This document is a work in progress and is intended as repository for information on running the Real Jams. It was also the basis of my proposal to the union board to get this going and approved. The document has information about how the sessions will be run, goals, recordings, etc.
Purpose
To provide a resource to the community which promotes membership and the benefits of being a member of the local. To this end, we will provide the space and leadership to host a series of jam sessions to promote improvisational skills and musicianship. These sessions will be led by Howard Arner in the begging, but it is envisioned that we might be able to get guest artists to lead for special sessions or themes. In addition, members that teach may find this to be a source of new students.
The Session
Arrival and setup
A signup sheet will be provided, and each participant will be required to read and sign the sheet and give their legal name. Any legal language we need can be on the sign in sheet. By signing you agree to the terms of the engagement.
The musicians will arrive and set up prior to the jam session downbeat and assist in setting up chairs, stands and the environment. A list of tunes for that session and their key will be posted a week before the session on the website to allow players to obtain lead sheets if they require them. A signup sheet will also be created on the site for the event(s) so that we can estimate participation.
Name tag blanks will be made available should anyone want them. The leader will ensure that coffee or water is available.
The format of the music
At the appointed time, the leader will call the session to order and introduce themselves and lay out what songs will be played and what the “goal” or theme of the session will be. The first few sessions will not have a goal or theme, but it is envisioned that we might have a session devoted to certain styles of play, i.e. Basa Nova, Bebop, etc. Or a session might have several goals. The idea is to articulate what is going to be learned and set the parameters for the jam.
Rules of the jam
The idea is to announce the rules of the jam. Be respectful. Everyone that wants one gets a lead. Vocalist, wait for your Q and do not end the song early. Don’t stomp on others’ leads, i.e. how to background when you are not the spotlight, etc. Importance of dynamics during play. We are here to have fun; this just sets the parameters of the fun.
Sections
Each “section” is identified, and the members are asked to help each other define their roles. For example, if we have two trumpets, they can decide if one goes high and the other goes low on chord blocking. This is very informal, but it gives some structure to what is about to happen.
Song performance
Before each song is attempted, a quick discussion of the song will ensue. The leader might tell the history of the song and famous recordings or styles. The leader will identify the parts giving direction or ideas for each section and asking who wants to take solos in the song. This is setting the format.
The leader can also point out what scales might be appropriate or techniques. i.e., at the end of the A, maybe you brass players what to stab the chords, what do you think? The idea is to encourage instruction and sharing between the participants of what they will do and how they might want to accomplish it.
The leader will also identify how the song will be closed, i.e. on signal repeat last 4 bars of the B section and hold. Once this is done, the leader will count off or have the drummer start the song with a flam intro.
During the song, the leader will identify the soloist and give any direction that may be appropriate in the execution of the song. The leader will indicate when then song should close, and the group will attempt to close it artfully.
After the song, the leader can point out any outstanding work or give suggestions on how it might be better in the next performance. Also, asking the members what they thought or if they have any ideas or techniques about their performance. This is where we share. Also, the leader might call the song again, or part of the song for example to try a different ending or to allow the practice of the start.
Conclusion of the Jam
After the jam, the musicians will help police the hall and return the chairs and stands. The leader will ensure nothing walks out and then will close the hall in good order for the next user.
Expansion
At first this will be a monthly event but might later be expanded if there is a desire. The idea is to connect with the local musical community and expand our membership. But the other idea is to also give our members a new creative outlet and reason to be in the union.
By structuring the sessions around a goal, we can give a purpose to the learning/jamming that will happen. For example, we could decide to do a Salsa/Basa focused jam where we explore techniques to perform that material. Ultimately, it is about having fun, getting better and connecting with other musicians.
Recording
Two microphones will be connected to a Teac recorder so that the sessions can be recorded. The session files will be posted within 2 days on a site available to the session participants for their private use as practice material or to review. The recordings cannot be shared or posted or used for any commercial purpose and will be watermarked with a creative common’s attribution.
All participants will sign in to the jam session and the sign in form will have an acknowledgement that recordings are being made for non-commercial instructional purposes only. By signing in, the participants agree to the terms of use of the recordings and that the recordings are being produced under the creative commons license.
Photos can be taken for promotional purposes and snippets of the recordings of pre 1929 songs can be used on our website to promote the union and the jam sessions. It is also envisioned that a promotional video for the website might be made.