[Dixielandjazz] Rehearsals

[Don Ingle]

My band, The Michigan Nighthawks, reheared on the gig. That was possible 
because of two things. 1, the sight reading leval of the players was 
very high, and 2, the arrangers, myself and the trombone player, never 
overwrote but kept charts to minimal tutti parts and allowed for lots of 
improv..
We played every Tuesday night at one club for seven years straight, (364 
night, three sets a night) and we would bring in a new chart or two a 
week, play it sight read time, then play it every week on one of the 
three sets a night, then forgot about it -- just had only to call it up 
and we played it without effort.
We did a lot of doubling so writing for the band was fun. We might have 
two clarinets and cornet, two trombones and bari sax, standard 
Chicago/Condon/Bobcat type front lie, and several variations. This was 
as much to keep us from getting bored as it was to achieve some 
interesting voicings that got people's attention -- and our own.
It worked for us, so rehearsals were saved for times when we were hired 
to play a show or act, or for the studio recording sessions.
This may not work for everyone -- but if you have those first two 
elements then fewer rehearsals may be needed - plus introducing new 
things on the gig keeps all on their toes.
Don Ingle