Bad behaviour at band practice

[saxy_jag]

Band practice was bl**dy hard work last night, not the least because of the level of background chatter when people should actually have been listening to stuff and paying attention to the director. At one point three people were having a full-on chat behind me even as the rest of the band played the piece (a piece they say they don't like and can't play, so they're not going to play it).

They're not kids - this is strictly an over-18s' band, so they should know better. The MD is aware of this behaviour and I think he'll be saying something next week because a couple of us complained afterwards. Thing is, he's a bit wary because he doesn't want to come down too hard on those whose chatter is merely about helping out the less confident players. I'm the communications officer for the band, so it's up to me to send out various messages and bits of information. I'd very much like to say something about last night and the importance of shutting up and listening, but I'm anxious not to undermine the boss before he's had a chance to deal with things.

What I can do, though, is to post a link (or two, or three) to any articles or blogs about good rehearsal practices/behaviour, and why we, as musicians, ought to adopt them. Anyone know of anything suitable?

[boxtops]

We have the same sort of issue in community theatre rehearsals - the youngsters at the back of the stage are almost inevitably in their own conversations. We have banned mobile phones, earphones and chewing gum... and at one point the director said that anyone not listening, who then didn't know what to do, would be asked to leave. In your instance the people chatting are being disrespectful to those who are rehearsing, and we've had that issue too - pointing this out had quite an effect.

[saxy_jag]

Yeah, I do occasionally 'ssshhhh' people, which works for a little while, but I think it's really going to take the boss to make a difference. He wants everything to be friendly and accessible, including not coming the heavy hand and actually kicking people out, which is fine, but some of them are just plain taking the mickey.

I think he will say something once he's thought about it, and he has a very good way of putting things nicely and making offenders feel guilty. However, he had a heart attack just before Xmas, so I'm anxious not to pressure him too much over it. Perhaps a few hints in the meantime though could help.