While I don't play professionally I do play a lot of gigs. Always with a band, never solo. E.G I recently bought a new trombone. In the first 16 days that I had it I played 23 gigs and rehearsals - most were gigs. While that was a particularly busy period it does give an indication of how much playing I sometimes do.

Now, I don't say that to skite, but simply to add some weight to my opinion:
As entertainers, our performances are not about us. They are about the people being entertained. If we are "prima donna's" then we are doomed to be constantly dissappointed; the "look at me, look at me" attitude will always leave you wanting more and never getting enough attention.

On the other hand, if we are doing our best to provide the kind of entertainment our audience is looking for then we are much more likely to receive accolades (or tips) because the audience is that much more likely to get what they want.

If you have managed to engage your audience the feedback is amazing and performances can reach amazing heights. If you haven't then you often end up playing for your own entertainment and it can be quite flat and dispiriting.

In the same line of reasoning: I play in the band at my church. Our purpose there is to lead others in songs of praise and worship. If anyone is there for ego, meaning they want people to take notice of them then I don't want them on stage with me. Our purpose is to bring glory to God, not to ourselves, nor is it to entertain though that may happen as a side effect. In church I do NOT want people looking at me. If the congregation has their eyes shut, their mouths open singing and their hands in the air then I am well satisfied.

To misquote Shakespeare a little, "the play's the thing", or in our case, the music is the thing. It can never be about us... At least not and still have real value.

<Edit> the above relates to performance as performance, not necessarily as art. When you can combine the two it's great, but this is not always possible in a performance situation. Then it is usually about business...

Last edited by Lawrie; 12/18/10 08:13 PM.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya laugh --=--
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