Jimi Michiel

Hi Tony,

I just read the "How to get a call" thread and found it really helpful. My question is about approaching contractors to let them know who you are. I've asked around and got a list of people who do contracting for the main venues in town, but I'm not sure how to let them know who I am. Is sending a resume and demo CD a good idea?

To let you know where I'm coming from, I graduated from NEC in '05 and started grad work at the University of Minnesota last year. I've got some small work (weddings, church services, subbing for a regional orchestra, etc...) but would like to get into some of the bigger stuff in town...

Thanks,
Jimi

kadleck

Hey Jimi -

My experience has been that most contractors are happy to accept resumes/demos. (Although it may not hurt to make an introductory phone call, just to ask them first.) I've always found that a good blend of confidence and modesty work well together. Things like, "I'm trying to break into the scene here and I realize that you probably have many players to choose from, but I'd love to get a shot, should you ever need someone". Obviously, the more you can do, the better your chances are of getting hired. Hopefully, your demo will display that. (I'm often reluctant to give my CD to contractors because I don't want to be "labeled" as a "jazz guy", "pop guy", "lead guy", etc...)

It sounds like you are starting off on the right foot (weddings, local orch., etc...) Just get out there and be "seen" as much as possible. I studied with Andre Come & John McNeil at NEC. McNeil used to say, "When you go to NY (or any town), take every single gig and free rehearsal you can get your hands on...just to be visible." It was great advice.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

Tony

P.S. Go Sox!

PH

.....

Jimi Michiel

Hi Tony,

Thanks for the advice. I'll give them a call before I send the the CD and resume just so it's not completely unsolicited. I think part of it is just patience; I'm trying to do everything I can but a lot of it also seems to be just practicing and waiting... I'm sure I'll have more questions in the future, so thanks in advance.

Best wishes,
Jimi

PS. Go Sox indeed! (Can't wait 'till next year...)

Mikey

Another thing to do is to get on the sub lists for the various community orchestras in town. Two that I have played in are the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and the Mississippi Valley Orchestra. As you know, Minneapolis/St. Paul has an abundance of good trumpet players, so it may take a while. But hang in there.....

kadleck

Pat -

Yes, John did have some other interesting tidbits, but I chose one of the (few) PG-13 rated items!

Jimi -

As you pointed out, being patient is key. (Easier said than done, especially when paying high rent while you wait.) I've been in NYC for 20 years now, and I'm still hoping to be called by certain contractors. You can't be "everything to everyone" - you just take what you can get, and play/act as well as you can!

TK