Join The Band

The Compaq Big Band has an immediate opening for a full-time jazz pianist.

Very good sight reading skills and classic big band comp’ing style are required, as is good improvisational soloing ability. The band holds 2.5-hour weekly rehearsals on Wednesday evenings in Marlborough, MA and performs throughout the New England region, with most gigs being within a 2-hour radius of Boston. Average gig frequency varies from 1-2 gigs per month much of the year, with periods as busy as 4-5 gigs per month in the summer and holiday seasons.

Attendance at most rehearsals and most gigs is required, with consideration given for business, family, and other music-related conflicts as they arise. The band is a nonprofit corporation – compensation in the form of modest gig travel stipends is available.

Applicants must own a professional quality electric piano for use at most gigs – occasionally there will be a house grand piano provided at a venue. A band-owned rehearsal piano and amp are available to transport to/from weekly practices.

General membership information:

Regular membership in the band requires attendance at most of the Wednesday night rehearsals in Westborough, Massachusetts, and at most performances. Gigs are generally scheduled within a 70-mile radius of Boston, Massachusetts, including the Boston metropolitan area, Southern New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Seacoast region, greater Worcester, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. Occasionally the band may perform at a location a greater driving distance away from Boston, and the band is considering additional overseas tour opportunities such as their ten day trip to Great Britain in Summer 2006.

Gig frequency varies with customer demand, and currently averages two to three performances per month, with the summer concert season more demanding. Most gigs are scheduled for weekend nights, but weeknight performances do occur, with most of these scheduled during the summer months.

Since the band operates as a non-profit, compensation for members is limited to travel stipends for performances, plus food and drinks at gigs when available, and comp tickets for significant others and family when provided by clients.

Regular members are generally required to assist in stage teardown after every gig, and to periodically participate in stage setup.

Substitute Players:

We are always looking to add high quality jazz musicians and vocalists to our substitute player list. Amateur, semi-professional, and professional performers with big band experience are encouraged to contact us with their name, phone and email address information, as well as a resume of their big band experience. Those with an appropriate level of experience may be invited to rehearse with us as openings at weekly Wednesday practice sessions occur, although sometimes this happens on short notice. Those on the sub list that are available to rehearse with us are more likely to be called on as a paid sub when gig opportunities arise, and if any full time membership positions become available.

Please direct responses and inquiries to Al Saloky at (603) 673-7683 or email alsaloky@aol.com.

Copyright © 2013 Compaq Big Band.