Susan,

   I didn't bring up that bit so perhaps you have addressed it to the wrong person.

This part is about me and I'm not shy about it. You wrote: As an example of equitable songbook preperation-- someone whose approach to music is very note-dependent asked if the next songbook will include notes. I replied that they can include notes for some of the published songs--- if someone will take on that part of the task of making the book. It's a huge task. I already spend fulltime hours doing the books as they have been. Unpaid. It's been uphill work even having folks share the job of reviewing possible songs.

I am the person who plays by notes. That's the way it is. I have also played in the church band or whatever it is. Because the music is written with only the chord note above the words, I am unable to do very much. I could add much more if I had notes. I told you I would look up some of it and I have. The trouble is this. I never know what key is going to be your pick of the night so that means learning several versions of the same song that we might or might not do. If we, as a group, practiced something in advance of the night of the song and had a key picked out, I could prepare something. I know that doesn't work for you so there's no need to go into that. I have also done everything you asked of me regarding the band with the exception of last week in regards to listening to music to help pick out songs. Why did I say no? Because we've been down this road before and the things I pick out, you never seem to like or need...we aren't on the same wavelength at all...why waste both of our time and heap frustration on the pile? It makes no sense. You later asked me to type up the lyrics, I told you what I could handle given my current schedule and followed through.

Yes, the songbooks are a lot of work and I don't think anyone has argued that point. I don't think it's necessarily fair to say that each volunteer has the same amount time or commitment to gospel music that you do. For myself, I enjoy the music, I enjoy playing, I wish I had more time for both but the reality is, I don't have it to give. I'm not being obstinate or ornery are requiring any kind of handholding...it's just how my life is right now and you know that.

I'm not trying to make anyone look bad or anything of the sort...and you are right...there is always more to the story.

As for the new band thing, either you are referring to what Ridge Plucker had to say or you have decided to exercise your freedom of choice...that's up to you.

Michelle