31/05/2010

Grade Unit Evaluation completed !

A link to this blog has been provided in the evaluation.

So it looks like that's the end of that chapter.

It's been 'fun' writing about graded unit and my life for your viewing pleasure (and my logbook...)

To you I say Thank You for reading and I bid you goodbye.

Signing out....

Daryl Hockin.

28/05/2010

Well I had the interview yesterday and think it went pretty well.

A few malfunctions with multimedia during the presentation but all in all it went to plan.

Only the evaluation left.

And to disperse this blog upon the graded unit community.

24/05/2010

I have spent today putting my portfolio together.

It's pretty fat.

That is all.

22/05/2010

Well, it's been a busy few weeks but it's finally coming to the end.

Rocky the musical was fantastic !

That could be a sign of a new career path...

Anyway there's not that much to say.

Finished my Adorno essay... That was a difficult and long night but I finished it in the end. I also handed in my Articulation project, I think I've done a good job of it. The final big project, Graded Unit, is for Thursday. Once that is out the way it's going to be plain sailing...

Oh yeah, I also did the 'Creative Musicianship' gig this week. Nearly forgot about that... We played songs from 1978 and I felt that it went pretty well considering we only really got it together half an hour before... I think there is a session musician point in amongst all that somewhere (Thinking on my feet maybe...?)

Anyway Graded Unit is my main focus for the next little while.

p.s Is it me or do I use a lot of Ellipses (...) ?

16/05/2010

Right, quick breakdown.

Red Hot Chili Pepper's Gig was amazing fun !

Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Phoenixbassist#p/u/6/mH3o_npI7Qc

(Have a deek at a few of the vids)

The Beach Boys Gig, I felt, could have been better but it was well received. There were no monitors. I feel that that may have been a large contribution to maybe mishaps or mistakes made. But I can't say that was the total problem.

It went well all in all.

I'm just saying that I probably would have had very stern words with the sound man after the show if it was my degree performance.

I can't say that made us make mistakes.

...

Erm....

We'll move on.

D-Day is coming.

On Tuesday.

My acting and singing debut.

ROCKY.

I am buzzing.

Come and see it.

:D

11/05/10

The Shitstorms' a comin' !!!

Busy week for me.

Today - Practice all day

Wednesday - College + Red Hot Chili Pepper's gig

Thursday - College + Beach Boys gig

Friday to Monday - Working my tits off

Tuesday - ROCKY !

After that....

Who knows ?

I changed my piece for my audition to show my versatility and my ability to work under pressure (Session Musician....)

Have a deek : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3d4qKJZGkQ

I will report back on my antics later on...

Chow for now.

05/05/10

*SIGH*

01/05/2010

Hello everyone, the clock is ticking.

It's now May, that means there's a shit-storm of college work to do.

I'm going to 'crack at' with the portfolio today, so there should be some resemblance of a portfolio by the afternoon, not complete but getting there.

The DAW/ICT class has been sorted thanks to student power.

Oh I volunteered to be the Student representative for my year, I attended a meeting with a good buffet and tackled some issues.

First degree gig is in 5 days, that'll start the late returns back to my flat for a few weeks.

Not much else to say.

Busy busy.

Catch you later.

19/04/2010

Hey everyone, long time no read !

Let's not dabble, as the college work is piling over me and I may not have much time.

All work & BA projects and no play make Daryl a dull boy.

All work & BA projects and no play make Daryl a dull boy.

All work & BA projects and no play make Daryl a dull boy.

All work & BA projects and no play make Daryl a dull boy.

All work & BA projects and no play make Daryl a dull boy.

All work & BA projects and no play make Daryl a dull boy.

All work & BA projects and no play make Daryl a dull boy.

All work & BA projects and no play make Daryl a dull boy.

All work & BA projects and no play make Daryl a dull boy,

but ever so slightly more cynical.

Anyway, 'funny moment' over, I am actually quite busy.

I have just finished transcribing the piece which I have been working on for Articulation, Keb'mo's I Was Wrong. It was surprisingly tough as the song has many hidden embellishments and cheeky triplets. Session Musicians need this skill as they may need to arrange a piece to fit their instrument or know what the other instruments are playing to make an improvisation (Valid reason?). But the project has still got two stages left until completion.

Adorno Essay: BORING..... However a session musician needs to have research and analysis skills. For example: finding out about different styles or what a client wants from them (?)

Graded Unit Protfolio: This will showcase all what I have done musically. A session musician needs this to showcase their past work to get new work. Simple as.

Interview - 20th MAY 10:45 !!!

Rocky Musical - 18th MAY

Beach Boys - 13th MAY

Red Hot Chili Peppers - 12th MAY

The Jamie Rosie Experience - 6th MAY

Busy times, like a good session musician.

Key points of this weeks college:

Kevin: " Choose a piece for your degree interview."

Daryl: "Ok."

Daryl chose Rio Funk by Lee Ritenour : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI3C2HS1vZM

How about them Apples ?

Aww Yeah !

Anyway, new band, same folk, 1978 ! It'll work.

Session Skills = useful. Recorded Grits 'Aint Groceries by The Commitments.

Get all that ?

Good to much to do !!

18/03/2010

Hey guys.

Once again I bring you ocular offerings of my 'life'.

Last week had little to offer so I'll break it into some 'bitesize' chunks : total chunks 3

As per usual, the majority of the college activity was on Thursday. The most interesting class being session skills. As per usual again, I seemed to be the only member of my session skills band to turn up, so I was grouped together with some other folk (I do know them, I'm just being general for Blog's sakes). Like a session musician, I worked with people I had not previously worked with before*. We were given the chart for Moondance, which none of us had really heard and we nailed it. It was good fun. Like session musicians, we had to read and play a piece that we had never heard.

Later that evening, we all went to Dundee to watch FeelFree Conspiracy in the Dundee Union. They did a good job.

The weekend consisted of me doing my essay for 3 days. Ya...Hoo... *sigh*

This week proved much more musically nourishing.

On Tuesday, we underwent the usual RHCPPP and we've now finished all the songs. Lets see if I can remember them all...

1. The Zephyr Song
2. Around The World
3. Parallel Universe
4. Otherside
5. Suck My Kiss
6. Wet Sand
7. Don't Forget Me
8. Save The Population
9. Under The Bridge
10. Can't Stop
11. Tell Me Baby
12. Dani California
13. By The Way
14. Road Trippin'**

The last few I needed to jog my mind for...

Anyway, we did that. I reckon it needs to be tightened up a bit but it's doing all right.

Later that day I embarked on the other project: The Beach Boys

That was amazing fun.

We went through 3 songs we had to learn:

1. Surfin' USA
2. Barbara Ann
3. I Get Around

That went pretty well to. Like a session musician, I'm putting my fingers in a lot of pies, for versatility's sake !

Then on Wednesday, we all went on a big day out to GLASGOW to play the college gigs in Pivo Pivo. Just like a session musician, I travelled out of my way to far off lands to get to a/the gig/s.

That was great fun too. Initially we,The Committee (Commitments Tribute band), practiced for a bit beforehand in LoFi which was really good, I was really impressed by the facilities there. We got some video footage of the practice there (Graded Unit Ken eh). Then we went to venue for half 5, got some pizza, sound checked and then waited for the gig to start. The whole night was really good and was impressed by all the bands there. I really did like the Hip Hop one and the Glam rock one, VERY entertaining. I was also pleased that our band was well received and also filmed. I look forward to seeing the footage (Graded Unit Ken eh). I also ventured into the vocal/backing vocal avenue for this gig, which is a new thing for me, I hope it went all right !

Catch You Later !

*I may have played with some of them before. I'm sorry that my statement wasn't 100% true...

**We haven't don't that song yet as the song does not require the full band. Again, I apologise for my fraudulent remarks.

08/03/2010

Alas, it is that time again where I write ever so enthusiastically for the whole of 7 people(maximum) to read. This week I bring you 3 weeks !

Well I could do, but not a lot happened the first two weeks so I'll just talk about the endeavours of this week.

On Tuesday, we got down and done some RHCPPP and that went pretty well. I have also been asked to do ANOTHER degree project ! This time it's The Beach Boys ! Just like a session musician, I have taken on many musical tasks and will have to chop and change my schedule/life. However, the guy who is doing the project has not contacted me thus far. Again, like a session musician, I have to deal with people being 'unreliable'.

The highlight of Wednesday was definitely Rocky rehearsal. Acting is awesome and I think I'm in love with choir style harmony singing :D It is great fun. I haven't really acted or sang before so this is all sort of new to me, but I do really enjoy it. Just like a session musician, you could be faced with different, new and unfamiliar tasks which require problem solving skills and being able to think on your feet.

Thursday was OK. Interviews. Essays. 1999. iWeb tutorial videos. Done.

Friday, learned that there is an audition for a place next year. Mildly phased, about 3.5 out of 10.

Saturday, there was a party. Partied.

On Sunday, a few folk from college (including myself) went to Kilmarnock to see Centre-stage presents : Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical. We were invited by Marlisa, as she did the choreography for the show. I'm not going to lie, it was brilliant. It was so well done and professional. I was very impressed. By the whole show. My favourite part was the Tankard/Bench dance. Woop !

And there we have it.

13/02/2010

Howdy !

This week was the COMPLETE opposite of last week ! really

Not really, but instead of being off on Thursday, we were off on Wednesday !!!

I was in College on the Tuesday though. Doing Red Hot Chili Pepper's project practice aka RHCPPP. I also participated in RHCPPP on Friday too. I would say RHCPPP was the most productive and enjoyable part(s) of the week. This week in RHCPPP we went through the tunes we did last week: Around the World, Parallel Universe and Otherside. We also went through Dani California and Can't Stop. Although I would say that I'm not the Red Hot Chili Pepper's biggest fan, I would say that I really do enjoy learning and playing these songs as it lets me sort of 'let loose' with my playing, plus it takes me back to a time gone by...

Session Musicians learn songs they don't particularly like or know so they can get work, but it really does raise their credibility and I also feel that it doesn't matter what songs you're playing, it should just be the sheer enjoyment of playing your instrument ! If that makes sense...

There really wasn't much else to be noted other than in session skills we went into the studio and did a bit of recording for the class. We went in, set up, played our music, recorded it and listened to it back. Just like a session musician. Oh it was Maeceo Parker's Shake Everything You Got, that we recorded.

I'm sorry I don't have much to say.

Goodbye.

07/02/2010

Hey all you crazy cats.

Not that much to talk about as I was off ill on Thursday and apparently that's when it all went down. Illness is one of the session musician's worst enemies, as it can affect their performance but also make them take a day off. Bad news for your business...

Anyway Wednesday proved to be quite good as it was the first day of The Commitments band, The Committee. It proved to be a worthy venture as, by the end of the class, the band sounded really good and we had nailed 3 songs: Chain Of Fools, Take Me to the River and Mustang Sally. All of us knew what we were doing and we all had a part in deciding various things. I had to improvise and make up parts on the spot for some of the tunes. Session Musicians have to improvise and think on their feet too.

Afterwards, in Marlisa's class we were put into groups and we had the task of writing and performing a theme tune for a TV program. But these TV programs already had theme tunes. Initially we were going to do a new theme tune for the X-files, but ideas weren't really flowing for that one. Then, in the practice room, I started to play a simple but Jazzy I-VI-II-IV chord progression and the others added on top of that. That became the new theme tune for Family Guy. Kind of. I thought it worked anyway.

Finally on Wednesday's instalment of College, I had my first practice with the Red Hot Chili Pepper's Degree project. I was a little worried as I didn't really know the songs we were doing that day and I wasn't given much notice to learn them. I feel that one of the songs we did that day went really well, just because it was one I knew a bit better.

That's all I really did at college this week.

I was ill on Thursday.

But I did see Paul Carrack on Thursday night.

That was AWESOME.

And on Friday's instalment of College, we got an earful about why I shouldn't be writing this blog.

It really really really cheered everyone up about their lives.

Really.

See you later. Maybe.

01/02/2010

Pinch, Punch, First of the Month !

Yeah ! Got Ya !

I felt I needed to do that as My flat mate got me and I had no-one else to release my rage and humiliation on.

So it's been a while and I see we have some fresh faces to the blog.

Hi there ! My name's Daryl and I, on behalf of all the subscribers of my blog (6 others), Welcome You to the most thrilling and informative read you'll have Today* !

So on from the horseplay, what's been going on Daryl ? What news and ocular riches do you have to bestow on us this time ??

I'm not going to lie, it's pretty dry (Ha). But in all seriousness, I have done stuff. Since the last post I have:

• Changed Band
• Presented a Marvel of a Beatles Presentation
• A whole mess of tunes in Session skills
• And last but certainly not least is Finish music Theory !

I passed the final music theory test which goes to show that I have an understanding of music theory, which if, correct me if I'm wrong, is quite essential if someone were to decide to become a session musician. I also did my presentation on the Beatles, which shows that I have skills an qualities in researching a subject; being able to talk to (and keep tame) a group of people and being able to communicate and showcase my ideas and musings. Which I know is session musician material.

And in Session Skills the past few weeks we have played many-a-tune such as the following: Kool and the Gang - Holywood Swingers; Al Green - Let's Stay Together; Maceo Parker - Shake Everything You Got and another go at Jimmy Ruffin's Classic, What Becomes Of the Broken Hearted. The tune went quite smoothly I'd say with little hiccups or complication, however the Kool and The Gang tune could have been better as there was no Bass player to help hold it together.

And Finally the 'shock, controversy and scandal' of the band I was previously in. Since my last post the band that I had for band work changed the year that we were going to look at from 1979 to 1980. That year boasted some chart toppers the likes of Blondie - Atomic; The Police - Don't Stand So Close To Me and Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall. This clear and joint decision seemed to lead others in mass confusion and some didn't seem to understand "Learn these songs for next week". This would be time to mention that a session musician would maybe have to work with difficult people at one time or another. The next practice only three of us turned up to the practice. So due to incompetence, time and attendance, I decided to raise to the present members, the point of scrapping the band and doing something else. They agreed as they saw my points. Session Musicians sometimes have to make quick, thoughtful decisions and sometimes the have to take leadership, that's just the way it is. I'm sorry to tell you that. I was asked to join a Commitments band with other musicians, I accepted the offer.

The Rocky thing is also going pretty well, but I'll go into more detail later.

Plus I will have the first Red Hot Chili Peppers band practice on Wednesday too. Also, more details will be added later.

I hope you enjoyed that.

And on that note I say Farewell for another Post.

Thanks !

*not guaranteed at all. In fact you are the only one liable for your enjoyment, and I'm sorry to tell you that. I'll pass you the tissues, you seem very upset.

07/01/10

Hey Everybody ! Oh My GOD ! Six People now !!

Happy New year everyone !

Long time no... erm... write and see...

Anyway, I have a lot of stuff to talk about since I haven't posted for a while so let's start with 'end of semester' Beatles gigs.

The day after the last post was the day of the much anticipated (and long awaited) Beatles gig. It was a very long day as we were asked to be at the college for 10.00 for a sound-check. After my band sound-checked we found out that we were the second last band to play that day, at half past 7... *sigh*. However this is an example of good patience which is an essential skill for the session musician. So we eagerly waited for our band's slot. We passed the time by getting changed; practicing our instruments; having a last-minute run through; watching the other bands; Video recording the other bands; getting some food and finally tuning up and getting ready before the gig. I was sporting a rather fashionable 'John Lennon-esque' costume, complete with 'People for Peace' arm-band. Sometimes, as a session musician, you are required to dress appropriately for the performance, so that's what I did. As far as I felt the performance went on my behalf, I felt that I played well and professionally, keeping it as close to The Beatles' style as I could. I also feel that the majority of the group also performed well and acted professionally, apart from one person who didn't dress appropriately or tune their instrument properly. That I felt was the only thing that really went wrong with our performance, the rest I think was to a good standard.

The day before I had an audition to be cast in an honors student's musical production of the hit motion picture, Rocky. Initially I walking into the audition room only looking for a small acting part in the musical. So I went in and read out my lines with a whole lot of passion in-front of the two honors students and a video camera, I was told that I had done really well. Then they said this:

"It's time for your singing audition."

I replied:

"Erm, What did you say?"

As to my surprise I was confronted with something that was not initially in my comfort zone. But after a little bit of coaxing and a bit of thinking on my feet (like a session musician...) I sang a little bit of their chosen piece, Eye of the Tiger. Apparently I was OK, as two days later my name appeared up on the notice board next to the part of Paulie in the musical (I haven't seen Rocky yet, but I'm told that that's Rocky's best friend). I was quite happily surprised about this new avenue that had opened up to me. Plus Mum was proud (Ha Ha).

For Christmas I got Gin :)

During the Holidays, there was an amount of 'political' issues that occurred in my band, The Xylophone Race. We had decided after a long period of time that we had to say goodbye to the long serving Bass player due to 'professionalism and ability'. It was hard to let him go (because I got made to do the talking) cause he is a good mate, but he did have a good run. The Boy took it well, I have to admit. Sometimes as a session musician you have to deal with tough social situations and working with difficult people. I mean he wasn't bad to work with but I have to make this relevant. So we gave him a good send off with his final gig in Mad Hatters in Inverness a few days later. The next day we auditioned a new Bass player for the group with a lengthy Jam session. He was pretty good. As a session musician, you often have to improvise and Jam along with the people you work with, like that situation.

And finally I did make it back to college yesterday, despite the harsh conditions up north, various train delays and a £126 bus pass, to find that after the first class that the college was shut for the rest of the week. Whatever. I did find out what group and genre I will be doing for the next 9 weeks for band-work. I'm not going to lie, it's not the best style or the strongest set of players, but I'm determined to motivate the others and make the group work. The style for the band is: Number One's from a chosen year. We got together and decided that the year with the most number one's that suited our tastes was 1979. For next week we are learning Dr Hook's classic When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman and Blondie's smash hit Sunday Girl.

That was a pretty hefty post I imagine.

Thanks for all reading.

Daryl