Should I leave the band?

[jeg]

I've been in an original band called the Plaines for about a year and a half. I'm now thinking of leaving, to pursue my own musical stuff (jazz 'cello).

Around the time that I joined the Plaines, I'd written some jazz compositions, but I couldn't really play them well, and I certainly couldn't improvise fluently around them. Between then and now, the Plaines has rehearsed lots, and is chasing a record deal. Also, I've been working ridiculously hard on scales, technique, bowing patterns, all kinds of music, folk, jazz, indian ragas, classical, etc. The other day, I looked at my compositions, and found them easy to play. There are various jazz musicians in Sheffield (where I live) who are willing to work with me. I'd feel shockingly bad about letting the Plaines down, as I know all their parts, but I feel like the time is right for me to move on.

My readings were:

I am leaving the Plaines (not a question, this one, but a statement of how I felt).

Answer: 38, line 6 moving, to 54.

I read the top line, about drawing the bow, then relaxing it. So I thought, maybe I shouldn't leave. So, I next asked,

Do I have to leave the Plaines to pursue my own project?

Answer: 50, lines 2 and 5 moving, to 33.

So is the food in the ting my ideas, or the bands current achievements. Should I retreat from the Plaines, or retreat from leaving (if you get me!)

Any ideas gratefully recieved.

Jeg.

 

[candid]

Hi Jeg,

First I'd look at this from 38 (Wilhelm):

"Thus amid all fellowship
the superior man retains his individuality."

Everything else in your readings seem to revolve around that statement. There is fellowship with the Plaines' members, plus doing your own thing.

Line 6 of 38 could relate to how you may 'think' the band members will view your solo effort. But upon further development you may let down your defense and let them decide their response to it. Or, if the band members do become defensive about your solo effort, they'll get over it and will become supportive of it.

I don't see this as an all or nothing scenario. There's food in your Ting. The important thing is to 'cook'. If your comrades become jealous, they'll get over it. So long as you retain your modesty and pursue your own project you will attract those who will support it. Possibly even from those in your current band. But even if they do not, you should pursue it anyway.

I think 33 is saying to retreat from any doubt and anxiety over it.

No doubt in my mind, based on these readings, that you should pursue your solo effort. But not necessarily to the exclusion of the Plaines.

C

 

[jeg]

Candid, thanks for your post. It was smashingly helpful! Based on my present thoughts, and your post, I'll keep doing both, and wait and see what happens.

Jeg.