Stand or sit?

[tumblehome]

As an accordion player with back problems, I almost always sit while performing, even though there are a lot of people who think that all accordion players should stroll with the instrument. If the quality of the music is better when sitting, due to increased control and less fatigue, then I would recommend sitting. You can still connect well with your audience by using a microphone between numbers. They are there to hear you play, not to see you gyrate and dance all over the stage. The more you jolt and gesticulate around on stage, the less concentration you will devote to your instument and musical expression.

[acre]

Hi guys!

I sit BUT I'm always using two keyboards, the Tyros II and CP-33 stage piano. Ergonomics dictate to my body style that I must sit when playing a weighted key bed. All the best.........Lee

[oldsage]

i sit and when i finish playing,lie down completely cream crackered! steve

[gibbo]

lol... that's priceless, Steve.
I mostly stand but sometimes use a stool for laid-back gigs. I always joke that one day I'll probably be rolling into the gigs in a wheelchair; fully fitted out with a sound system, mic, guitar stand and laptop... as long as I can get someone to plug me in I'll keep doing it!
Cheers, Dave.

[shyamwestwind]

Dave, we think alike .Though I will keep that wheelchair away for as long as I can, I have always pictured a time when I'll "roll" into a gigs as a one man mobile band , complete with keyboard, speaker, mic stand and an UPS too !!! Actually, I will be more mobile than now and I just might earn more than I do now. The sympathy factor (Ugh !!!!! ) will give me added appeal and if I should keep a ten gallon stetson next to me , I might well be a millionaire ! LOL LOL Moble Midi Martian !!! EM EM EM ...... LOL LOL LOL

[oldsage]

atta boy shyam! love your sense of humour! all i need is one of those bionic wrists and fingers!.i could program it to play and have a kip! hee hee

[tumblehome]

Here is a compromise for you. Sit on a tall bar stool while playing the instrument. You will have relief from back pain, and at the same time be almost as high as someone who is standing. (Especially if you have the glass of beer that goes with the bar stool ;-)

[wallybob]

I can remember the day when (as a band leader) I would have fired anyone besides a drummer sitting. Now as a single musician who has grown older and fatter I have started sitting. I play guitar & keys. I do occasionally go wireless with the guitar and walk out in the room, but mostly sit on stage. I use a double tier keyboard stand with a laptop on the top tier. I have had people tell me it's hard to see me sometimes behind the laptop. I feel a loss in the energy level in the room when sitting. When I used to stand I was always dancing or moving with the music. Now I have COPD and if I move around too much I run out of breath rather quickly. I still perform 5 nights a week so sitting has become a necessity.

Wally

[markburton]

I always sit, mainly because i play 2 keyboards, also i'm in the theatre alot - my head would get in the way if i stood!!. If it's a pop gig though you need to stand to get in the groove.

Mark

[danboy]

I switched from sitting to standing. I just get a better 'feel", and feel I'm entertaining, singing better while standing.. Of course i only do one hour assisted living type shows...If i had to stand all night long, well, that might be another matter!!

[midwaysue]

Hi
I always used to stand for gigs but found I was sooo tired afterwards and I also used to get very painful legs so much so I was in agony at night. I now sit and have realised what I was missing - bags more energy and no painful legs! I sleep much better at night now.
Regards Midwaysue.

[thingyy]

Sitting thru a gig ! How crowd inspiring is that for a dance band ?

[Steptoe]

Sept 30, 2008 19:42:02 GMT @thingyy said:

Sitting thru a gig ! How crowd inspiring is that for a dance band ?

I agree thingyy!

[steveb]

I agree thingyy,

It's not a good look at all and not very professional. I know we would feel better at the end of the night and have a bit of energy left but I don't think that's how it should be done. imo