Since they're professional musicians, suggest as a creative challenge:

What and how do we vary in a tune (texture, dynamics, solos, etc.) without altering tempo.

How do we signal to dancers? How do we create a conversation with dancers?

How can we build excitement, then release the tension to continue? How can the transition to a different tune change the energy and emotion?

I agree a practical guide would be helpful, but I'mj ust guessing some creativity will be inspired by asking musicians to suggest their own solutions before offering existing solutions.

Even if they arrive at the same place, it will be grounded like learning through play is remembered more easily than learning through rote.

Jerome


On Wed, Sep 4, 2024, 11:45 AM Angela DeCarlis via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

I'm in the same boat right now, Seth!

BIDA's Open Band Tune List is a really helpful resource: https://www.bidadance.org/open-band-tune-list

But I've been having a hard time communicating about dynamics with them other than pulling up videos of experienced bands to demonstrate how much dance musicians break tunes down, improvise, and play. The energy needed to carry across a 7-minute set is harder to describe!! Following along in case others have ideas.

Ang


On Wed, Sep 4, 2024, 11:36 AM Tepfer, Seth via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Hello hive mind

I have an upcoming ONS gig with a group of people who are all professional musicians, but have never played together nor played for a dance. What resources are out there to help give these musicians an understanding of what is coming for them? Any web videos or PDFs of hints so they know what to expect? They are asking for sheet music and videos, which will help but I know there is much more to it than that.

Seth

Seth Tepfer, MBA, CSM, PMP (he, him, his)

Senior IT Manager, Emory Primate Center
Book time to meet with me

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