Marion, re-reading your initial post, I am left with this nagging thought-- your last paragraph. Do they want to leave people feeling like that? Do they have any idea that this is the reaction they can get? Perhaps even if the format is wonderful, the MC might appreciate someone as gracious as you sound, asking if that is the impression they mean to leave. It would be so simple to NOT leave it, just by making up a little flyer that lays out house practices when people sign up! Wouldn't a gracious MC spot newcomers and want to clue them in??? If there is an acceptable way to let the "helpers" know that you do or do not need a specific kind of help, wouldn't it be pretty normal to say what it is? See?

I just keep thinking, would I have been able to sing at all if I had had the kind of surprise you did?

I think you done good!

~Susan