Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: RamblinStu Date: 11 Apr 10 - 05:47 PM Bob Kenward can run a bloomin good singaround too Keep the Woodsheds Burning. Stuart Pendrill |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Herga Kitty Date: 11 Apr 10 - 05:34 PM The secret of a really good singaround is that it's run really well by the MC but people don't notice that there was any skill involved.... Acorn4 - Hamish sang (and credited) one of your parodies at last night's Banbury Song & Ale singaround. Kitty |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Pierre Le Chapeau Date: 11 Apr 10 - 04:57 PM CC I couldn't agree more the encourage I have had from Singer arounds and sessions is great. I laugh and joke a lot on Mudcat and folk know me sense of humor. But encouragement from others is memorable and above all necessary. no joke. Kind regards Pierre. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: gnomad Date: 11 Apr 10 - 03:50 AM It's a different one, Chris, I know CC & his repertoire well enough to say that with confidence. AMcB is a longer and (I should say) older song about recruiting. There is one version here. CC runs a good show when called upon, but is just as happy to contribute to one run by someone else. That is the type of modesty that helps a good singaround to function. You are right, though, he did omit that one significant menu item. I would just add that those who feel they must give an introduction really need to know their facts. A rambling introduction is bad enough, but when it gets the known origin, purpose, or title of the song wrong that is downright embarrassing. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Soldier boy Date: 10 Apr 10 - 09:34 PM That's a very thorough and well thought out list Commander Crabbe and sums up very concisely many contributions on postings on this thread. Good stuff Sir! I would,however,add a good selection of hand-pulled real ales to the favoured drinks menu! Chris P.S : By 'Arthur McBride' did you mean to say 'Willie Mcbride' (The Green Fields of France) or is this a different song altogether? |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Commander Crabbe Date: 10 Apr 10 - 08:47 PM 1. Good songs, singers and musicians. 2. Guiness, Pear Cider and Whisky. 3. Short introductions! 4. Everyone gets a go (beginners, the not so good singers and not so good musicians) I sometimes have to run the singaround and find it fairly important to remember the following. 1. I was once a beginner at singing. 2. I was once learning to play guitar. 3. Even though I am able to do Arthur McBride (and several other songs) without reference to a book. I sometimes need an aide memoire. 4. If it hadn't been for all the tolerant, encouraging people I met when I started, I might have given up. For all those who know me who have just said "I wish he would"! Unlucky!!!!!! That said I do find the following a bit disconcerting at times. 1. Sober people who have the words written in a book to refer to and still forget them! 2. Those who say they are going to sing such and such a song but forget to inform the rest of the session that it is not the normal tune but their own arrangement in several unrelated keys! I can also agree with a previous poster with regards to those who, despite knowing their turn is coming, spend valuable singing/playing time, getting their instrument out, tuning it and giving a lengthy introduction to a well known song when their turn arrives. Unfortunately though, these people do exist and it is unlikely they will disappear in the future. Luckily it doesn't happen very often! Best wishes to you all and long may we sing and play. CC |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Pierre Le Chapeau Date: 10 Apr 10 - 06:54 PM "I say What a Parlarva I heard Tarja Turunen Once. ' couldnt wait for her to Finnish Regards Pierre" |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Rob Naylor Date: 10 Apr 10 - 06:00 PM Don: Sing songs in languages understood by the people around you Not necessarily. I could listen to Julie Fowlis all night and I don't speak a word of Scottish Gaelic. Same with Tarja Turunen singing in Finnish. They have to be damn *good* though! |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Pierre Le Chapeau Date: 10 Apr 10 - 05:38 PM The secrets to a good sing-around is enjoy playing and also listening it makes ones' hearts content ? Regards Pierre. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Ref Date: 10 Apr 10 - 05:16 PM You need enough people with the necessary combination of humility and assertiveness to maintain "circle discipline" and, as someone pointed out above, keep the music and laughter rolling. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: DonMeixner Date: 10 Apr 10 - 03:48 PM Sing songs in languages understood by the people around you. Don |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie Date: 10 Apr 10 - 02:06 PM The secret of a good singaround is to invite Steamin' Willie! Joking apart, the secret is to realise it is about participation rather than artistic merit, and everybody has a part to play. That said, the posts above regarding some of the stereotypical participants remind me of why I sometimes nip to the bar and forget to come back, sorry..... (Not that I am much better, but you don't have to be a writer to be a critic.) |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Les in Chorlton Date: 10 Apr 10 - 01:40 PM We tried a 'jump in' at The Beech last week. We had been around the room and eveybody had sung once. It was late and we clearly couldn't go around again. I discussed it briefly with a couple of people and we went with the 'jump in'. Musically and socialy it went well. We had grand choruses and we all sang our heads off ........... I think. But I am aware that some people jump in and some clearly don't. Blokes tend to dominate although on this occasion I don't think they did and I think the best songs came from women. I guess I will e-mail people who come a lot and see what they think. Any advice? L in C |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Girl Friday Date: 10 Apr 10 - 01:29 PM Skipy.... well said. Acorn4... Love your New Song, but you left out something, as far as I can see. When you sit down and wait for ever for your turn to come round having learned that song... some ba**t**d sings it first. Then you're stuck! We go to the same singarounds in Kent as VT, and they're fabulous. Especially the ones at The G I, which was voted best singaround in Mudcat's Alteernative Folk Awards a few years ago. We run a weekly session that's loosely organised. We go round the circle, but all jam in with each other. Everyone enjoys that, and it's good experience. Personally I don't like the jump-in ones, as they can get hogged by people who love themselves. Good singers who are shy tend to get left out. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Les in Chorlton Date: 10 Apr 10 - 01:28 PM People come The Beech and sing. Some are better than others. I cannot iamgine a situation in which I could ask someone not to sing. After all it's 15 or 20 people sitting a room singing to each other. That's it really Cheers Les And thanks to all those who come to The Beech |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: dick greenhaus Date: 10 Apr 10 - 01:22 PM A vital aspect of a good singalong is the social one. It really helps if the regular attendees like one another, and welcome and encourage newbies. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Bert Date: 10 Apr 10 - 01:10 PM Well I have encouraged some really awful singers in my time. There is rarely no more than one bad singer in any group. They usually either get better or leave. I have never found it a big problem. I have also been to groups where almost everyone had a copy of 'Rise Up Singing'. It makes it much easier to sing along when everyone is using the same words. It is not my favorite kind of singalong but it can work pretty well, especially if it a group of newcomers. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST,Shimrod Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:50 AM Sorry, that last post was me. Yes, that's right, that evil, intolerant bastard, Shimrod! The one who thinks that there should be a minimally acceptable standard of performance at ANY folk event - how wicked is that? |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:36 AM "I would probably say that the successful organisers make it clear that they value the performers whatever their standard." Could it actually be that the "sparsely attended [singarounds]" have too many lazy, selfish, crap singers reading their songs from exercise books? No! Of course it couldn't! It must be due to evil, wicked organisers attempting to impose some standards - and we can't possibly have that, can we? Actually , my local singaround seems to attract some really excellent singers plus some beginners who are trying really hard and a few who are, perhaps, a bit 'rough round the edges' - all perfectly acceptable in my book and part of the fun. What drags it down, though, are a smattering of 'exercise bookers' and their ilk who take up far too much time and are no fun whatsoever. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Bobert Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:23 AM I attened a "blues jam" every Saturday afternoon at an old barbershop in Washington, D.C. for many years and there are some rules... (Rules???) Well, not chizzeled in stone rules but guidelines... The jams (singarounds) had a facilitator/moderator assigned to oversee them which meant that in the interest of *everyone* having a good time certain things did have to occur: 1. Sharing the time is the most important... That means, yes, going around the circle and at least offering each attendeee an opportunity to *lead* a song... 2. Asking people with louder instruments to try to blend... This can be done without confronting any one individual if the moderator hears one instrument way over the others mentioning that "the piano was a tad overbearing on that last song"... Of course the piano player knows who is being pointed out but it makes it less personal when the moderator points to an instrument rather than an individual... 3. People should also be in tune... It's not at all difficult to say, "Hey, Ralph, I think your B string is a tad sharp"... Most muswicans appreciate that kinda nudging... 4. Lastly, when I have moderated jams/singarounds I kinda like to get folks actaully talking about the songs between songs... There are alot of good stories that folks have about certain songs that are valuable to everyone at the singaround... Sometimes it's as easy as "I learned this version from ____________" or "I first heard this song at the ________________ concert back in ______".... This, to me, is what music is all about and where I have learned to appreciate songs that I might have never given a second thought about just from someone elses experience with a certain song... Rules over... Now, let's jam... B~ |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Acorn4 Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:22 AM ...on the other hand, playing devil's advocate, this is to the tune of Eldorado:- My New Song I learned to sing a brand new song Learned it well and felt so proud But all my dreams would turn to ashes When I went along to that singaround I practised hard, both night and day Memorised the words on every page It sounded so good in the bathroom And now the world would be my stage As I went into that crowded room I felt wound up like a coiled spring But when I'd sat down in that circle I did a very stupid thing I sat in the only empty place Where the turn to sing had just moved past Now I'd have to sit around for hours Oh woe is me ! Oh, damn and blast! It started with a gruesome murder ballad Which ended on the gallows high But not till after 42 verses When it was done, I heaved a sigh Then some pissed up clown Started a sea shanty With a drunken chorus nine times or ten But when he got to the Bay of Biscay He forgot the words and had to start again Then an intense young man with a Takamine Bared his soul to all in a song he'd written so deep All about a failed relationship I think I must have fallen asleep Then a rather large Scottish lady Did and introduction That was even longer than the song, The it's "oooaaaah whoooaaaaant' ye gan to the heeeeeels, laddie?" Another half an hour and we moved on! And several more painful dirges later When things had sunk to an all time low From under a seat appears a melodeon Just wind him up and off he'll go And then this bloke waltzes in and sits down He arrived at least two hours after me He must be up the organiser's backside 'Cos he gets to sing almost straight away And once again it was a marathon performance As despondency filled up the room Till someone did a Leonard Cohen song Just to lighten up the gloom It was my turn at last after an eternity I said "Oh, is it me?", take a deep breath Now is my chance for retribution I'll make sure I get my pound of flesh Chorus:- I'll make this song go on forever Stretch every syllable and line I'll get my own back on those bastards That kept me waiting all that time I'll go slow, so very slow And oh so slow, so very slow. I'll sing so loud I'll give them earache Let them know my time has come They can forget about the beer break As no-one's moving till I'm done And as for those who carry on talking Or crunching crisps at them I'll glare And as for going to the toilet I'll just say "don't you bloody dare" Chorus:- I'll make this song go on forever Stress every syllable and line I'll get my own back on those bastards That kept me waiting all that time I'll go on, slowly on and on and on…etc |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Acorn4 Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:12 AM There are a wealth of singarounds taking place around where we live, some popular, some sparsely attended. If asked what makes the difference I would probably say that the successful organisers make it clear that they value the performers whatever their standard. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST,Shimrod Date: 10 Apr 10 - 07:03 AM "There is a VAST difference twixt the singer who HONESTLY cant adequately remember all the words to a song , so has a book as an Aide Memoire , and the lazy singer who sings AT THE BOOK held in front of his face because he cant be bloody bothered to learn !!" There is a small difference - but so what? Good singing demands courage and is something best done without a 'safety net'. The best performances are passionate and committed ones in which the singer knows the tune and the words intimately (otherwise it's just a wooden 'recitation' - and I don't want to spend my evenings listening to wooden recitations). I tried to learn a song recently but I just couldn't seem to be able to force the last couple of verses into my head. Nevertheless, I kept at it until they were learned - only then did I attempt to sing the song in public. If you genuinely can't learn words, perhaps you shouldn't be singing. After all I've eschewed taking up a career as a lifeguard because I can't swim. Do I, still, have a 'right' to be a lifeguard? I don't think that swimmers in distress would take very kindly to that proposition ... |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST,CS Date: 10 Apr 10 - 05:22 AM I agree with Pip, I'd probably simply sit there and wait and wait ...and wait if it were a 'jump in' session. The unaccompanied singer is also at a disadvantage to someone using a guitar (and I think we tend to be in the minority), because the guitarist can just loudly strum a chord or start tuning up and everyone will look and settle down. It's a way of getting your foot in the door so to speak, without formally announcing to the group "I've decided it's my go now!". |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Tootler Date: 10 Apr 10 - 04:45 AM CET: the very best I've ever been at was the Mystic Seaport sing around where there were no turns, and you had to damn well step up (metaphorically speaking if you were sitting down) and sing your song. Everybody who was ready was able to sing Pip Radish: Sounds like my idea of hell. As them as knows me know, I'm a modest and unassertive type until I actually start singing. (I don't think this is particularly unusual The "jump in" approach can work quite well in sessions where everyone is able to join in when someone starts a tune so everyone is still able to contribute. However, in a singaround I think that Pip Radish has an important point. The less assertive may well include some of the best singers in the room. Also it will almost certainly exclude newcomers who will be unsure of themselves and need encouraging to have a go. So round the room in some form, moderated by an MC is best for a singaround. I have been to a singaround which went round the room even though there was no obvious MC. When you had finished, you simply passed on to your neighbour. It was only when I got up to go, that the MC (more like a session leader really) introduced himself and thanked me for coming. That seemed to work very well. I suspect because the regulars knew the form and respected it, so no hogging by the "favoured few". Even in a session it is a good idea to have a session leader who will keep an eye on things and, from time to time, invite one of those who have not yet started a tune to start one so everyone has an opportunity to start a tune if they wish. I must admit that if it is a "one off" session, such as at a festival, I am quite happy to sit back and let others take the lead. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Leadfingers Date: 10 Apr 10 - 04:44 AM There is a VAST difference twixt the singer who HONESTLY cant adequately remember all the words to a song , so has a book as an Aide Memoire , and the lazy singer who sings AT THE BOOK held in front of his face because he cant be bloody bothered to learn !! |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Bert Date: 10 Apr 10 - 03:40 AM Well said Pip. I quit going to one very well known Folk group because every singalong was hogged by half a dozen regulars who though they were better than everyone else. At one session, one of these hogs actually said "you have to push in here", I replied "If I wanted to push in I would have joined a Rugby club" The only people who like to "damn well step up" are those arrogant sods who think that they are the best ever and don't give a shit if shy people never get a turn. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST,Shimrod Date: 10 Apr 10 - 03:35 AM "Shimrod, howabout as a concerp we shoot the people are not able to learn a song? Perhaps then we should shoot the people who sing songs that you don't like. etc. etc. However I do agree that the "crap" singers should not be asked to sing. Skipy A crap singer who cannot sing without the words on a piece of paper, tell what I'll stop singing, there Happy now?" Yes,'Skipy', very happy. Everything you've written seems eminently reasonable to me - and I'm quite drawn to the idea of shooting people ... especially people who, after a number of years, are still crap because they can't be bothered to practice or even learn the words! |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 09 Apr 10 - 11:55 PM we used to have a regular weekly session (15/20+ years) until the new publican filled the place with "gaming" aka gambling machines & other stuff. We found a few new locations, but none worked (one publican said we didn't drink enough!) then we went to regular monthly sessions at a friend's place - now these sessions take place in a club. We also have a regular monthly shanty session on the Tall Ship "James Craig" in the Maritime Museum. Format is always around the 'circle' under the guidance of a MC/leader - sing, pass or request. We have the same regular core of strong singers at both sessions & an assortment of chorus singers (including me!) & some listeners & visitors. In the main we follow by turn, but sometimes someone sings a song that provokes an answer. And a good time is had by all. sandra The People Have Songs written & sung by Miguel Heatwole When I wrote The People Have Songs in late 1997 I wanted to celebrate a cultural practice of great importance to me - the singing session. For any who don't know, sessions are an exhilarating do-it-yourself phenomenon found at all the best folk festivals. In this case however it was a particular weekly gathering at an inner Sydney pub called the Glengarry Castle that was my chief inspiration. Every Friday night a core group of regulars, visitors and passers-by would share (mainly folk) songs with each other, frequently filling the bistro with almost tangible layers of harmony. Some have described it as an anthem for singing sessions, but I often look on it as a manual giving content and etiquette. I went to England and found it emblazoned on a socialist choir's banner so maybe the former is true. My friends have flattered me with two fine parodies. I'll stop bragging now... Here voices are tuned to each other in gladness To all here in common affection belongs Here joy and laughter meet keening and sadness Here tyranny's cursed for the people have songs Let us set the room ringing with the sound of our singing When we come to the end let us hold the chord long Hear the harmonies rise and all close our eyes 'Til the last cadence dies the people have songs Here is war parting sweethearts Here are strong sweating sailors And poets for beauty who ardently long Here are people at work singing loud at their labours Here are marriage and drinking for the people have songs Respect for each other gives each one a hearing And whether the voice be uncertain or strong We listen with love if the heart is endearing Supported in harmony the people have songs Disdaining oppression like others before us Our gentleness angered by history's wrongs Our tradition endures, and our voices in chorus Are lifted in hope for the people have songs! |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: skipy Date: 09 Apr 10 - 08:24 PM Shimrod, howabout as a concerp we shoot the people are not able to learn a song? Perhaps then we should shoot the people who sing songs that you don't like. etc. etc. However I do agree that the "crap" singers should not be asked to sing. Skipy A crap singer who cannot sing without the words on a piece of paper, tell what I'll stop singing, there Happy now? |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Phil Edwards Date: 09 Apr 10 - 07:36 PM CET: the very best I've ever been at was the Mystic Seaport sing around where there were no turns, and you had to damn well step up (metaphorically speaking if you were sitting down) and sing your song. Everybody who was ready was able to sing Sounds like my idea of hell. As them as knows me know, I'm a modest and unassertive type until I actually start singing. (I don't think this is particularly unusual - some of the clearest and strongest singers I've heard have been shy and retiring offstage.) So I'm really uncomfortable in "jump in when ready" song sessions, which in my experience often end up being dominated by natural extroverts; in the setup you describe I doubt I would ever be "ready". I might be sitting there with a stash of songs ready to go, but it would take a lot to make me damn well step up. So turn-taking is my first requirement. Then get a lot of enthusiasts for traditional song in the room, including a few really good singers to give everyone else something to aim for. (Get that right and you won't need to set a quality threshold or make any rules about what people can or can't sing - quality and style will both take care of themselves.) No session-hogging, no egos and not too much chat; firm but friendly MCing. Long ballads, short songs, chorus songs, shanties; some songs everyone knows, some hardly anyone knows. And decent beer. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Desert Dancer Date: 09 Apr 10 - 07:08 PM grr. Group Sing Starter Kits for CDSS. Something apparently doesn't translate over the water. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Joe_F Date: 09 Apr 10 - 06:05 PM Paul: *him* who. If the group is more than a dozen or so, strict rotation may be the easiest way to share the responsibility, applause, & blame (supposing, always, that it is permitted to pass or to make a request). But short of that, it is more pleasant IMO if one may go out of order to bring up a related song (as in parliamentary questions: arising out of that reply) -- supposing, always, that participants are on the alert for nonparticipants, and eventually make requests of them. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Paul Reade Date: 09 Apr 10 - 03:20 PM Let he who is without sin ... |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST,Shimrod Date: 09 Apr 10 - 03:14 PM "Are you running a Singaround Mr Rod?" No, Mr Chor, I'm not. But if I was, certain people would be banned or taken round the back and duffed up (especially if I could be sure that they wouldn't fight back). I probably wouldn't last long as a singaround organiser - but, oh the sense of satisfaction! |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Paul Reade Date: 09 Apr 10 - 02:44 PM I've never been very keen on singarounds that just go round in a circle taking turns. Reminds me of courses I've attended where you start by going round with everyone introducing themselves - the "Creeping Death" as someone described it. One thing I tried a couple of times was to take a pack of cards, shuffle them, give each singer a card at the start of the round, and take them in order. The randomness gives the session a spontaneity to get the ball rolling. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Les in Chorlton Date: 09 Apr 10 - 02:22 PM Are you running a Singaround Mr Rod? L in C |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST,Shimrod Date: 09 Apr 10 - 01:29 PM "To me it is more important that the newcomers should be encouraged and given support to help them overcome their anxiety and give it a go." No (he sighed wearily) my post above was not aimed at newcomers or new singers. It was aimed instead at selfish, lazy, lime-light hogging singers who have often been singing for years. These people never seem to improve because it's quite obvious that they never put the work in. I've known plenty of singers, over the years, who were not particularly brilliant when they started out, but got better over time (sometimes spectacularly so) because they put the work in. I'm always delighted when this happens. I think I've said this before - but it bears repeating: Everyone has a right to sing but with that right comes responsibilities; primarily, not to bore the pants off your audience and/or your fellow singaround participants. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: CET Date: 09 Apr 10 - 01:00 PM The guided sing arounds have their place, but the very best I've ever been at was the Mystic Seaport sing around where there were no turns, and you had to damn well step up (metaphorically speaking if you were sitting down) and sing your song. Everybody who was ready was able to sing and nobody hogged the limelight. Also, the entire crowd was respectful of the singer who had the floor. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Bert Date: 09 Apr 10 - 12:24 PM Enjoy the singing. Not too much chat. Everyone gets a turn. No favorite singers. Don't let the hogs take over. As for long ballads, we rarely get to hear them, so pay attention to the words and forgive any deficiencies in the performance. You can't expect perfection from a singer who only gets to perform that song once a year. Enjoy it for what it is. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST,CS Date: 09 Apr 10 - 12:05 PM As to the amateur singaround - no - no minimum 'standards'. I don't think these amateur music clubs claim to be representing "traditional folk music" (or if they do they are wildly delusional) and as such aught to get on with their business unmolested by formal EU standards. If they do in fact wish to claim they are the genuine representatives of 'real folk music', then they better have a re-think as here's far too much out there in the real world by young urban artists who can realistically lay claim to that title... IMO |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST,CS Date: 09 Apr 10 - 11:55 AM Not had a great deal of diverse experience, but both a genial AND assertive host, I think helps to get things in the right direction. Otherwise, a good mix-up is what I enjoy. Sometimes hearing songs I know, sometimes new ones. But more than anything, lots of good humour and fellowship. I like to sing unaccompanied trad. songs, most others prefer to sing with guitar. My only moan would be, I'd love to see a greater variety of instrument about - because they really stand out and catch your interest when they appear! |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: MMario Date: 09 Apr 10 - 11:43 AM More then once I have delighted (sort of) in a performance by a (technically) poor singer because of the emotions clearly displayed - even when it was hard to keep from wincing.... In some ways it's like watching a nephew or niece in a talent show; you can't really always claim the performance was "good" - but sometimes it's the enthusiams that you have to count. I think people forget that there are a LOT of other people who reach maturity, or middle age, or older and have NEVER SUNG IN PUBLIC.... so when they go to a sing-around, in many ways they are a kindergartner in a school show.... |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Tootler Date: 09 Apr 10 - 11:08 AM I agree with much that has been said earlier. Certainly a light touch by the MC but also fairness, so that everyone who wants to gets a turn. I would add a core of regulars who are good singers with interesting and varied repertoires. I sympathise with Shimrod's point, but the occasional poor singer is a small price to pay for a session based on the principle that everyone who wants to have a go should be given the opportunity. For every poor singer there are usually many competent singers, not forgetting several good ones. To me it is more important that the newcomers should be encouraged and given support to help them overcome their anxiety and give it a go. I think a singaround is essentially a social event where people are sharing songs, where the distinction between performer and audience is essentially non existent, so everyone is both performer and audience. Yes there are a few who simply come to listen and they are generally made welcome, but they are a small minority. |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: The Sandman Date: 09 Apr 10 - 10:04 AM one of the best mcs of singaounds I have come across is Chris Wilson , the secret is to know your singers or know some of them,so if someone sings something slow and long the mc can turn to someone with a bit of cop on,who he/she knows will not do a slowlong song ,the secret is variety. singers please cop on its not about self indulgence,if two people have done slowlong songs ,please do something up tempo or humourous |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Les in Chorlton Date: 09 Apr 10 - 08:48 AM Whilst we sympathise with this view Mr Fingers, the simple absence of such will not in itself generate a good Singaround. Anytime you are near The Beech, Chorlton on 1st or 3rd Wednesdays I feel sure you can add something that makes Singarounds quite good L in C |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Leadfingers Date: 09 Apr 10 - 08:07 AM Something I find particuarly annoying at a semi formal singaround is the person who STARTS thinking about getting their instrument out of its case and looking for their Song book AFTER the person alongside them has finished their song , and it was patently obvious that they would be the next to sing ! |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: Les in Chorlton Date: 09 Apr 10 - 06:31 AM Whilst we sympathise with this view Mr Rod, the simple absence of such will not in itself generate a good Singaround. Anytime you are near The Beech, Chorlton on 1st or 3rd Wednesdays I feel sure you can add something that makes Singarounds quite good L in C |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: GUEST,Shimrod Date: 09 Apr 10 - 06:07 AM An absence, or bare minimum, of crap singers who insist on learning the longest songs they can find and hogging huge chunks of the session - or, even worse, crap singers who can't be bothered to learn the very long songs they insist on singing and, instead, sing them from an exercise book! |
Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround? From: alex s Date: 09 Apr 10 - 05:35 AM a couple of gooduns I remember were totally unplanned - one on the stairs in a hotel and the other on the steps of a pub.. |
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