Who is David Arnold? – Let’s Find Out!

Having to ask such a question is a failing on my part. It is not a question I want to become common. Having said that, I am now intrigued to get to know David Arnold better. David, tells us about yourself.

Frankly, you probably shouldn’t use anything from me, as I’m not in a band, nor will likely be asked to be in the future.  I’m just a hobbyist at this point, participating in jams that have no pay or pressure.  But perhaps my perspective can be of some interest to those who may have given up on playing, thinking that they have to be in a band to justify practicing.  Every time I participate in a jam, whether it’s blues, rock or country, gives me a therapeutic boost.  The pros telling me “good job, that rocked” is a high that never gets old.  Saves me hundreds on counseling services……

1) So:  I was a strong college player — not a music major, but handled the bari chair with those who wound up with touring big bands (Bellson, Rich, Kenton, Herman, Ferguson, etc).  After leaving, I wound up in Retail, which makes for horrific schedules that prevented me from joining any group.  But I kept a horn, hanging on to the memory of past musical accomplishments.  

2) No projects, for above reasons

3) Austin Music Scene — I’ve observed an attitudinal and demographic change over the last 15 years I’ve been active here.  Downtown seems to be geared towards “name” acts more and more, due to the high costs of doing business there.  The places that welcome musicians just starting out are in more rural or suburban venues (and pay very little).  Having said that, the number of venues continues to expand along with the population, so there will be more opportunities for local musicians to perform and develop!

4)  A.I.  is just another technological tool.  I’m no expert on this, nor will I be directly affected, since I’m just a horn player.  But I tend to compare this with a singer or instrumentalist doing a gig with a backing track apparatus, rather than a band.  Musicians will adapt, depending upon the market demand, so AI usage will have to be incorporated in some manner — like all tech, it’s not going away, so leaning into it to profitably leverage it is the latest challenge.

5) The question I’m never asked is…..  “Hey, want to join our band?’