TromboneChat

I love a great rehearsal. I like them even better than a great performance, because a great rehearsal faces inward, where a great performance faces out (if that makes sense) and has a less relaxed vibe. Sometimes a random rehearsal surprises and pleases me with how perfectly the musicians connect. Everything goes right, everything sounds great, and everyone just flows with each other. It's bliss!

Have you ever experienced anything like that?

("No, Dana, it's just you, you weirdo!")

Every time. To be honest I don't care about performing, I care about playing. And most times the best playing is done in rehearsals.

I'm fortunate to play in the London Jazz Orchestra where we have a monthly residence, but also monthly rehearsals where we take the time to get to grips with complex music. Having this sort of time to deeply rehearse new music every month with this quality of musicians doesn't happen anywhere else in the UK that I'm aware of. It's the most musically fulfilling thing I do.

We have a Monday night big band in Edinburgh, with an open rehearsal then gig. Every week I'm amazed how many folk turn up to hear us knock rough corners off pieces for an hour.

I think there's something in the joy of musicians playing for themselves.

A good rehearsal is worth thousands of concerts to me. Something special happens when it clicks for the first time or when an ensemble takes risks it will probably not take in concert.