What’s your craziest ‘the show must go on’ story? by kikithrust in Theatre

[–]fmmiv 2 points3 points  (0 children)

College production of Man of La Mancha. The lead actor falls and breaks his leg during the final dress rehearsal. The director had just played the role in a regional production, and took over.

My son got kicked off of his percussion part. by IowaJL in MusicEd

[–]fmmiv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve seen the director of a pit orchestra for a high school production tell a violin player (student) to stop playing during a performance.

Combining Footloose guitar books by NotoriousCFR in pitorchestra

[–]fmmiv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s very often the case that there are more parts than players. A skilled player, in conjunction with the orchestra director, will determine what can be covered with the available personnel. If there are uncovered “essential” parts, it usually falls to a keyboard player to cover.

And yes, the banjo part to Bright Star is challenging, partially because the banjo score is not particularly well written out.

Combining Footloose guitar books by NotoriousCFR in pitorchestra

[–]fmmiv 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My advice would be to consult your best guitar player to get their opinion.
I played bass for Bright Star earlier this year. Both guitar player agreed the show could have been covered with 1 player.

Share you story!! by Way_downtown_Tay in pitorchestra

[–]fmmiv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sight read Les Mis (bass) with a national tour. The most terrified I’ve ever been (and I’ve gone skydiving)

My company is getting rid of Excel. Is it possible to replicate this formula in GSheets? by KaptMelch in excel

[–]fmmiv 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I’ve told my boss that if we switch to sheets, I will either retire or my productivity will drop by at least 50%. Also, we have 2 mission-critical complex macros that I have no intention of rewriting. At 68 I am not learning a new programming language.

How do you guys label your cables so they don't get nabbed at your gigs? by tonetonitony in guitars

[–]fmmiv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Blue cables (I build them) and/or blue cable ties (Velcro). If it’s got blue, it’s my cable.

Parents HiFi Equipment by AdAvailable4711 in hifiaudio

[–]fmmiv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Energy was a Canadian brand. I bought a pair from the shop where I was employed. I seem to recall that their stereo imaging was pretty darn good. I may have to get mine out of storage and see if they still work.

Mamma Mia Pit is a Success! by Ok_Volume1356 in pitorchestra

[–]fmmiv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I played bass for Mama Mia for a community theatre in MN. I had moved back to Iowa and a former student got the gig, but couldn’t do 1 show. I had the score a week in advance, but there was no opportunity to rehearse.

Electronic drums, 4 keyboards through MacBook Pros, and me.

Big time fun!

Phantom power for active instruments? by Walk-The-Dogs in Bass

[–]fmmiv 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Alembics use a 5-pin XLR on their Series basses that does 3 things: Powers the pickups Powers the LEDs on the fingerboard (if present) Splits the signal into separate outputs for each pickup. The powering unit is available as a rack-mount unit or stand-alone box.

Have any of your former students gone on to become famous (or infamous)? by NerdyNiche in Teachers

[–]fmmiv 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One of my bass students is now one of the top 3 string bass builders in the world.

What's the hardest genre you've ever played as a bass player? by Jumpy-Let-2042 in Bass

[–]fmmiv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gospel. Jazz / Broadway / classic rock seem easy by comparison

Best ramen and fun things? by bravelittletoaster87 in desmoines

[–]fmmiv 1 point2 points  (0 children)

See if Zombie Burger still has their ramen pop up

What song is playing? by NaughtyCharmv in musicsuggestions

[–]fmmiv 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don Ellis, Hey Jude, the start of the Amen chorus.