[Dixielandjazz] Sit or Stand?

Rocky Ball superbanjo at mindspring.com
Thu Feb 14 00:11:51 EST 2019 

Standing or Sitting:

It depends on what you want to accomplish...

I used to write and produce live shows of all genres and would teach my young performers that, among other things, standing gives you some 'gravitas' or power with your audience... so if you want to 'command' them and display enormous energy, as in a show, you should STAND. That's not to diminish some of the good effects on the audience of sitting, however. Sitting can psychologically cause your audience to lean in and listen if they are there to listen. If they care more about the playing and the performers then sitting is perfectly appropriate. If your audience is more concerned with the 'show' and less concerned with the actual playing then STANDING is almost required.

Of course, if the performers are of an age or in a shape that standing is a problem.... then sit! I've seen some pictures of Turk's band where the seated rhythm section was in the front row and the horns were behind them... allowing for the seated players to be more easily observed and the standing horn players still could be seen behind them. If you are going to sit you need to add some effects to your performance that keeps the audience's eyes moving. If you sit and don't move and the music sits and doesn't move the audience can become bored. Food for thought...

~Rocky Ball, Ruby Reds Band, Atlanta, GA
http://www.RubyRedsBand.com

On Feb 13, 2019, at 10:09 PM, dixielandjazz-request at ml.islandnet.com wrote:

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> Today's Topics:
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>   1. Re: Sit or Stand (Kevin Yeates)
>   2. Re: Opinion: standing or sitting (philwilking)
>   3. STANDING OR SITTING (Brian & Gail)
>   4. Re: Opinion: standing or sitting (Patrick Skiffington)
>   5. standing or sitting (ROBERT R. CALDER)
>   6. Re: Opinion: standing or sitting (Paul Kurtz Jr)
>   7. Re: Opinion: standing or sitting (Larry Garrett)
>   8. Re: Opinion: standing or sitting (Ken w.)
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2019 23:06:09 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Kevin Yeates <kyeates at yahoo.com>
> To: maditayl at gmail.com, List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Sit or Stand
> Message-ID: <319936346.574349.1550099169035 at mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> 
> Madison,
> There is no question that standing allows for more movement/choreography. I think there is little doubt that sitting uses less energy to play. I suspect the players wanting to stand play wind instruments, but I have been wrong before.
> In my band the rhythm section sits as that is what they prefer. The tuba player doesn't want to have to hold the horn all evening. The banjo player finds that having the banjo in his lap locks it in place better for him when he plays. We always arrange for 2 armless chairs for the rhythm boys.
> The front row stands so we can move and put on more of a show. We have actual planned physical interactions going on through certain tunes. The 3 in the front row are spaced so the two seated in the back row are visible to the audience.??
> Hope this helps.
> Kevin YeatesVancouver, Canada
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> Message: 2
> Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2019 17:12:52 -0600
> From: "philwilking" <philwilking at cox.net>
> To: "DIXIELAND JAZZ Mailing List" <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Opinion: standing or sitting
> Message-ID: <059B72147A284E018140E792B68EDCCB at DroolingIdiot>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="utf-8";
> 	reply-type=original
> 
> If you are more comfortable sitting, you will play better that way. Let 
> those two stand as "flankers" to the rest of the band. Or sit in two rows 
> with the standees flanking the back line.
> 
> I have heard many bands in the New Orleans area, and almost all of them sit. 
> As an audience member, I don't care about that; I care how they sound.
> 
> So, again, if you are more comfortable sitting, sit. You will play better 
> than if you stand.
> 
> Phil Wilking - K5MZF
> www.nolabanjo.com
> 
> Unless each one is covered in its own
> plastic shroud, two or more wire coat
> hangers in a dark closet will breed.
> 
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Madison T
> 
> What do yall think. Sit or stand? Any pros and cons tall have noticed? 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2019 12:52:20 +1300
> From: "Brian & Gail" <briangail at kinect.co.nz>
> To: <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Subject: [Dixielandjazz] STANDING OR SITTING
> Message-ID: <7B4C193976FC4E6E878C670BB0E1C848 at DESKTOP3MU7F1E>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> 
> 
>  This topic has often come up in a group I play with  and  as we are all in our early 80s  we sit, we do but stand to take any solo or feature number  we do and when you look 
> on youtube  many of the bands seem to be sitting
> 
>  Brian Geoghan  member of Bay Dixie  and also featured soloist  for Bobbie Hackett
>   tribute group
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> ------------------------------
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> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2019 16:07:52 -0800
> From: Patrick Skiffington <sunshine.trail at gmail.com>
> To: Madison T <maditayl at gmail.com>
> Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Opinion: standing or sitting
> Message-ID:
> 	<CAOMrJrLmPtTt2YqMX+z0oWRSPs-jJh5nZHd=01ho3FZZ3VVyyQ at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> 
> Our band sits, and we're just fine with it. Check out Crescent Katz on
> YouTube
> 
> We *do* stand at festivals,  so it's all relative
> 
> On Wed, Feb 13, 2019, 3:08 PM Madison T <maditayl at gmail.com wrote:
> 
>> So my band is finally starting to take off. We're getting recognized,
>> getting around 4-5 high paying gigs a month and have our desired, full 7
>> members. I was initially inspired by and often try to emulate the band Tuba
>> Skinny. Taking a cue from them and many other trad bands, we have always
>> sat down for our performances. Well two of our members have gotten some
>> rigid hair up thier rectum about. They believe we should be standing in
>> order to put on more of a "performance". I'm the front man, band leader,
>> main singer and guitar player. Ultimately my word goes but I try to do my
>> best to appeal to everyone. I personally dont want to stand and also dont
>> think it actually brings much to the table.
>> 
>> What do yall think. Sit or stand? Any pros and cons tall have noticed?
>> 
>> Btw, I'm thoroughly enjoying being new member of this mailing list
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Madison
>> _______________________________________________
>> To unsubscribe or change your e-mail preferences for the Dixieland Jazz
>> Mailing list, or to find the online archives, please visit:
>> 
>> http://ml.islandnet.com/mailman/listinfo/dixielandjazz
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>> 
>> 
>> Dixielandjazz mailing list
>> Dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
>> 
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> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2019 00:29:59 +0000 (UTC)
> From: "ROBERT R. CALDER" <serapion at btinternet.com>
> To: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
> Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Subject: [Dixielandjazz] standing or sitting
> Message-ID: <268767677.5458859.1550104199415 at mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> 
> This reminds me of what was actually a big issue among some continental feminists, though more to do with water music, and the popularity with what is called in German the Sitzpinkler, a man dear to ladies charged with cleaning the floor of what Americans call the John. There was one John notoriously and conveniently near the statue to W.C. Handy, tghough the fact that it was and might still be in Handy Park could also suggest a canine problem. 
> 
> To pinch a joke from PRIVATE EYE, the UK satirical magazine, to play jazz standing up could cause a certain baroque effect, what Private eye spoke of as the (fictonal) Italian architect VARICOSI. i am sure a number of performers will have comments in the same vein,
> and nothing to do with Jerry Lee Lewis, for whom the piano stool was useful in freeing one of his legs (right I think) to perform a work not if musical healing but rather heeling,
> all the best,
> Robert R. Calder
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> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 6
> Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2019 20:20:24 -0500
> From: Paul Kurtz Jr <phktrumpet at gmail.com>
> To: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Opinion: standing or sitting
> Message-ID: <205EA387-01C2-49F5-8AB9-58739A88C488 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;	charset=utf-8
> 
> 
> 
> When I was younger and played in a sextet, we stood. With knees that don?t now work as well, I might sit. In the concert bands I play in, we sit, but stand for solos. 
> Paul Kurtz Jacksonville, FL 
> On Feb 11, 2019, at 4:34 PM, Madison T <maditayl at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> So my band is finally starting to take off. We're getting recognized, getting around 4-5 high paying gigs a month and have our desired, full 7 members. I was initially inspired by and often try to emulate the band Tuba Skinny. Taking a cue from them and many other trad bands, we have always sat down for our performances. Well two of our members have gotten some rigid hair up thier rectum about. They believe we should be standing in order to put on more of a "performance". I'm the front man, band leader, main singer and guitar player. Ultimately my word goes but I try to do my best to appeal to everyone. I personally dont want to stand and also dont think it actually brings much to the table.
> 
> What do yall think. Sit or stand? Any pros and cons tall have noticed?
> 
> Btw, I'm thoroughly enjoying being new member of this mailing list
> 
> Thanks,
> Madison
> _______________________________________________
> To unsubscribe or change your e-mail preferences for the Dixieland Jazz Mailing list, or to find the online archives, please visit:
> 
> http://ml.islandnet.com/mailman/listinfo/dixielandjazz
> 
> 
> 
> Dixielandjazz mailing list
> Dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 7
> Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2019 01:28:48 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Larry Garrett <lrg4003 at aol.com>
> To: phktrumpet at gmail.com
> Cc: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
> Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Opinion: standing or sitting
> Message-ID: <705733455.651479.1550107728384 at mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> 
> I think (not taking old knees into account) it's somewhat venue dependent.? For example our group played a few times at Fair St. Louis.In one instance we were on the main stage which is a sizable venue and it made more sense to stand.? In another instance we were playing inside a large tent and, again, because the people in the back couldn't see us otherwise, we stood.? On the other hand smaller venues in NOLA (Fritzel's, Spotted Cat, Maison Bourbon, Bourbon O) it makes more sense to sit.? As Phil said though, it's the sound that matters, not so much the visual.....
> 
> Larry GarrettWriter.? Clarinet player.?816-588-8200
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Kurtz Jr <phktrumpet at gmail.com>
> To: Larry Garrett <lrg4003 at aol.com>
> Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Sent: Wed, Feb 13, 2019 3:20 pm
> Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Opinion: standing or sitting
> 
> 
> 
> When I was younger and played in a sextet, we stood. With knees that don?t now work as well, I might sit. In the concert bands I play in, we sit, but stand for solos. 
> Paul Kurtz Jacksonville, FL 
> On Feb 11, 2019, at 4:34 PM, Madison T <maditayl at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> So my band is finally starting to take off. We're getting recognized, getting around 4-5 high paying gigs a month and have our desired, full 7 members. I was initially inspired by and often try to emulate the band Tuba Skinny. Taking a cue from them and many other trad bands, we have always sat down for our performances. Well two of our members have gotten some rigid hair up thier rectum about. They believe we should be standing in order to put on more of a "performance". I'm the front man, band leader, main singer and guitar player. Ultimately my word goes but I try to do my best to appeal to everyone. I personally dont want to stand and also dont think it actually brings much to the table.
> 
> What do yall think. Sit or stand? Any pros and cons tall have noticed?
> 
> Btw, I'm thoroughly enjoying being new member of this mailing list
> 
> Thanks,
> Madison
> _______________________________________________
> To unsubscribe or change your e-mail preferences for the Dixieland Jazz Mailing list, or to find the online archives, please visit:
> 
> http://ml.islandnet.com/mailman/listinfo/dixielandjazz
> 
> 
> 
> Dixielandjazz mailing list
> Dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> To unsubscribe or change your e-mail preferences for the Dixieland Jazz Mailing list, or to find the online archives, please visit:
> 
> http://ml.islandnet.com/mailman/listinfo/dixielandjazz
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> 
> 
> Dixielandjazz mailing list
> Dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
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> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 8
> Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2019 19:09:33 -0800
> From: "Ken w." <knejtlaw at gmail.com>
> To: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
> Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List <dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com>
> Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Opinion: standing or sitting
> Message-ID: <abb94dcd-e9ae-51aa-ef09-9ebc40567d87 at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"; Format="flowed"
> 
> Our band sits, but I breathe better standing.? Playing cornet sitting is 
> easy, but the bone requires more air.? I sit anyway 'cause I'm old.
> 
> On 2/11/2019 1:34 PM, Madison T wrote:
>> So my band is finally starting to take off. We're getting recognized, 
>> getting around 4-5 high paying gigs a month and have our desired, full 
>> 7 members. I was initially inspired by and often try to emulate the 
>> band Tuba Skinny. Taking a cue from them and many other trad bands, we 
>> have always sat down for our performances. Well two of our members 
>> have gotten some rigid hair up thier rectum about. They believe we 
>> should be standing in order to put on more of a "performance". I'm the 
>> front man, band leader, main singer and guitar player. Ultimately my 
>> word goes but I try to do my best to appeal to everyone. I personally 
>> dont want to stand and also dont think it actually brings much to the 
>> table.
>> 
>> What do yall think. Sit or stand? Any pros and cons tall have noticed?
>> 
>> Btw, I'm thoroughly enjoying being new member of this mailing list
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Madison
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> To unsubscribe or change your e-mail preferences for the Dixieland Jazz Mailing list, or to find the online archives, please visit:
>> 
>> http://ml.islandnet.com/mailman/listinfo/dixielandjazz
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Dixielandjazz mailing list
>> Dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
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> End of Dixielandjazz Digest, Vol 194, Issue 16
> **********************************************

~Rocky
ROCKY BALL | ART & MUSIC
404-918-4061
http://www.RockyBall.com
superbanjo at mindspring.com



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