Hi, Larry:

This morning, we had practice at my house. I don't think you've ever seen four more exhausted men. On top of having a half hour drive to get here, it was raining and foggy. Our tenor, Derrick, didn't get home until 4 this morning, but still dragged himself up here for a 9:30 practice. Frank and Joe were up at five, and here 45 minutes early. It took some strong coffee for us to wake up, let alone practice. But, they were all here. The previous two tenors in the group sound like they'd fit right in, in Sorcha Dorcha. I invited them to sing a couple of songs with us at our anniversary concert out of respect for them, but told them they'd have to come to two practices. I told them when the practices were.. every Tuesday night and Saturday morning and the said they'd "like to come." Neither showed up for any of the practices, but would still like to come to the anniversary, get up on stage and sing their leads unrehearsed. So what else is new? I told them I wouldn't ask them up.

I think that there's some good, loving advice on here, Larry. Obviously, Rick has had similar experiences. It's better to be upfront about what is expected, and then if people don't keep commitments, they've been warned, and you should feel no discomfort in throwing them off the ship. If they don't feel that much of a commitment, they won't really care. They've already proven that.

Now, nothing against New Jersey, because I worked in New Jersey at one point in my life and think it gets a bad rap. But, try to exert yourself and your expectations from the beginning. You have a better chance of making things work if you tell them what you expect, and don't let them slack off.

I hope this works for you. Better yet, I hope you are able to MAKE it work for you..

I take zero credit for what I have with my guys. The Lord sent 'em to me...
Jerry