Come join us!
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HOTS' founder, Jack Elder, had an idea that there was a lot of
amateur musicians who would like to improve their playing, but were
discouraged because they didn't know how to improvise, couldn't find the
right repertoire, and had no regular place to play with others. Jack also felt many might enjoy playing his favorite traditional jazz and hot dance tunes if they knew something about it, an had an opportunity to practice often with others; get some coaching; have access to a core repertoire of good charts, and give an occasional performance for an appreciative audience. That original concept hasn't changed. As a result, The New HOTS Jazz Orchestra is always looking for new players, dancers, and singers. If you are willing to make an investment of time and interest and occasionally wear a funny hat, we think we can offer you something a little different. |
Goals
Our goals are the preservation, promotion and performance of early jazz and its dance
styles, self-fulfillment and shared fun. We are affiliated with the Potomac River Jazz Club, the Folklore
Society of Greater Washington, the Capital Vintage Dance Society, and we
are a Charter Member of the International Society of 1920s Orchestras.
History
HOTS was formed in May, 1988 to support the Herndon Towne Square Singers in
a summer concert. It has remained active on its own ever since. Our members
are professionals: retired government employees, computer engineers, etc. --
all former high school and college musicians from throughout the greater
Washington D.C. area.
The band was originally called the "Northern Virginia Ragtime and Oriental Foxtrot Society Orchestra." That name quickly was changed to "Herndon Old Time Stompers" at the suggestion of co-founder Mike Bratlie (now an airline pilot in Australia), and was then shortened to HOTS Ragtime Orchestra. As our repertoire evolved in the direction of 1920s-30s style hot dance tunes and swing, we decided that the word Ragtime might be both misleading and limiting, so we reorganized and changed our name to The New HOTS Jazz Orchestra.
Membership
Most
HOTS' rehearsals are open by
invitation to new players who read well and want to test their ability and
compatibility with the group. Improvisational ability is highly desirable,
but not required.
| We aren't loud and we don't play modern stage band charts, rap, hip-hop, rock 'n roll, cajun/zydeco, country-and western or disco music; We do play classic ragtime, traditional jazz standards, 1920s-30s hot dance tunes and swing. |
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Candidates must be excellent readers who are willing to:
° Practice regularly at home to build chops and learn a vintage style and technique which may be new to you. Improvisational ability is highly desirable, but not required.
° Play in a variety of Vintage and modern styles of American and Latin dance rhythms: Waltz, Fox-trot, Quickstep, Polka, Hot dance, Charleston, Big Band Swing, Lindy, Shag, Jitterbug, Jump Boogie, Rumba, Tango, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Conga, Samba, Mambo, Bosa Nova, Maxixe.
° Learn and enthusiastically perform choreographed routines, horn waving, band vocals, and wear funny hats when needed.
° Help promote the band, fit in socially, demonstrate an interest in helping us meet our aspirations, mention us favorably to other bands and musicians, and pass out our business cards and press kits to prospective customers.
° Rehearse every Monday Evening from 7:45 PM to 9:45 PM in Reston, VA.
° Perform professionally several (two to five) times each month within the greater Washington DC area and regionally (Norfolk to Philadelphia) when needed.
If you are a musician who shares our interests and goals and can devote sufficient time for practice and performances, you may obtain more information on becoming a member, attend a rehearsal, or arrange an audition. Write Jack Elder at 12629 Holkein Drive Herndon, VA 20171, phone (703) 860-4142, or e-mail us.