Jim, KC and all, Sorry it has taken so long to respond to Jim's & KC's comments in this thread. The confluence of events has prevented it till now. But, it has also allowed a great deal of discussion on the issues of the sing at the Royal Mile.

I would like to start by saying that we "Ship's Company" appreciate any comments positive or negitive on any of our activities. This is how we improve the quality of what we do.

Jim is right when he says that in the last year, things have gotten bigger at the mile. With the advent of some really good press and word-of-mouth advertizing, the sing has be expanded to basically keep the mile filled until about 9:30 or so and about half filled the last 45 minutes of the sing. We also have alot more singers. We are happy with this. The result is that the place is just louder. It has become a place where people come to meet, eat, drink, sing, listen and generally have a good time. Each month we see new faces. But mostly we see alot of people with whom we have developed relationships. I'm sure this and the fact that we stopped taking breaks has added to the amount of disctraction and conversation for everyone. When ship's company first started the Shanty Sing (coming up on 3 years now), this is the kind of comradery that we had hoped to foster. In my mind, the first Tuesday of every month is like gathering night at a dock-side pub where you might find a hand full of chantymen exchanging stories and songs. The big difference is that at the mile we have a little more structure and everyone who wants to, can participate.

In starting the sing, we had three primary goals in mind. 1) A public practice where the newly formed orgainization could get some milage in the public eye.

2) Promote maritime music by providing a venue for people to get together and sing and exchange ideas, songs and history.

3) Have a good time.

I believe that we have succeeded in all three of these goals. But, things can always be improved upon. So, as I have said, comments are always welcome.

With regards to the sing being dominated by professionals, I can only say that ship's company is there because it is part of our mission and in support of that anyone who wants to sing a song is welcome to stand up and do so. The only criteria is that we keep it 99.9% maritime and try to remember that there are families listening. Even with that said, we have never stopped anyone from singing what was on their mind. We have always, and will always, ask/prompt/conjoule/plead/harass people to sing a song. We do not discriminate based on race, sex, .... or musical ability. This should be evident to anyone who has been to the mile. This is not a dig, it is a fact.

As far as people looking strained, I'm sure that there are those who grimace. But, I would wager that most of it is people trying to find a place for their voice in a chorus that is either new, quiet, a little different cadance or a meriad of other circumstances that arive when you have that many people of varying abilities together trying to sing the same song. We would never (and I think that I can speak for SC here) abuse someone for not singing beautifully. There is not a one amoung us who hasn't crashed and burned in the public eye.

Do not misunderstand me. I am not upset. I just want to add another perspective to the issue.

Jim, If you long for the days of the more intimate sings, then I think that you should try the Alexandria sing. It is still in it's infancy. Or perhaps the Annapolis sing when it gets started. You, of course, are always welcome to sing or listen at the mile. I hope to see you there (where ever there is).

Fair wind and following sea...

Jim Rockwell