GFS: Special Guest Process see ddmusic.org/specialguest
Here’s the steps for preparing to perform or record a song with Glen Flowers The Strangers (GFS) which incorporates one or more Special Guests where no rehearsals are required prior to the performance or recording studio session. This can be adjusted as makes sense on a case-by-case basis.
CHIEF BENEFIT: We don’t need one or more in-person rehearsals. Scheduling those rehearsals can be very difficult.
SECONDARY BENEFIT: Everyone should easily know where they are supposed to sing and/or play at the actual performance.
PREREQUISITE: A special guest must have access to:
- a separate digital audio recorder (e.g. a cellphone, tablet, laptop) that has Internet access.
- an additional MP3 player (e.g. tablet or laptop)
with ear buds or headphone that can play an MP3 file the special guest receives via email.
STEPS:
- GFS record the song as an MP3 leaving space for the special guest.
- GFS provides a form sheet (and if needed a chord chart
or lead sheet) for the song highlighting where the special guest is expected to play and/or sing. - GFS emails the MP3 recording and form sheet and optional chord chart to the Special Guest.
- Special Guest works out their parts to their satisfaction playing along with the song MP3.
- Special Guest records their part while playing along with the song MP3 while wearing headphones or ear bud.
NOTE: Playing along with headphones while recording creates a file with just the Special Guest’s performance. - Special Guest sends over the Internet (email, google drive, etc.) their (.MP3 or .WAV) recording to doug@ddmusic.
- GFS add’s it into the mix of their recording and evaluates it. WHEN the result “ WORKS” then we show up and perform it together typically with no problems.
- WHEN IMPROVEMENTS MAKE SENSE (usually not necessary), GFS requests changes and Special Guest repeats steps 4, 5 and 6.
