Where are sessions held?
Sessions are held in a home studio in Bernal Heights. In addition to being a nice sounding room, it has been equiped with a multi-track recording equipment to capture each practice for later review through the band member access are of The Pick site. In fact, you'll get recordings of each practice along with detailed notes to review before the next session.

How do I know if I'm ready for a PickUp Band?
PickUp Bands will be formed at all levels so there might be 4 other people out there asking themselves the same question that would love to put something together with you. As I've said before, we're going to be identifying what each member does best. You may not have to be a great picker if your singing really adds to the band. Fill out a Questionnaire and we can talk a little about what might work. Or come down to a 3rd Monday Jam to get an idea of how I work with a group and how you might fit in.

I'm comfortable in jams and have played in bands. Would I benefit from a PickUp Band?
Just as PickUp Bands can be formed at beginner levels, they're also a great way to get together with more advanced pickers to collaborate on a set. A bluegrass band can always be tighter, harmonies always more pure, and rhythm always more driving. There's plenty to work on even at a higher level and The Pick will take care of getting the band together and coordinating everyone for you. Fill out a Questionnaire and let me know what you're looking for.

How soon can I get in a band? Is there a band for everyone?
Because it's so important to individual and group progress that PickUp Band members be at similar levels and that band instrumentation makes sense, it may happen that a band spot is not immediately available for you. The best thing to do is fill out a Questionnaire and I'll let you know when something is coming together that you might like.

What's the typical makeup of a band?
A typical bluegrass band has some combination of guitar, upright bass, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle or dobro but those rules are broken over and over again. Depending on interest, it may work to put together some trios or even bands with multiples of the same instrument. The key is to get together and play and to come up with something that makes each member sound their best.

What instruments are allowed?
The starters are certainly guitar, upright bass, banjo, mandolin, and fiddle and dobro but if you play an electric bass, snare drum, harmonica, even a (gasp!) accordian, we might be able to work something out. Other possibilities? Drop me an email.

Are PickUp Bands bluegrass only?
The idea came from bluegrass but if you're interested in some of the branches off the tree (Dawg, NewGrass, JamGrass, Country, Alt-Country, Y'Allternative) make it known in your Questionnaire and we'll go from there.

What if I can't make every practice?
Scheduling problems always happen in bands. Typically it should be no problem for the other members of the band to use the time to drill harmonies, trade back and forth on breaks, etc. In some cases, it may be possible to reschedule a practice.