[Harp-L] Re:Help!

[David Fertig <drfertig@xxxxxxxxx>]

Jim, It's been said every time one gets up to play in public, one takes a brick out of the wall between you and the audience, so keep getting up and playing in public!  

On the other hand, playing without preparation, &/or in circumstances where you are likely to sound terrible or at least in way over your head, can be quite discouraging (of you or folks whom you'd like to play with).  

But if you're having fun, it's worth the frustration, and makes a good lesson. 

Remember, the biggest mistake we make as harp newbies is playing too much and playing over others, so listen closely to what others are doing and play essentially to simply complement their sound, to make the others sound good.   Play sparely, you'll make fewer mistakes, fewer grimaces and more value for what you do play.

And learn to stand silently looking in awe at the other players, bopping your head, maybe waving your hands or other body parts to encourage players', dancers and others' enthusiasm.  And of course when it's your turn just let it rip, then step back again.    

And smile, enjoy, flirt, goof around, dance, and have fun!

As for amplification, check with the band, will they have a pa (and mic) you can play on?  Do you have a low-z mic that will plug into the pa? if you're already into a mic and amp set up, take it, too.  In general, always take more gear than you will need, leave it in the car, scope out the scene and bring in what you want to use.  

Oh, and don't forget the hat!

-Dave "Do as I say not as I do" Fertig


On Wed, 6/24/09, harp-l-request@xxxxxxxxxx <harp-l-request@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Forwarded Message: Re: [Harp-L]  Help! Re: [Harp-L]  Help!
        	Wednesday, June 24, 2009 5:44 AM
        	
            
            
            From: 
            Lyalljames@xxxxxxx
            	
            	
            	
        	To: 
        	cscharp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx, harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
                I've been asked to play harmonica with experienced rock musicians at a  
Karaoke type nite at a restaurant.  I've been playing for 4 months only and  am 
a beginner.   The real musicians will be playing songs from the  60's to 
80's and some Dylan songs.   Any ideas? Do I need to  amplify?  Only played 1 
time in public at church.   Thanks   Jim Lyall N. Canton, Ohio