coming SOON

Check in with the host for the evening. There will be a sign-up sheet.

Be Prepared

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• Try to play tunes you know and have been working on. Bringing a lead sheet is ok but best to memorize the song. 

• Hang out until you are called up on stage by the host or band leader.

• Playing a couple tunes is usually enough at a jam session (depending on how well attended the session is.) The host will help keep things fair and equitable.

• If you are on-stage and don't know a particular song, sit out. It happens, no big deal. Remember what you didn't know!

• Same thing applies if you don't like a tune. It's ok to sit down, better to do that than not have fun. 

Some Basics

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• Take shorter rather than longer solos. Blowing tons of choruses is just not appropriate in this setting.

• Probably a couple horn players at a time should be max. (consider guitarists horn players if there is a piano player)

• Jams can be a great places to work on intros and endings. If you don't talk it out ahead of time be strong with verbal and non-verbal ques as you go. Keep your ears open, stay engaged and absorb it all.

• You won't be offending anyone if there is not a drum or bass solo on every tune. Discussion before the tune is counted off is never a bad idea. Again, strong  non-verbal communication during the song goes a long way too.

• It's fair game to play a background behind a solo - just don't step on the soloist. 

• If you end up trading 4's (or 8's) with the drummer, keeping the same order of the soloists is standard practice.

• On ballads - be careful about song length!! Split the choruses, after the last solo go to the bridge then out etc. 

• When playing behind a singer, leave plenty of space and stay away from the melody. 

• Dig in and hear the song go through your head when you're not playing. You don't want to forget where you are in the form. Yikes! It's a critical skill to hone regardless who happens to be soloing at the time. 

Courtesy

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• Respect the host's gig as he/she organizes musicians for the jam. We're all guests.

• Don't try to work out something on your instrument when others are soloing. It can be tempting but practice later.

• Stick around and listen to other performers. Be there for them as they were for you. 

• There are always musicians of varying ability and experience at a jam session. Be encouraging to all. Don't vibe anybody:) There is no place for negativity in music. 

• Introduce yourself to players you don't know. We are all about strengthening our community.