Just like the professionals, if you’re a good community musician and your name gets around, a local amateur group may ask you to sit in on a rehearsal and/or gig. Subbing in a community ensemble can be very rewarding, especially for those who don’t mind sight-reading, or who enjoy networking with your fellow musicians.
Ideally, you would have received the sheet music beforehand, with enough time to practice it, perhaps even with a link to an online recording. You also would have been given details about the rehearsal(s) and/or gig, thus allowing you an idea of what to expect.
Unfortunately, not all subbing jobs come with ideal circumstances. You should ask questions if you’re not given certain data. I’ve been lucky enough to be asked to sub a handful of times in the last couple of months, and I was reminded of a few concepts.
When is the rehearsal/gig?
How many rehearsal(s) and gig(s) are you expected to attend? If interested, check your calendar to make sure you don’t double-book yourself. Is there a sound-check or other preparatory gathering beforehand?
Where is the rehearsal/gig?
Get directions, or at least an address you can plug into a GPS. Know where you’re allowed to park. Is it indoors or outdoors? If indoors, which entrance is supposed to be unlocked, and where’s the room?
What does the sheet music look like?
Can you play it? Take a look at those dots and lines and be honest with yourself. For instance, if the note range is outside of your comfort level and you don’t think you can learn the part in time, don’t be a hero – decline the gig. However, if you’re good with all the ink, ask if there are any cuts or other musical changes not printed on the page. If you’re expected to improvise, ask for a list of chart titles, or maybe see if they’ll allow you to bring a Real Book/Fake Book.
Who will I be playing with?
Have you been asked to play a style you’re not comfortable with, or in a group you’re not familiar with? Before committing, you might find them online or ask for a recording. Ask the person who initially contacted you for their input. If you’re filling in for a friend who is a regular, ask them what to expect.
What other equipment do I need?
If you double on other instruments, do you need them? Do you have all the necessary accouterments (reeds, stands, mutes, oil, mallets, etc.)? Don’t forget your music stand, stand light, and the almighty pencil and eraser!
What’s the dress code?
Do you have formal wear? How about something semi-formal and dark? This is usually not a problem, but it’s always good to check.
If you’re asked to wear a black suit jacket, don’t wear dark blue. If you’re asked to wear black dress shoes, don’t show up in dark brown loafers. Sure, it probably won’t make much difference in the long run, but such minor differences lessen the intended impact on the audience. You never know what people will notice.
Who are the contacts?
Know who to call if you can’t reach the rehearsal/performance space, your schedule suddenly changes, your car dies, etc. Get two different names/numbers/emails if possible.
Is it a paying gig?
Once you have enough information, if it’s a performance, you can decide whether it’s worth your time to do it for free or not. Either way, it’s still good to know if money is coming your way. Getting paid is often a hit-or-miss game in the music world, especially with community performances.
If you’ve been deemed worthy of payment, be thankful, and make sure you:
- Get the money in your hands before leaving the gig, or
- Give the appropriate person your address so they can mail your earnings.
Is there potential noise?
Auditory competition (vehicular traffic, crowds, other music, etc.) is always a concern when dealing with outdoor gigs. Although you may not have control over these circumstances, you can at least prepare yourself mentally. For instance, playing TAPS at an outdoor Veterans Day ceremony, with city traffic going by, can be an adventure.
Did I miss anything?
What did you not have/know before a gig?
Did you have a sub job that turned into something more?