Al the best for this new chantey sing! At the San Francisco chantey sing I host, though there are usually 100+ attendees, we do it singer circle style. Everyone can either lead a song, say "pass," or request a song. The request feature assures that those who want to sing more usually don't need to wait 'til it gets to their turn again.

We hadn't always run the sings as a circle. It used to be just "who's got a song?" Over the years, the session had morphed into a performers/audience affair, with less people willing to take the plunge and sing in public for maybe their first time. Efforts to widen the number of people leading songs we'ren't working very well. Since last January it's been run as a singers circle. One caveat here, one you probably already know: No system is perfect, nor will it please everyone, but, be that as it may, I feel passionately that the basic premise, the singers circle w/ request feature, is for the greatest good. Since we've enacted that way a year ago, magic has happened: people who never sang in public before, and were exclusively listeners are now encouraged and are learning chanteys and immersing themselves in this music. Parents are bringing their kids, who are starting to listen to chantey CD's and reading Hugill, and beginning to sing, thus bringing some hope that this music will be passed on to the next generation. It's a whole different dynamic when the circle goes around to everyone. Everyone knows that it will eventually get around to them, so they are more likely to come out of the woodwork. Hey, and some really good singers have emerged from this as well - a bonus.

The few rules we have are designed to make the evening low stress - not to constrict. If it's a forebitter or shore song, it must have a chorus, so everyone can sing along. We relax that rule late at night when there's a smaller group remaining and things are more laid back. Whoever's leading a song has the say in whether instrumental accompaniment is desired or not. Observe common courtesy by not having conversations when someone is singing. X-rated sea songs after 11pm.

Whatever rules (or no rules) you choose, I must again praise the singers circle route, and wish you're sing the best. PM me if you'd like to trade info/good stuff/war stories from your chantey sing.

Best,

Chanteyranger