Agreed on welcoming the newcomer, American Folkie. Seeing what the unwritten rules are includes having them welcomed and having someone explain a few basic ones, if the newcomer to that particular session seems inexperienced with session etiquette. Now, if someone is completely new to Irish music and has never been to a session - any session - before, you'd think they would have the common courtesy to observe and ask. The main point is that the newcomer has responsibilities of basic comon sense, common courtesy, and a willingness to observe and listen. The more arcane stuff comes with experience and "gentle prodding." i.e. some initial explaining to the newcomer.

I run a chantey session that has much less rules of order, and those rules are explained to everyone at the beginning. We go around singer circle style, and everyone gets to sing, or pass, or request a song. All levels are welcome - a "safe place to sing" I call it. A simpler form of music, and a different scene.

Chanteyranger

Chanteyranger