NEW MEMBER CHECKLIST

The following steps should help you get into the swing of things (get it?): 

  • Read this document (before first rehearsal)

  • Get on the NWS mailing list (email the director)

  • Get access to the members site (email the director)

  • Get your stand and music folder checked out (first rehearsal)

  • Sign the BECB indemnity form (first rehearsal)

  • Pay your $40 dues (first rehearsal)

  • Read the NWS Handbook

  • Enjoy!

INTRODUCTION TO NORTHWEST SWING

Congratulations on joining Northwest Swing! Originally founded in 2012, NWS is a traditional jazz big band consisting of the standard 5-4-4-4 membership: 

  • 5 saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors, and a bari),

  • 4 trumpets,

  • 4 trombones (including 1 bass trombone),

  • 4 rhythm (bass, piano, drums, guitar)

Many big bands are rigidly structured -- everyone is assigned to a part, and movement within sections is limited to when another member leaves the group. NWS is structured more loosely than that -- parts are not assigned. Our philosophy is that everyone should be able to play what they're comfortable with, while still providing a challenge. As such, parts are fluid and can be negotiated within sections. Only occasionally will the director step in and assign a part. 

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH BECB

Northwest Swing is officially defined as a committee of the Boeing Employees Concert Band (our full name is BECB Presents Northwest Swing). As such, we partner with the concert band ensemble, playing at many of their concerts in addition to our own. Every member of NWS is also a member of the BECB. So, when you join NWS, you're also joining the BECB. This has the following implications: 

  • All NWS members are expected to pay BECB dues. Currently, dues are $40 ($10 + $30 donation) twice yearly, due on January 1st and on our first rehearsal following Labor Day. NWS members are not expected to pay more than this.

  • All NWS members are strongly encouraged to participate in BECB rehearsals and concerts. While not required, participation in BECB can be a great way to meet the rest of the organization and to play challenging concert music in a variety of different settings. This is also one of the ways NWS gives back to our parent organization.

  • Upon joining, you will be issued a music stand and if participating in the BECB band, a music folder. It's expected that you keep these in good condition and return them to the BECB when you leave the organization.

Note that the BECB organization (and by extension NWS) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. As such, your donations (the $30 in dues) are tax-deductible. Additionally, your employer may provide charitable gift-matching for time and/or donations. If so, we strongly encourage you to engage in their programs, as this helps us to keep doing what we do! 

BECB rehearsals take place at the following time and place:

Tuesdays from 6:45pm to 9:00pm
St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church
1005 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166

REHEARSALS

Northwest Swing rehearses each Saturday morning from 9:30am to 11:00am. We rehearse at the Museum of Flight auditorium:

9404 E Marginal Way S
Seattle, WA 98108

Rehearsals typically involve a quick tune-up and warm-up, followed by work on our music. We try to keep things light -- idle banter, joking, and general light tom-foolery are allowed and encouraged, so long as we remain on task and productive. If things get out of hand, the director will reign things in and expect a higher level of attentiveness.

We expect everyone to be on-time and prepared for rehearsal. We do expect some time spent outside of rehearsal practicing parts, techniques, and generally improving your musical abilities so that we can come to rehearsal and work on fine-tuning details.

We typically arrange in normal big-band formation: Saxes in front, followed by Trombones, then Trumpets, and Rhythm at the back. 

There's a whole lot more information about rehearsals in the handbook; see Rehearsals and Gigs. 

GIGS

In general, NWS participates in two broad classes of gigs: NWS-only and BECB-joint gigs. 

BECB-JOINT GIGS

We typically play several gigs together with the BECB. In general, the gigs are split into two parts: 

  • BECB-portion. Usually, the BECB will open the program and be featured as the main group.

  • NWS-portion. Following the BECB performance and a short transition period, NWS plays a shortened set (usually 30 minutes) to close out the program.

This can vary from gig to gig — occasionally NWS will open for the BECB, playing a 15-20 minute set prior to the BECB feature performance. 

NWS-ONLY GIGS

For gigs where NWS is the feature band, we tend to do things a little differently. For venues where we're a feature band, we show off with a starter tune (Big Swing Face), during which the director will welcome the audience, introduce the band, and open the gig. We do a similar thing for the end of the gig as well (also Big Swing Face, but shortened).

NWS-only gigs are minimum one-hour sets, but can be as long as two or three hours. For these longer sets, NWS takes a 15-minute break every hour.

Dress usually matches that of BECB — all black, with optional colorful accessories (ties, etc). The director will announce any change ahead of time. 

There's a whole lot more information about gigs in this handbook; see Rehearsals and Gigs. 

ELECTRONIC MUSIC LIBRARY

Our music library is fully electronic, with all charts available for downloading and printing for all members. You will be sent a link to the members site, as well as login credentials upon joining.

It's important to note that there are charts available via the site which are not in the public domain (and thus subject to copyright). It is illegal to share these charts with anyone outside the band. We suggest that you just avoid sharing any of the charts you find there. If you really feel you need to, contact the director first to ensure that you're legally allowed to. We'd really rather not have our members arrested.

Once you're logged in, you can find the library off the front page. Charts are organized by categories -- click on a chart number for details and to download sheet music (which you can find under the Attachments section of each chart). 

CONDUCT DURING REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES

Northwest Swing strives to provide a light, easy-going atmosphere during rehearsals and performances for our members. However, your behavior reflects on the overall organization (especially true during performances). As such, we ask that you maintain professionalism during rehearsals and performances, and in particular: 

  • Avoid derogatory comments directed at any band member or audience member (remember that we rehearse in a semi-public space);

  • Avoid vulgar language that others may find uncomfortable (you'll find we do use some, but we try to keep it friendly);

  • Avoid insulting anyone's playing abilities, striving instead for constructive feedback;

  • Avoid excess talking during downtime in performances. Remember that your audience can still hear you!

  • Do show up prepared and on-time for rehearsals and gigs;

  • Do keep an open mind — we may do things differently than you're used to;

  • Do remember that you represent NWS and the BECB in all that you do, and that misconduct reflects badly on all of us;

  • Do speak up if you see or hear something that makes you uncomfortable. NWS strives to provide a safe space where everyone can feel comfortable and at ease.

For more information, see the following sections of the handbook: