@GeorgeB said in German Band:
You do get around, Dale.
George, I’ve been fortunate to have played in all sorts of different groups over the years - various big bands, a British-style brass band, a few concert bands, a Civil War brass band, a parlor/society band (early 20th century style), large church orchestra, brass quintet, the Bavarian band, a mariachi band (short lived), numerous weddings, a couple symphony orchestras, a Salvation Army band, and numerous pit orchestras for musicals. I don’t have the improv skills to play jazz, and have never played in a rock band or anything similar.
The trick is to be well rounded in playing many different styles of music. That initially comes from listening to and studying a particular style you’re interested in playing, and then getting your feet wet in a group of that style. For example, with the mariachi band, I listened to a LOT of mariachi music on YouTube and practiced emulating that unique style of playing. The band didn’t survive long (the leader had a protracted illness shortly after our first gig, and the band fell apart), but I was beginning to get into it pretty well...lol