Why wedding bands don't need to rehearse 

Full performance of this mashup is on my Patreon: www.patreon.com/FoolishFrankie

I appreciate that you showcase your failures and your success. Makes me feel better about my own mistakes as a player.

When I played for a company that booked wedding bands back in the day, the cardinal rule was NEVER introduce yourself to the other musicians in view of the buyers. They never wanted anyone to know that the musicians in the band never played together before....

the most credible part of this entire scenario is the ‘we’re not gonna do that’ thing absolutely being done at the gig

I have SO much respect for you, showing your failures along with your successes is soo hard. Proud of you man, keep up the amazing work!

In a cover band I play with there are 4 saxes and I can guarantee you we have all flubbed the altissimo but it never stopped us from trying again at the next gig. It's all part of becoming a better sax player. Great video man and much respect.

Young man.. you are Sooo on the money. Even touring bands rehearse this way when members live out of state and have a corporate event that needs a new song added the day of show. This is why I encourage all young musicians to learn to sight read and solo in many styles. I’ve had to read & learn songs minutes before a sold out show. I would tape the chart to my floor tom or by my high hat pedal. Great video for young Tik Tok musicians wanting to understand what Real working musicians do. I’m a fan. 🎼👍

I love the fact that you don't edit your imperfections, but instead highlight them. More like this, please!!

It's refreshing to see this subject addressed in a youtube video. It takes me back to the fifties and our high school dance band. We each got paid $6 or $7 for playing the "after-game" dances in the cafeteria. We always had stock charts. But one day some kids from another high school joined us to play some tunes for a school general assembly. Later I heard one of the mathematics teachers ask another teacher, "How can these kids just come from a different school and they all play well together without any written music?" I didn't interrupt her or say anything. She had kicked me out of her algebra class the previous year. College dance band was next and we became musician's union members (on the recommendation of our instructor). And many of us played "casuals" . The same after college except some become members of established bands. I didn't have a regular gig but played with some strangers, some acquaintances, and some friends. I explain it this way: work all day at your regular job, go home, eat, get dressed for the gig, drive to a place you've never been to previously, get set up and play with some people you've just met. You might have a drink or two during the breaks, finish the gig, put the bass in the car drive home in the late night (early morning), don't hit the elephant on the highway (in California?), make it home, sleep for 4 or 5 hours, go to work the next day. A lot of musicians die in accidents. A couple of things I've noticed: drummers each seem to have their own style (everyone does) but they seem to be very good at listening and understanding the phrasing of the soloists and the group and are able to do little things that "introduce" the soloists and are good at accenting in ways that improve the tune. Yes, I miss those days.

This is great, it’s nice to see that wedding band experience is internationally universal. Even down to the “sax solo” signal haha😂

Thank you so much for leaving in the altissimo mishap. Seeing a professional having moments of pinching too hard makes me feel better about failing basic octave changes as a beginner. Very insightful video Frankie 🥰🥰

hey Frankie, not sure if you'll see this comment, but I'm super beyond excited for the growth you've seen recently. I've been following you since like, 7k after I found one of your saxophone omeagle videos, and I feel you're finally getting the recognition that you deserve :) here's to many more awesome videos, and thanks again for being an inspiration to saxophonists everywhere!

This is 100% my experience as well. The regular wedding band I play in is a 10-piece. While it's not technically contract for hire, with 10 people there's ALWAYS at least one sub on every gig. We send out the set lists with keys in advance, work up any special request during sound check and just watch each other closely for transitions, breaks, and the ending. It works - most of the time :) And every once in a while (translation at least once or twice on every gig) the band leader calls out a song that's not anywhere on the set list and hopefully enough people know it to pull it off! The biggest thing I learned that I wish I could have shared with younger me is that at a wedding, people are just there to dance and have a good time. If you make a mistake - so what - almost guaranteed no one noticed. Just keep the beat going and you can work through any mistakes. Same thing for playing cocktail piano (which I frequently do before the main reception). I used to get so nervous, but then I realized not a single person was paying any attention to me - then I was able to just relax and have fun with it. Now I look forward to that hour of cocktail piano because I can play whatever I want!

very much appreciate that you show the failures as well as the successes! it's nice to know that nobody nails everything perfectly every time. and even then, your supposed "failure" definitely sounds fine in context anyway, even if they weren't the notes you were shooting for.

There's something about ... crafts (is that the word I'm looking for?) like this or dancing or comedy and etc that when people are deep into it, you can just DO it with others without needing to practice or train beforehand that I adore and respect so much. Like I remember seeing a friend at a wedding dance Texas Two Step with this girl on the dance floor and it was amazing. Afterwards, I asked him how long has he known her and he responded "since the beginning of that song." My mind was blown and I feel the same way here. There's no rehearsal and yall can just jam and riff off just a few notes beforehand and it feels so good.

Hi Frankie, want to let you know that I look up to you. I am twelve, and you've inspired my sax journey a lot. I was about to quit saxophone 1 and a half years ago, and then I came across your videos and realized how beautiful of an instrument the sax is. Keep up the amazing work! ❤

Pretty often, musicians of the performing band are the only ones, who recognized the mistake. As long it fits, it won't be recognized as something unintended.

Making me really appreciate all the gigs where I got one whole rehearsal! Love the universal hand signs... can confirm they are indeed universal!

Loving this so much! Looking forward to a series on this!

This is so interesting just listening to your conversation and seeing it all come together. Awesome work!

so appreciate you sharing those moments which don't go according to plan - makes us mere mortals feel sooooo much better about our playing!

Always love seeing a more in depth video. I love viewing the preparations and the last minute changes, along with seeing how it works out. Amazing work!

Just like you did around 6:40, I am a huge believer in starting the solo similar to the recording. Most people only recognize the beginning anyways

So much respect for you Young Lion!

That was awesome. I love hearing other musicians thought process through the prep phase. Im currently playing in an 80s cover band and we have a show in Mississippi Friday, Florida Saturday, and Alabama on monday. All bar shows but its exciting all the same.

This performance was awesome despite your little failure. No one is perfect. I appreciate that you show that you are only human. Big respect! 😊

1. I’m an oboist in my school’s advanced band, in my 7th year of playing my instrument, and I’ve gotten to try improvising solos in a Latin piece we’re doing this year called El Paseo! I’ve been having so much fun with it, even though I don’t have a lot of music theory knowledge lol. I’ve mainly been doing quarter and eighth notes, so nothing super crazy, but I think my improvs have sounded pretty good just about every time we run through the piece in our rehearsals. You’ve been a huge inspiration for me in trying it out, and I’m glad I tried it in the first place, and glad I’ve found it so fun! And 2. I love the Littleroot Town music playing near the end of the video!!

This is so spot on. I had a gig last weekend -first time with the group and first rehearsal was Monday with gig on Saturday. Had to look for charts because the horns in the group didn’t have all the music, so I had to write some of it out too. Some of the music I wrote was transcribed, but the easier tunes I just wrote down letter names. It’s a a lot of work, but so satisfying to know how much you’re seeing your growth in real time. Love this channel ❤ 🎺

I've been a gigging guitarist/singer for about a year now and even though I don't play sax like you, all your videos have been SOOOOOO SOSOSOSOS Helpful so THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THESE GIG VLOGS!!! You're so great! I love being able to see behind the curtain and how you prepare everything... It really is inspiring me to keep hustling and keep growing in my craft! Thank you for these! I also loved the subtle Pokemon gen3 theme in the end of the video :P Keep up the great work!

i struggle with the altissimos too, i admire your braveness of showing those parts when not always everything goes well

man the altissimo stuff is so relatable... huge props for being genuine in your videos. massive w

Extremely informative, and helpful! To echo somebody else, it's both interesting and quite fascinating at the same time to see things fully come together, especially before gigs such as this. Great job to everybody performing here.

What a clean solo, good to see you didn’t cut out altísimo, you went for it you stuck it out and you gained experience and recognition for it. Total win!

I love that you kept the altissimo part. You're a real one.

💛 More, please 🎵

Hey, always be Foolish Frankie. That's what we're here for, you know. Show us your good, your bad, your best and your worst. We'll always have your back. I'm not a musician in any possible way, yet I find your videos super interesting and insightful. Great job to everyone in the band. 🎉

Love what you're doing here Frankie! One of the groups I work with plays together in a similar fashion. We have about 30 people who take turns covering different roles in the band. The group practices once per year to add about a dozen new songs over 2 or 3 weeks.

7:05 kudos Frankie, I completely agree with keeping the "less polished" aspects, I'm all for it !

Thanks for another great video. I play bass in a casual jazz band and have learned a lot and gained inspiration from you. Please keep it up!

I love this. Thank you.

U rule dude. Thank you for this content, specially for the honesty of messing up like we all do, and showing it! Cheers,

Fab. . . and well done for including the full solo!

Nice F.F.! Very nice transition between tunes. Nice work guys. See you soon

Very enlightening on how wedding bands communicate! Great video!

the reaction at the end of your solo was the most realistic thing I've ever seen, couldn't relate more haha! Still sounded great! Love the tone

Man I love this

End of the night, bro! Few guests were analyzing your solo (if any)! No worries! Appreciate you keeping it real! 😅

mad props for keeping that unedited solo in there. ;)

I worked at a private community clubhouse that would host weddings, birthdays. dances, all sorts of things that would use live music, Everytime there was a live band, i rarely saw a rehearsal, maybe a quick sound check then thats it.

I enjoyed your videos, brings back to many memories :)

Amazing!!!

You guys nailed it! It sounded great. I guarantee nobody at that party noticed the small mistake.

Great video! Keep posting when you fail too, it's important and we understand it!

Foolish-Too Real-Frankie, awesome and honest video.

Nice vid Frankie. Love your sound. This took me back to my days doing gigs in Philly. Eventually I just stuck with my 9 to 5 though. It's always about $$$ at the end of the day.

Excellent video and editing!

Super nice!! This is the reality of being a working musician. People generally have no idea just how many questionable moments and mistakes happen on stage that they never even notice - the professionalism is evident when you see everyone rolling right along gracefully adjusting and adapting to every little twist and turn, all while smiling and engaging the crowd. This guy is a first call player. Bam.

Doing jam sessions like crazy helps a lot too... You just don't get paid here but, also, you can try pretty crazy stuff that wouldn't fly on a wedding gig. That sneaky solo , been there too. Just forget about a transcribed solo existe, go full steam, damn the torpedos into it. The audience doesn't know any better, and if you manage to do a crazy or memorable solo, they'll be here cheering like crazy 🤣... A jam session a week keeps the squeaks at bay

Thx for sharing , your eyes tell what you think about your solo. really enjoyed showing the process.

I love this.

You have no idea how much impact your content has on gigging musicians.

The amount of times I have boofed at a gig is uncountable for me. Glad you kept in the mistakes! Well done!!

Thanks for showing the vulnerability of the "mistakes'. Love your vids!

Must be amazing to get to work with so many amazing musicians all the time! And the others must feel the same way about you!

This was really interesting, thanks :)

Not gonna lie, your vids are funny, interesting, and informational. You're one of the best sax youtubers out there!

As an aspiring musician, showing failures and challenges is so important and so comforting. Thank you for that.

Great video man, very informative with a bit of humor. Subbed

Awesome video thanks

Cool content! Thank you.

I'm a working musician in Austria. These kind of videos are so interesting. Really enjoyed it. Cheers buddy.

I love the way you look at the camera with your eyes in 'silent comment'!! Too funny!

Found this video recommended on my feed! Really accurate and can relate. I’m guessing you may also be part of an IML “band” because I don’t know any other company that operates that way. One thing I like about them is that there are no strict commitments (you’re expected to take x amount of gigs) and no rehearsals (except I heard for extremely high profile corporate gig), plus I get to meet and network (befriend) with tons of musicians I wouldn’t have otherwise been acquainted with. We just all make sure that we do our homework. If you’re moving somewhere and a chapter there exists too, your details can also be transferred. I do play for another band still, for half of us music is not their main trade, so they need the rehearsal. But the rehearsals are planned strategically, if there are x amount of new songs for some upcoming gigs. I know a couple of other companies around, they usually put together musicians into more stable bands, and I had subbed for a couple of them. Pretty sure they also rehearse sometimes. I had only got asked to rehearse for one of them (and they usually have monthly mandatory on-season rehearsals).

I understand you probably feel differently about this than I do, but I really appreciate seeing that even extremely talented, well trained musicians like yourself can bung up a solo or a part every once in a while. I'm VERY much an amateur trumpet player, and I've played multiple gigs at this point, and almost every single gig (if not all of them) I've clammed up or mis-hit a note at least once. Whenever that happens, I feel like throwing the trumpet, and then myself, out a window, so it's very helpful to see that it's not that uncommon a part of life. Also, you're amazing. Love these videos.

Thank you for keeping in the altissimo "failure", i hate social media fakeness and watch you for your genuine nature

This is very interesting! I've played many gigs with little or no rehearsal, but as I don't read music, and have no formal music training, I rely on winging it! Generally, I'll ask for a setlist with keys, so I can do a little prep, but for most of the gig I'll be following the other musicians, with the occasional guitar lick thrown in to make it seem like I know what I'm doing. Like the well known sax solo in this video, it can unravel somewhat if the band plays a song with a specific guitar solo that I don't know by heart (or can't play at speed), but 99% of these gigs have been fine. It helps to act like I've been playing with this band for years, too.

You did a great job thanks for sharing

Love the Littlerooth theme at the end❤

My friend in high school, in the 80s was an excellent drummer. He got hooked up with this wedding band of all guys in their 50s. They were like a mini Big Band orchestra, with the satin tuxes and everything. We made a lot of fun of him and he took it really well. We asked him how much he made for a gig and he said $400. Someone said that's not much for a band that big. He said no, that was just his cut. Turned out those old dudes were THE wedding band for the richest people around. We didn't make fun of him any more.

LOVE your videos Frankie! Big big fan in Seoul Korea. U r awesome in every way

This experience will give you such a great grounding for wherever your career takes you.

Still love you popping off with that solo, sure you messed up that middle bit but honestly amazing job, it sounded amazing

I love the pokemon saxophone background at the end 😍

Great video many thanks! Damn altissimos at least you are there I haven’t even come close!

It's weird how different gigging cultures are from country to country. I've worked as audio-tech and played as a bass player in coverbands as well in The Netherlands. From my experience, here it's all fixed lineups with the occasional slot-in if somebody can't make it. Bands like those tend to play most of the wedding gigs out here with mostly fixed setlists and mashups and usually there's room for 1 to 2 requests for the evening. The bands that slot in and out musicians all the time are usually reserved for the larger shows that potentially draw in stadiums of crowds or tv-shows.

Im glad im not the only one who who blows a high-pressure altissimo passage from time to time.

A talented bunch!

Dude we've all been in that "heat of the moment altissimo not cooperating". Thanks for sharing, reminds me that I'm not trash.

I subscribed because you didn't cut out the solo mistakes.

Great vid

The Littleroot town music in the background is so peaceful.

As a sax player who's only been playing for one a half years, you impress me so much I aspire to be like you with my sax playing

Bro…. Much respect!

“But I will not succumb to the social media pressure of only sharing your success” damn I respect that a lot

My man, I can't thank you enough for keeping the stuff you didn't like. People need to know it's never going to be perfect. It's a big thing I try to get my students to understand: If you let every mistake stop you, you just aren't going to get anywhere or do anything.

emotionally so right - enough to make anyone fall in luv

This is a really interesting channel. I have always wondered how these kinds of bands operated.

Cool video, right on bro

I have played lots of party band gigs like extra player, because many gigs don't need sax. And in small country (where I live) they just call "We need some sax". Max. 1 rehearsal and thats it (Band is there usually only for me, so I don't want take their time too much). Many of these gigs are weddings of people over 30 years old, and they wants 90's music. In this country euro pop was big number then. There's absolutely no space to sax. (What would you play on sax to Darude - Sandstorm) If there are some possibility to play sax, there are usually 3 horns section sheet. It's to me somehow hard to play those "lead" trumpet parts, because they are very rhythmically and only with sax, those just dont work (However, I played once September lead trumpet part. It worked suprisingly well). So I decided to play just some fills and solos, if there's time and place. Then suprisingly often after gigs people (Mostly silver foxes) come to tell. "You play some youngsters music, but that sax bring me back to my youth". Maybe that's the point of it in my case. Although it is sometimes challenging, the reward awaits at the end. Or at least I hope so. 😄 ps. I Love my party band part-time job. ps. ps. I felt that altissimo miss. That happens to me too. 😃

You inspired me so much brooo...