kadleck

Well said, Drew. I don't know Greg Wing (I have heard of him), but his statement is very accurate. And I love your line about "auditioning every time you play". It's really true. We never know where our next gig is coming from, and it pays to be "on" as often as possible.

Siegtrmpt

Greg Wing had a good Vegas career and is teaching college back in his home state of Kentucky. I overheard him telling his students at a recent trumpet competition how proud he was of them. While playing trumpet at night he also flew air tours during the day over the big ditch as a Captain with Scenic Airways. He has a great name for a pilot. I'm glad to see him teaching. He has a lot to offer.

MrClean

I think Tony pretty much answered your question. The people who get called to sub are the ones in the "regular" player's network, be it a "student" or a colleague who may have helped that player out at some point in their career (or perhaps one that you might want a favor from down the road?). They're not looking for hobbyists (no offense) but guys who are serious about this kind of work, and hungry for it. There are too many really great players banging around NY, monster players, to get in on the action without being really committed.

J

B15M

I'm going to talk about my situation where I live.

I want to play with one of the local symphonies. There are about seven or eight in my area.

None of these symphonies have auditions or a Union contract although they use Union players.

I have really tried to play or get someone to listen to me so I can get a sub position but it hasn't happened. It's what I would call a closed shop.

I do get calls to sub with the symphony in my local every now and then and I get a lot of calls for other work, Union and not.

I think I play well enough because I play other jobs with the trumpet players and I think I fit in or I wouldn't get the calls that I do.

Do you see how it's frustrating for a guy like me trying to get into the inner circle. They have four or five guys that get the call all the time. Why should they look any further? These guys come in and play and it always works.

I'm sure it's the same way on Broadway. There are a lot of players and the same people get the call. It just makes it hard for the new guy to get in.

So for you guys that can help the new guy just try to remember what it was like way back then.

Siegtrmpt

Don't wait around for other people to ask you to play. Create your own band and booking agency and advertize in the yellow pages and local papers. When you have opportunities to offer call the people you want to work with to offer them work. Start with the top symphony players in your area even if you know they're not interested. Don't waste time running around with your hand out.

B15M

It's funny that you should say that; I have been thinking about that for a long time.

BflatAnklan

I'm a student of Mr. Wing's at Morehead State University and I played in the previously mentioned competition... He's an increadible motivator and can blow the trumpet like no-one I have ever heard!

Anyway, Mr. Kadleck, Thank you for your time with TM. I, and I'm sure many others, really enjoy your playing and look forward to what you can bring into our lives via TM.

See you around!