a big audition and some troublee

[King Kamehameha]

so i'm trying out for the school of rock allstars in exactly 2 weeks.

 

this is a group of the best kids from all the schools of rock who tour the country and sometimes other countries and generally kick butt. my school of rock's music director has selected me and a few other kids to be the ones he wants to go audition and possibly go on tour.

 

here is part of the email that paul green, the head guy at school of rock, sent out.

 

Prospective Students Must:

 

*Fill out the application (your Branch Manager or Music Director Has It) including the pain in the a*s parent waiver

*Learn One LED ZEPPELIN SONG

*Prepare One SOLO Piece

*Have your Music Director or Branch Manager Email their recommendations in to Teddi and Myself

 

Notes:

 

*%80 of the decision is based on the branch reccomendation because they know you best. Butter them up and make sure they get those in before Sept 6th.

 

*That said, all that you can really do at the audition is play yourself in or out of AllStars. You can play yourself in past a mediocre reccomendation by showing you can rise to the occasion and win the crowd over. We are in the entertainment biz, after all. You can play yourself out by not following the instructions of displying ill preparedness.

 

*For the LZ song I am looking to see if you can really learn one song of your choosing. But I mean REALLY learn it.

 

*Pick a LZ song that is somewhat off the beaten path (we don't want 17 versions of the ocean after all) but not so off that the back up band wont know it (e.g. Casoulambra). And why has no one ever done stairway? Now I will either get 17 or 0 versions of stairway.

 

*For the Solo I am looking to see if you have command enough of your instrument to entertain an audience.

 

*Do consider the judges when selecting your solo piece. If you are gonna shred, for example, just know that I have toured with CJ, Zach P, Courtney, Zach M, etc. Im not saying dont shred...just that my standards are high

 

*You should perform your LZ song on your primary or strongest instrument.

 

*You can use your solo to showcase a different instrument if you like. It is your call. Unless your second instrument is a rare one, or vocals, or quite strong on its own, you will really only be judged on your strongest instrument.

 

*There will also be a brief music theory quiz...very easy questions.

 

*I am not looking for good musicians, per se. I know tons of them. I am looking for good STUDENTS.

 

*Please be on time. That matters to me.

 

*Anyone with a serious eye on playing music professionally should audition for AllStars. The experience is priceless.

 

*If you are on fence about auditioning, please consider the following: In the past year the allstars have gone to Europe 2x, played with Slash, Perry Farrell, Andrew WK, Jon Anderson, played Carnegie Hall, Lolla, ACL, etc. Even if you think the program is stupid...come pass the audition and then turn down the spot. That would be bad a*s.

 

*If you are on the fence because you don't know if you are good enough...give it a shot. Nothing wrong with a failed audition. God knows for every success I have had 10 things have not come through.

 

*What if you live in Boston, or Vienna, or DC? Come on Down! I drive 2 hours to rehearsal each week, and I think it would be worth it to you.

 

the first thing is the audition itself. tips for preparing or how to present myself? i've never really had to do this before on such a large scale.

 

i've decided to play "good times bad times" for my led zeppelin song and "the vision" by victor wooten as my solo piece. any tips pertaining to these particular pieces? also any good videos of the respective bass players on these songs so i can learn them a little better?

 

the other half of this is: the all-stars have never had a member who lives so far away, so if i were to join, yes i would have to make a long and annoying commute. rehearsals are in either nyc or philly every saturday, depending on which section of the all-stars you join. i'd like to be in the philly group (alpha) but it's also further away.

 

i know it's unrealistic to have my parents take me to either city every weekend. this fact made me reaaally upset. but paul green told my mom they'd be willing to work with us, if i got in, to make this work. i wouldn't have to come to every single rehearsal. also, one or two other kids from my school are going to try out, and if they get in, we could carpool. these 2 facts combined give me some confidence.

 

tell me everything.

[picker]

Do "Out On The Tiles"(LZ III). It's not as hard as it sounds, and it hasn't been done to death.

[moot]

*Do consider the judges when selecting your solo piece. If you are gonna shred, for example, just know that I have toured with CJ, Zach P, Courtney, Zach M, etc. Im not saying dont shred...just that my standards are high

 

I have never heard of any of those people.

 

1> Being yourself is the best way to present yourself. You know you're good or you wouldn't be there right? You own it - act that way but remember the line between confidence and cocky. Be humble but confident.

 

Side note: Try and avoid saying things like "Ohmmagawd" and "Like" every other word and whatever you do, don't call the judge "dude" or smack your gum!

 

2> Nail your 2 music pieces but at the same time maintain a good flow - don't be stiff and mechanical but let the music move you.

 

3> Do you really want to do this? Yeah? Then suck it up and commute. Do whatever it takes to get there - train, bus, wagon train, burro, etc. and be there on time. Not just because the guy likes it that way but because being late is rude and it shows disrespect (for everyone including you) on a major scale.

 

4> Report back to this forum.

 

 

[Bottom End]

I second "Out on the Tiles" fairly simple, but great groove, which means if you can nail the feel, you're there.

 

Good luck. If you make it, you might consider seeing if there is a room you can rent in Philly/Jersey, with gas prices it might be cheaper.

 

Keep us posted.

[Rocky McDougall]

Just from reading the letter, I get the impression that "Paul Green", the head guy orgizing this audition, is probably about 14 years old. I would certainly investigate it all before knocking myself out to be prepared for the audition.

Rocky

[jlrush]

Hey, knock em out Maise. Best of luck to you and report back.

[Mr. Bizarro]

Even if you think the program is stupid...come pass the audition and then turn down the spot. That would be bad a*s.

 

Yeah.

 

Paul Green's School of Rock is pretty well-established, actually. I've never done anything on a scale anywhere near that, so I don't have any advice for that, but I would absolutely love to hear about it.

 

The first song that came to my mind was The Ocean, but he immediately went on to dismiss that one. Oh well.

[jeremy c]

Isn't it about a 6 hour car (or train ride) from Boston to Philadelphia? A train ride would be a lot easier.

 

Hopefully you could stay overnight.

 

I once transcribed Good Times Bad Times. I'm looking around the house for it. JPJ actually made a minor mistake (and a very quick recovery) at one point on the track. I love that song and it would show off your bass playing very nicely.

 

Good luck!

[Tom Capasso]

I have a cousin/mentor who is a recruiter for computer jobs. One thing I learned from him was this. Your mission is to win the job. Then decide if you want it. Do your best and you'll learn from the experience.

 

I don't know/remember the Tiles zep song - I like Good Times Bad Times.

 

Best of luck!

Tom

[EddiePlaysBass]

Good to read you again, Maisie. If I were you, I'd worry about the audition now, and the logistics later

[Griffinator]

One I guarantee no one else will do that will wow the judges: "Dazed and Confused" - not because of the main riff, but rather because of the huge breakdown in the middle.

 

 

[King Kamehameha]

*Do consider the judges when selecting your solo piece. If you are gonna shred, for example, just know that I have toured with CJ, Zach P, Courtney, Zach M, etc. Im not saying dont shred...just that my standards are high

 

I have never heard of any of those people.

 

1> Being yourself is the best way to present yourself. You know you're good or you wouldn't be there right? You own it - act that way but remember the line between confidence and cocky. Be humble but confident.

 

Side note: Try and avoid saying things like "Ohmmagawd" and "Like" every other word and whatever you do, don't call the judge "dude" or smack your gum!

 

2> Nail your 2 music pieces but at the same time maintain a good flow - don't be stiff and mechanical but let the music move you.

 

3> Do you really want to do this? Yeah? Then suck it up and commute. Do whatever it takes to get there - train, bus, wagon train, burro, etc. and be there on time. Not just because the guy likes it that way but because being late is rude and it shows disrespect (for everyone including you) on a major scale.

 

4> Report back to this forum.

 

 

why thank you

 

all the people are former members of the team, famous in the school of rock inner circle.

 

i would do anything to get there. it's my parents who would rather not make the commute, which i understand, but i'm trying to make it work. [:

 

thanks guys! i'd do out on the tiles, but good times bad times is more likely to be known by the backing band, yet not cliche.

 

i love the train by the way so i'd take it if i got in. i know i should worry about the audition first and the logistics later, but my mom is trying to find out how we can do this.

[King Kamehameha]

paul green has indeed been known to act like he's 14 years old. that's kind of why we love him. my mom doesn't, though.

[Brocko777]

Good luck Maisie!!

Go in with your head high and all yer ducks in a row.

(thats old people talk for have your sh*t together)

The train will work out great. And let your parents both understand what a great opportunity this is.

And you doing this will make yet another 'famous' person I will then in part know.

[5 string Mike]

Hey, good luck

 

One quick note on the late thing- Punctuality is paramount. Being on time ('on time' meaning the window of the actual time to no more than 10-15 mnutes beforehand- too early can send the wrong message also) shows them that 1) you understand directions, 2) respect their time, and 3) you are serious. It also gives you a few minutes to clear your mind and concentrate on what you need to do.

 

I guess that wasn't quick, but again, good luck, knock 'em dead

[_Sweet Willie_]

"Good Times Bad Times" is a great choice. There are some nice fills and breakdowns for the bass. I don't know the Vic Wooten tune.

 

Focus on learning the material. Try to convince ma and pa to figure out the logistics should you succeed.

 

Good luck.

 

Peace.

--SW

 

[King Kamehameha]

yess. even if they won't let me do it, i wanna go and get in and turn it down. like paul said, that would be bad a*s.

 

and if i do get in....

 

YOU BETTER ALL COME SEE ME IF I PLAY SHOWS NEAR YOU

[rizzo9247]

I love GTBT, I hope you nail it. I know the commute is troublesome, but it sounds like this could be a great opportunity for you, best of luck!

[EddiePlaysBass]

and if i do get in....

 

YOU BETTER ALL COME SEE ME IF I PLAY SHOWS NEAR YOU

 

You mean when you get in

 

Come to Europe (anywhere) and I'll come over to watch the show, but only if I get an autograph and my picture taken with you afterwards :grin:

[Brocko777]

There ya go EPB, get KK the Ross Brown Shirt when she gets the gig... They won't be able to make her change it since she got the job!

[King Kamehameha]

this is moot i'm not allowed to go.

 

i hate everyone

[davio]

Shiz...that sucks. I'm sorry to hear that.

[Eric VB]

Yeah, that's the hardest thing about being under 18. But don't hate.

 

[CAUTION! Geezer story ahead!]

 

When I started playing bass I was 11. And we didn't have SoR or anything even close. And I had to play disco!

 

[/end geezer]

 

If you're in the SoR then your group should be playing public performances. It's part of their creed. Take advantage of that. Maybe next year you'll be allowed to try out for allstars.

 

Or maybe you'll have an even better opportunity instead and you'll realize that allstars isn't all it's cracked up to be.

 

Maybe you won't need SoR at all because you'll have become the next Meshell Ndegeocello. Or Johnette Napolitano. Or Joan Jett. Or you're the fresh new face that makes Avril Lavigne look old and outdated.

 

Find your voice as a musician, Maisie. And I challenge you to be a leader and make your own opportunities instead of waiting for them to come around. It's all about how hard you work to achieve your goals. There's more to it than just practicing instruments. And I think you have bigger goals than just SoR allstars.

 

Don't ever stop being you. You're awesome!

[saxofunk]

Jeez - tough break. Something else will come along.

Just so you know, it's not much easier on us parents when we have be the meanies.

[King Kamehameha]

i don't know. they don't seem to mind. except if i scream

 

yeah i mean actually i knew that a few days ago, tonight all they said is i'm not allowed to go to philly not even to audition but to see my friends and support them

 

i dont' mean to whine i'm just pretty upset

[jeremy c]

Invite your parents to come with you. Maybe that would work.

 

We all think you would have won the audition, if that makes you feel better.

[moot]

We all think you would have won the audition, if that makes you feel better.

 

Agreed. Sorry Maisie - your parents are nazis and they draw breath for the sole purpose of making your life miserable. Some day you can do the same for your kids.

That's a joke - I'm sure they have what they think is a good reason.

[EddiePlaysBass]

We all think you would have won the audition, if that makes you feel better.

 

+1

 

There's a reason behind every event. Maybe this is a sign that you should venture off in a different direction than the one you initially thought.

 

What is your current band situation, other than School of Rock ? Like others said, start your own band, be your own leader and make the calls. You have the potential.

[Brocko777]

Alright, you said they won't let you audition but they will let you go down and watch your friends? Am I reading that wrong?

I was going to say show them the forum and see how much support and positive feedback you got from us... THEN I saw mattulator's nazi post... might not be so good.

Like RicBassGuy said do your thing the way you want. Soak up as much info as you can from SoR and use it to your evil advantage!! mmuuuuuwwaahh ah ahah ahahahahhah!!! Just don't stoop to the Disco like RBG... blah.

[Phil W]

Why Maisie?

Is it because of the journey length?