[Dixielandjazz] Volume

[Dan Augustine]

Meg and others--
    Not to be flippant, but sometimes the best approach is just to say it:
          "Jim, you're too loud.  How about half that volume?"
But it (in my opinion) ought to come from the leader.

    Dan

P. S. In the Wurst Band (which starts its 25th year at Scholz's Bier Garten next week), excessive volume is not a problem, nor is telling people a problem. "HEY, TROMBONES, DAMMIT, BACK OFF!!! YOU'RE PLAYING TOO LOUD!!"  However, in 24 years, i don't recall anyone ever complaining about the volume.  You gotta know the room.
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>From: "Meg Graf" <meggraf at hotmail.com>
>Date: Fri, 02 May 2003 09:45:56 -0600
>
>Hello, listmates:
>
>I am hoping some of you will offer your perspective on addressing volume control without
>hurting feelings or having a player feel singled out.
>
>When you are playing with a group, and one musician is playing much more loudly that
>everyone else, and you know that person has suffered profound hearing loss, how do
>you address the situation?  Likewise, when one player consistently plays two volumes,
>loud and louder, because he is so "into" the music, or in his own little world, or whatever,
>how do you address balance in a positive way?
>
>As I seek more opportunities to play, I am ever more frequently playing with musicians whom
>I don't know very well, and the last thing I want is to alienate those persons who are kind
>enough to let me sit in when I am needed.  On the other hand, when  the manager of a club approaches
>me and complains that a certain player is too loud, I want to address the situation, for I want the
>audience to be pleased with the music, and I want the musicians [including me, I hope!] to be invited back.
>
>Your thoughts, experiences, advice, please?
>Thanks in advance, and best regards,
>
>Meg and Big George

-- 
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** Dan Augustine - ds.augustine at mail.utexas.edu             **
** Office of Admissions, University of Texas; Austin, Texas **
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