[Dixielandjazz] Hints on playing OKOM

[briantowers]

Tips for those thinking of playing OKOM! (Our kind of Music)

1.  Everyone should play the same piece.

2 . If you play a wrong note or chord, give a nasty look to one of your
partners.

3.  Carefully tune your instrument before playing.  That way you can play
      out of tune all night with a clear conscience.

4.  Take your time turning pages.

5.  The right note at the wrong time is a wrong note (and vice-versa).

6.  If everyone gets lost except you, follow those who get lost.

7.  Strive to get the maximum NPS (notes per second). That way you gain
     the admiration of the incompetent.

8. If a passage is difficult, slow down.  If it's easy, speed up.
    Everything will work itself out in the end.

9. If you are completely lost, stop everyone and say, "I think we should
    tune up."

10. Happy are those who have not perfect pitch for the kingdom of music is
      theirs.

11.  If the ensemble has to stop because of you, explain in detail why you
       got lost.  Everyone will be interested.

12. When everyone else has finished playing, you should not play any notes
       you have left.

13. A wrong note or chord played timidly is a wrong note.  A wrong note or
chord played with
      authority is an interpretation.



Brian (tongue in cheek) Towers,
Hot Five Jazzmakers, Toronto, Canada
Band web site:            http://hotfivejazz.tripod.com