at 8:14 PM

    Hey dude, that's a great story and I take it that you now have him on an undisclosed retainer. On my very first tour, half way thru, someone stole my entire book. Talk about a freakout! Dave was great about it but i gotta tell you that the "pucker" factor was not good. Years later a fellow passed away in that community and they found several drum books of touring bands in his home...kinda spooky! Glad yours worked out tho'. We are hunkering downn tonight and tomorrow as we are supposed to be geting a wintry blast of snow and stuff. Just in time for the girls to start their last term. Anyway, take care and hey, let me know about who to contact to get a copy of your tune list at U ofA/M when you get a chance...no rush but want to follow up on all kinds of things. Have a great night!
    c.e.

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  2. Gary MeggsOctober 8, 2009 at 9:35 PM

    Thanks CE

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  3. Robin RatliffOctober 8, 2009 at 9:38 PM

    very cool

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  4. Nathan CarmanOctober 8, 2009 at 9:51 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. Nathan CarmanOctober 8, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    I have a question for you, Mr. Meggs. Does the saxophone section use many "wow" techniques in their solos (i.e. altissimo, growl, false fingerings, etc.)? Does it depend on the style of music? Do you notice certain members of the section that favor one technique, or do all of you pretty much stick to the vintage soloing styles?

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