When playing with other musicians and singers, use your
ears. Listen to and watch the others. They will send you
signals. Are you playing too loud? Too soft? Are you speeding
up the song or dragging it down? Watch the others---they
will let you know.
When you play to accompany the singing voice, don't forget
that you are to accompany. You should not be "over
playing" the voices of the singers.
Jamming campfire style allows everyone a chance to choose
and lead a tune. However, you should refrain from choosing
tunes that you don't know. If you can't lead it because
you don't know the melody or chords, chances are no one
else does either.
If you choose a tune you don't know, you should be fairly
certain that someone else knows it and is willing to lead
it for you. If you choose a song but are unable to lead
it for any reason, i.e., you don't play or sing loud enough
to be heard, ask someone else to lead the song for you.
If you bring a piece of music to introduce to the group
and it contains chords that may be unfamiliar to any members
of the group, you should diagram the finger positions on
the handout so that everyone can play along.
If you bring a difficult piece, don't expect everyone to
catch on the first time. Suggest that group members keep
the music, take it home, and practice the chords so you
can choose the song at a later session.
If someone is leading a song try to follow, even if you're
sure that the song should be played at a different tempo.
Maybe the leader is trying something new.
If you are leading a song and you're going to try a radically
different tempo from the one the group is accustomed to,
you should say so before you start the song. Something like,
"I sing this song a little slower than we've been doing
it. Can we try that once and see how it goes?"
Listen, Listen, Listen to the person who is leading, and
to the others around you.
When it is your turn to choose a song campfire style, don't
choose a song no one else knows so that you can "perform"
solo. If you want to sing alone, attend an open mic session.
Anticipate your turn and have a selection in mind.
If group members take turns performing solo instrumentals
respect the efforts of the person who is playing. Normally,
it is acceptable for other players to play softy in the
background when someone takes the lead.
Tune your instrument before the session begins and as often
as needed. If something sounds off key, check out your own
instrument before giving your neighbor the evil eye.
Remember that various skill levels show up to play and
sing at open folk sessions. Be patient with those who may
be learning. Resist the urge to point out mistakes. Remember
what it was like when you were a beginner.
Check your ego at the door. Remember, playing campfire
style is a great way to meet new friends, learn new songs,
and improve your chord transitioning speed. Many folks join
as beginning guitar players. Your playing will improve.
If you are an accomplished musician use the opportunity
to occasionally pass along some of your licks.
Suggestions from the group response in July:
- Keep the Open Sessions campfire/round-robin style. There
are other opportunities for Open Mike Nights in other
locations throughout the Triangle.
- Take turns leading the songs, this venue provides opportunities
for newer members to build their self-confidence in a
safe, friendly environment.
- Bring in enough copies of words and music for everyone
in the group if the song is not in Rise Up Singing, so
everyone might be able to learn the song.
- It is important to unpack our instruments and materials
then place the instrument cases so other participants
might join comfortably, and other patrons might also be
comfortable enjoying the cafe -- and our music!
- Both Borders locations are gracious to allow us to use
their cafes - "rent-free"... Please consider
the staff and other patrons when we start setting up,
and clearing out at 9:30-ish. The staff is expected to
clean & straighten before they are able to close for
the evening.
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