It's true I have several editions of RISE UP SINGING in my bookshelf and I even consult them occasionally to recheck lyrics or a reference. But I'd never bring one to a song circle unless it was to show the book to someone else.

I do sometimes bring a songsheet with me to a song circle as a prop when I haven't fully digested a song, and I sometimes pass out song copies to others so they can learn the song as well. But all singing improves when the singer has fully internalized the song. Good singers still makes mistakes, starting in the wrong key or forgetting a word, but we're talking about song circles rather than recording sessions and mistakes are not as crucial in that context.

I do think we need to encourage less experienced singers in song cicrcles, but we should be encouraging them to learn more, not just get past their turn. And I do love to see people develop their singing. But I acknowledge that I am less patience with those who demonstrate no progress, month after month.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble