Re: Trying to stay calm...
Hey, Fox--
I've seen ya in and out of DrumChat, but if I haven't done so already, welcome, mate!
Now, let me get this straight: You started playing last December 30th with no formal lessons and you're getting a chance to audition for a band? Whoa, bro'! This WOULD make a great movie! You're one lucky bloke...
Now, to your question: No matter how long you've been playin', you're always going to be a little stoked before an audition--or for that matter, any performance. It's normal and it helps you give it your best behind the drums.
While you may have a few things nailed already, I'd ask first what kind of music your bandmates are playing--that is, do you know what they play? I don't have to tell you if you're playing a slow ballad, you don't "crash, bash, thrash and splash," and vice versa. If some of their tunes are among those you learned, you can afford to be a little flashier and show your stuff. But, to borrow a line from my signature, a drummer's job is to keep the beat going.
They want to hear how your drumming ties in with their guitars and keyboard, and her vocals. Better to start a little softer and have them tell you to kick it up a notch than to crash around all over the place at full volume. For now, just do the best your can and enjoy yourself. Every one of us has a first audition...
I agree with Frank (fiacovaz) that you would do well to get a teacher to help you learn more (and unlearn some bad habits you may pick up from self-teaching). But for now, consider this a learning experience. If you make the band, I will be among the first to give you an Internet high-five! (Do let us know, okay?) If you don't, you will have learned something that will help ya down the road, and years from you can laugh about it as you help someone else.
Best of luck, mate!
keep the beat goin' ... Don't keep it to yourself!
Charlie
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." --Henry David Thoreau, "Walden," 1854
"There's a lot to be said for Time Honored tradition and value." --In memory of Frank "fiacovaz" Iacovazzi
"Maybe your drums can be beat, but you can't."--Jack Keck
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