This is why I avoid "established" sessions, for the most part. I much prefer announcing a session on a week's notice, or an impromptu session. It seems that some of the pure joy of grabbing a song or a tune and playing it is lost in the "rules" of established sessions. I am aware that that is a broad generalization, but I have found it to be the case. That is not to say that one should not be able to expect people to tune their instruments. I would probably lean over and tell the offending person, in a very nice and polite way to tune the beast.

Joe, I once found myself wanting to play for the Mass. I thought it would be a great way to express my devotion, by using a God given gift. It soon became clear that I would not be allowed to show any creativity or digress from the repertoire, even though all the songs I wanted to choose came from the appropriate, diocese approved songbooks. Needless to say, I got out of that. It is still my hope to someday put together the music for a St. Patricks Day Mass and have it performed with whistles, Uillean Pipes, Irish Bouzouki, etc.

Ending note: I miss you all, and can't wait for things to let up to where I can participate on a more regular basis, instead of just popping in and reading, drop the occassional line and splitting. Take care.

Mick