Topic: Was I wrong?

I was invited to play with my church's band again. Practices are on Thursday night. We get the music usually on Tuesday afternoon.

I had to ask to be added to the distribution. Then when I got added to the distribution for the week, there were no chord charts for two of the five songs - but only for me. There were only MP3's. So I checked with the band leader, and he said that there were chord charts and sent me a screen shot proving it. So I sent a screen shot of mine proving they weren't available to me. By 10:00PM Tuesday, I had the chord charts, but by that time it far too late to be able to prep and practice five songs by Thursday right after work. I didn't want to play if I can't be prepared and I don't think it's reasonable to expect me to. Nor do I think any bandmates would appreciate an ill prepared bassist, so I backed out of the gig.

It's worth mentioning that I played for years with this group, and literally EVERY time I took the stage with them, I have had to chase down the chord charts that everyone else gets without effort. I don't accuse them of doing it on purpose. I think there's a software glitch in my profile somewhere, but when it's the SAME THING EVERY TIME and no one learns to check the settings, it eventually gets to feeling personal. I literally schedule time to chase down the chord charts when I agree to play, but not getting them until bedtime, leaving me one evening to prep five songs and be ready for practice seemed like too much for me to handle.

One more thing - as I age my anxiety has increased exponentially. It was off the charts last night. It took a handful of pills (all legal) and splitting a rack of wood to calm down even a little bit. It spun me up but good. I don't think I should have to suffer anxiety attacks to volunteer. But I have never, ever backed out of a gig and feel some guilt about it. 

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

Re: Was I wrong?

Zurf you weren't wrong, you just did what you had to do given the situation you found yourself in.     

Re: Was I wrong?

That is so annoying, seems like someone has it in for you? Explain that you can't work like this and you'd prefer to sit out rather than do a bad job, not that you would if you had to busk but your mind would be at rest.     

Ask not what Chordie can do for you, but what you can do for Chordie.

Re: Was I wrong?

Phill Williams wrote:

That is so annoying, seems like someone has it in for you? Explain that you can't work like this and you'd prefer to sit out rather than do a bad job, not that you would if you had to busk but your mind would be at rest.

Nobody has it in for me. But nobody is trying to solve an obvious problem that I can't solve either.

The pastor thought he was doing me a kindness asking me to join again, but I'm going to buy him lunch and explain to him why it's not the kindness he thought it was. In any case, it was thoughtful of the pastor to think of me.     

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

Re: Was I wrong?

Zurf  you  were  right ,I  certainly  wouldnt   expect  any  one  to  play  without information .When  we  rehearse   the  band  I  always  make  sure  every  one  has  the  same  chart  or   if  some  ones  part  is  playing with  a  uke  or  a  capo or  a  mandolin  etc   I  make  sure  all parts  are  shown in the  correct  key  .Hell I  even  give  the  drummer  a  copy ,