One thing someone told in Seattle Song Circle years ago is don't mix instrumentals and singing...ad it pretty much worked. Someone else said don't let any instrumets in except guitars. Limiting, but it does solve problems.

Again, you have to decide if you want great music or very inclusive participation. Two different things usually. It is easier to go the default route of very inclusive participation. There will be strong forces pushing in that direction, and it is just easier to go with that from the start.

But you have to make it clear to people what the groundrules are...if it is an endless goround of solos, that is great for people who want audiences for their solos. If people want more group singing, which I do, then decide with or without books. You will attract two different kinds of groups. either is OK if you start out that way.

My objection is not that people use the blue books, if that is how their group was formed, but when they take over a group that has produced beautiful music without them for years and then all of a sudden the music takes a nosedive..a calamatous one. So if you want to do the blue book thing, or if you want to do the everyone takes endless turns thing, just do it, and say up front what the plan is so people can choose if that is what they want or not. Anything goes when you are setting it up. Set it up so that you will enjoy it. If others don't like your way, encourage them to set up their own way. Don't try to accomodate everyone, unless that is the purpose of the group. mg