Here we go again.
Is there a conspiracy among drummers and percussionists that they must back out of shows at the last minute, as long as I am within a few degrees of separation from the show’s director? Once again, in an heroic showing of good will and desire for even a small taste of show business, I have entered into the fracas known as musical theatre, with only my mediocre percussive rudiments to defend me. It is strange that I have had more “gigs” for my self-taught and admittedly sub-par musical ability in this area, than for my trained skills in acting, stage combat and improv. Or even voice, in which I hold some natural talent.
Mind you, I have not pursued these roles, but neither have I pursued playing in the orchestra, and here I am with my second performance behind the skins rapidly approaching, despite my caveats about my gross lack of real ability.
I have four rehearsals, DRESS rehearsals I should add, to learn to read drumkit sheet music (my years playing euphonium in high school band not withstanding) and to know my part within the orchestra for the play 110 in the shade. As Bjorn reminded me, I am likely to rely much on wood block and cowbell.
One option is to go in to rehearsals with a beret and a pretentious demeanor. Then, tell the director that the script “spoke” to you and called out for percussive minimalism. Say that you’re abandoning fancy drum arrangements in favor of complete silence, accentuated only with the occasional shake of the tambourine. Hell, that could even be symbolic of a rattlesnake crawling through the drought-ridden town.
Comment by Bjorn — 6/29/2004 @ 3:40 am
Ooh, Bjorn… you’re gooooood.
Comment by Tazja — 7/1/2004 @ 12:26 pm
I think I’ve successfully pawned this responsibility on someone more gull…er, CAPABLE than me.
Stay tuned.
Comment by steelbuddha — 7/1/2004 @ 1:29 pm
OK. That’s three. Godspell opens this week at my alma mater. Without the Buddha, who is moving and working.
Comment by steelbuddha — 7/19/2004 @ 9:14 am