I host several sessions in Kent and regard them as 'open' sessions. Whilst I agree that sometimes the percussion section can be somewhat grating, everybody has to start somewhere, and paticipation is the way to attract people. I truly believe that sessions are not only for the musicians among us, but for the 'wannabees' and also importantly for the audience too. The biggest mistake we could all make is to drive people away. There was a young girl of about 12 who joined us with a bodhran in the sessions in the 'Bedford' at Sidmouth a few years back during the festival week. Her timing etc at first was awful, but with some coaching and consideration from us, and some not inconsiderable hard work on her part, she became quite proficient by the end of the week. Last year, 4 years on, she was joining in with guitar, whistle and of course bodhran, and was singing songs that she had written, and I for one hope that our patience at the beginning paid off and that another 'young folkie' had arrived.