Hey Rick, you'd be dynamite in a bluegrass band!

I've actually been in two bands, both with my husband. The first band was after I'd been playing guitar for about 6 months, and it was a group of friends who got together to jam and then evolved into a local campus novelty. Somehow the dynamics were wrong, because I remember enjoying the jams and then coming home miserable after the rehearsals. It ruined a good time.

The second (current) band is fun, and it's more like rehearsals evolving into jams than the other way around. The people all have a great sense of humor (VERY important in my book). I'm also the only female, which may be an important factor, and although I'm the least accomplished musician, they all humor me. (Frank has to, anyway!) This group happened when Frank and I were looking for a fiddle, mandolin and bass player to help us out at a few benefits. All the others seemed to fizzle out until this particular combination, and I think it's the personalities that give it life. And the fact that they all let me be the token "leader." (Works for me . . .)

My advice is worthless, having so little experience, but I'll give it anyway: find compatible people you like to be with, make the rules known, make good music, have fun. Walk away if it isn't good.

Have you thought about teaching Heather to play banjo?