(to correct and replace the post of 10:28 AM)

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Well, here's what we did and how it went.

We did end up arranging the song during the late afternoon, and rehearsed it as if we were going to present it in our usual "go for it" fashion. As the evening approached, though, and the time for that song came nearer, I decided we would go ahead and teach it first as I had planned. As I idly strummed a few of the chords to be sure I'd open on the right pitch, I described our teaching-plan briefly. I indicated that Hardi and I'd had some fun with it in the afternoon and that we wanted to try it the same way with the people, and that Hardi would sing each line back to me and that the people were to join him in doing that. Before anyone could get too nervous, we swung right into it, unacompanied.

The folks got the approach right off, and I'm listening to the field recording as I type-- they get stronger and more into the tune as it goes along, and I can hear my spontaneous affirmations and encouragements sprinkled in.

We went through it twice in that lined-out fashion, then took it up with accompaniment; after a line where the people adjust to singing it a tempo, it really picks up.

How do you know you've done a good job? When some of the usually-serious people rush up to tell you they liked doing it that way, and you can hear the rest of the people whistling that "elusive" tune just as you taught it, as they're putting on their coats.

[warm fuzzy feeling inside]

~Susan