Q: Is it free to participate?
A: YES! AMU is free to participate in. There is a 5$ cover a the door the night of the shows but bands get free entry the night they play.
Q: Do we need to provide our own instruments?
A: Yes. AMU does not supply instruments...however people have been known to borrow/lend gear from/to friends and other participants. Ask around if you need something. Linnemans will provide mics for the shows. We also share have shared amps and a stage drum kit (bring your own sticks and cymabls) at the showcases.
Q: Is there an age requirement?
A: The Potluck/Drawing and Showases are in a bar- you must be 21 or older.
Q: Is there a experience requirement?
A: NO. You can have a ton of experience, none, or anything in between.
Q: So who wins?
A: It's not a competition. There really isn't a winner, but due to the nature of this experiment-- anyone who makes it to the show, and creates something has WON in my opinion!
Q: Can we stay a band after the showcase is over?
A: That is completely up to you. One of the best things about AMU is the people you meet, not just in your band but in other bands as well. We have had bands stay together just as they are and others that never play together again. There's also new bands that seem to morph out of the Linnemans basement after the shows.
Q: If I have to drop out can I sign up again?
A: Yes and No. Things happens and we don't shame quitters here. Drop outs are welcome and encouraged to come to the showcases and sign up again the following year. You can not sign up again as a reserve in the same year you drop out.
Q: Where do we practice?
A: That's something you and your band will have to figure out. Make it work. If no one in your band has a space - hit up friends and ask around.
Prepare to be a leader even if you don't want to be. A band of 4 leaders and butting heads is better than everyone standing around not knowing what to do.
Be open to be something different than yourself. In a good way. “You People”
Just play along
FIND A WAY TO COMMUNICATE. Everyone has a slightly different creative language, but also often common ground if you are open to finding it.
Be accountable. Everyone's time is valuable. If you commit to being somewhere, be there. You may only have 5 practices. Make them count.
Have fun, be open. Leave any thoughts or preconceived notions or pressures at the door. Remember that its not a competition...but an opportunity to challenge yourself to do new things.
It's just enough time to get comfortable with the material but not enough to master it.
Bob & weave. Ya gotta bob & weave. It's a collaborative experience, your "plans" will shift, morph, and become whatever it is they insist on becoming. The more you "let them" more the fun the experience
Even if half the band drops out twice and you have basically nothing day of the show, go on stage anyway. I mean, try not to be in that situation, but I was once, and Simiil Ilbirts talked me into going on stage anyway and it was a blast.
Remember not to take it too seriously. Have fun, express yourself like you may have never been able to.
Be yourself, show up, and learn new things about others, you won't regret it, also have fun, it might be a challenge, but accept it.
Just show up!
Just do it
The stage may bit smaller than people realize, for those bringing the 27 add on percussion pieces to the drum set
Show up!
Don't wait for your whole band to practice. Time flies- make something with whoever is free in your group whenever you can.
GET A WHITE BOARD AND DRY ERASE MARKERS. USE THEM.
Don’t do all the drugs and expect to sound good