Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Session Etiquette
Bear in mind that how well one performs a tune is far more important than how many tunes one can plow his way through. It is better to play a few tunes well, even using preplanned variations, than to play tune after tune in an erratic or sloppy manner. Practice and memorize tunes. Always try to play in a steady rhythm and never play faster than is comfortable. The worst failing of the overeager session player is to hold back the session by playing in fits and starts, interfering with the natural momentum of practiced players by constantly interjecting half-played or faltering melodies. In this way, one soon becomes a nuisance to the majority who know better.
For the beginner, newcomer or non-player, it is only proper to ask permission to do such things as tape, take photographs, or shoot videos at a session. The regular players will usually grant such permission, but the newcomer should not take it for granted.
Even asking if a seat is taken before sitting is the socially correct thing to do. Quite often, the best seats are reserved for respected musicians who have not shown up yet. These players might not even show up, but being refused a seat is not intended as a snub; on the other hand, earning a seat closer to the center of action is a fair goal for the newcomer to a session, though this may take some time, focus, and energy.
Keep focused on the music and share it with everybody. Those whom you touch with the spirit of the music will be inspired and entertained. You carry the tradition.
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
I said it before Saint, a bit militaristic for my liking, too many rules, which are not required.
The bits about playing are fine. But why write "Even asking if a seat is taken before sitting is the socially correct thing to do." Of course it is, but that is a normal thing to do, it is not restricted to sessions. Too often I think people attending sessions are treated as morons. Some people give advice such as "Do not hit anyone on the head with a lump hammer" Again, a sound principle, but nothing to do with sessions.
Anyone who has a modicum of social skills should be perfectly capable of going to a session, without being half terrified before hand with a whole list of pointless rules.
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
I agree with you too, Bliss. A small wooden mallet, judiciously applied, is more than adequate for bodhran/piano accordion/recorder players. A lump hammer would just weigh the gig bag down a little too much. Well, OK, perhaps something a bit sterner for recorder players...
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Cannot back you up there Bliss;
Some of my favourite musicians are pretty low with the social skills. I still love having them in the session for their otherwise skills.
~ Little winking yellow face ~
Is there an emoticon for getting beaned on the head w/ a tipper?
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Brave boys can say what they want away in Oz .Whatever I say on this site I can say It to a persons face . If only we could meet in the REAL world.(for a tune)
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Haha did you hear that, tombo? They're trying to be insulting and sarcastic and condescending like us but failing miserably, the lamo's. Get a room? Hell yeah any time tombo you're hot as!
Re: Session Etiquette - I thought this bit was a wind-up..................
If you don't happen to have psychic powers, don't forget to leave room (somewhere in the room) for someone who might or might not turn up, just in case their playing might be better than their attendance and interest in the "centre of action".
i.e. don't sit down at all - all seats "might" be reserved.
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
This prompts one to ask if there really are instruments that are unacceptable ?
I only ask because at one time I would have said recorder fitted that bill, till I met a dynamic recorder-player who showed what could be done with it, playing with sufficient verve and vigour.
Still, I would prefer someone NOT to bring a piano-accordion into a session, unless they could play it quietly and subtly.
Many years ago I went to a session where I was young & green & could sit anywhere I chose. Unless
a particular flute player showed up. Then I had to surrender my seat to her. She had played with everyone else years before I ever showed up on the scene. At that time though she never showed up on a regular basis. She never showed up near the start of the session & she always left early. Even when there was an empty seat next to me she would not take it. Maybe, just maybe, I could move to the seat. Usually it was best to just stand.
It seemed like it was an inner circle snub. Still, I was there every week & never got the feeling from any other player that I had to be careful with the seating arrangement. Strange stuff ~ it's all the "price of an education." I never could get it right when she showed. Other than that I get along fine with her. I don't play in that session now but will play with any of them when the opportunity comes up.
I think ever session has some type of etiquette. Figuring it all out is another thing altogether.
People are quirky.
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
well pete different people have different views on that subject, personally i dont care what the instrument is.If they can play Irish tunes, with verve, excitement, technical mastery, originality, inspiration and joy then they can play the monrovian nose flute for all i care, ok maybe i couldnt join in, but maybe id rather listen!
What gets me is middle aged, middle class cliques of bored uninspired dull people playing the tunes and thinking that they are gods gift to Irish music on their 10grand fiddle/banjo/etc rant rant!
Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Session Etiquette
Bear in mind that how well one performs a tune is far more important than how many tunes one can plow his way through. It is better to play a few tunes well, even using preplanned variations, than to play tune after tune in an erratic or sloppy manner. Practice and memorize tunes. Always try to play in a steady rhythm and never play faster than is comfortable. The worst failing of the overeager session player is to hold back the session by playing in fits and starts, interfering with the natural momentum of practiced players by constantly interjecting half-played or faltering melodies. In this way, one soon becomes a nuisance to the majority who know better.
For the beginner, newcomer or non-player, it is only proper to ask permission to do such things as tape, take photographs, or shoot videos at a session. The regular players will usually grant such permission, but the newcomer should not take it for granted.
Even asking if a seat is taken before sitting is the socially correct thing to do. Quite often, the best seats are reserved for respected musicians who have not shown up yet. These players might not even show up, but being refused a seat is not intended as a snub; on the other hand, earning a seat closer to the center of action is a fair goal for the newcomer to a session, though this may take some time, focus, and energy.
Keep focused on the music and share it with everybody. Those whom you touch with the spirit of the music will be inspired and entertained. You carry the tradition.
by Tom Hanway
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Saint
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
I like this and I love Toms playing .I've sent it to one or two members but I'd like to know what the rest of ye think.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Saint
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
I said it before Saint, a bit militaristic for my liking, too many rules, which are not required.
The bits about playing are fine. But why write "Even asking if a seat is taken before sitting is the socially correct thing to do." Of course it is, but that is a normal thing to do, it is not restricted to sessions. Too often I think people attending sessions are treated as morons. Some people give advice such as "Do not hit anyone on the head with a lump hammer" Again, a sound principle, but nothing to do with sessions.
Anyone who has a modicum of social skills should be perfectly capable of going to a session, without being half terrified before hand with a whole list of pointless rules.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
To be fair I agree with you there bliss
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Saint
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
I agree with you too, Bliss. A small wooden mallet, judiciously applied, is more than adequate for bodhran/piano accordion/recorder players. A lump hammer would just weigh the gig bag down a little too much. Well, OK, perhaps something a bit sterner for recorder players...
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
we can break the harmonica with the bodhran stick Steve
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Saint
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Cannot back you up there Bliss;
Some of my favourite musicians are pretty low with the social skills. I still love having them in the session for their otherwise skills.
~ Little winking yellow face ~
Is there an emoticon for getting beaned on the head w/ a tipper?
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Ben Steen
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
The worst breach of etiquette is to use both spoons on the same course. Everything else can be forgiven unless there's mustard on the groaning board.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by GaryAMartin
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
all you need is a small knife. no bodhran head can stand up to that!
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by rob_handel
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
oh oh look out another bodhran hater hitting the site! what is the world coming to?! oh deary me
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by fiddly dee fiddly doo oh how all take it so seriously!
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Is he being mean about bodhrans, tombo? Hey maybe we should like try and befriend him and form a gang or something
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Jesus Christ - get a room.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Hugo Chavez
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
"...get a room..."
LOL
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/15730
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Brave boys can say what they want away in Oz .Whatever I say on this site I can say It to a persons face . If only we could meet in the REAL world.(for a tune)
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Saint
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Haha did you hear that, tombo? They're trying to be insulting and sarcastic and condescending like us but failing miserably, the lamo's. Get a room? Hell yeah any time tombo you're hot as!
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
"They're trying to be insulting and sarcastic and condescending like us "
Jayus all this time you knew you were a p***k ,I didn't have to tell you.
Why did you have to leave England .Its ok I can guess ran out of it I'd say .We would n't put up with your sort here either.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Saint
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
LOL, you are so not witty.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Dr. Dow
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
10/10 again
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Saint
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
Well thanks, I haven't been called a "lamo" since 1987, that's pretty cool. [wink]
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Session Etiquette - I thought this bit was a wind-up..................
If you don't happen to have psychic powers, don't forget to leave room (somewhere in the room) for someone who might or might not turn up, just in case their playing might be better than their attendance and interest in the "centre of action".
i.e. don't sit down at all - all seats "might" be reserved.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by geoffwright
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
I think he means just ask if the seat is taken before sitting down...basic manners
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Saint
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
This prompts one to ask if there really are instruments that are unacceptable ?
I only ask because at one time I would have said recorder fitted that bill, till I met a dynamic recorder-player who showed what could be done with it, playing with sufficient verve and vigour.
Still, I would prefer someone NOT to bring a piano-accordion into a session, unless they could play it quietly and subtly.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Session Etiquette . . . Not a windup at all!
Many years ago I went to a session where I was young & green & could sit anywhere I chose. Unless
a particular flute player showed up. Then I had to surrender my seat to her. She had played with everyone else years before I ever showed up on the scene. At that time though she never showed up on a regular basis. She never showed up near the start of the session & she always left early. Even when there was an empty seat next to me she would not take it. Maybe, just maybe, I could move to the seat. Usually it was best to just stand.
It seemed like it was an inner circle snub. Still, I was there every week & never got the feeling from any other player that I had to be careful with the seating arrangement. Strange stuff ~ it's all the "price of an education." I never could get it right when she showed. Other than that I get along fine with her. I don't play in that session now but will play with any of them when the opportunity comes up.
I think ever session has some type of etiquette. Figuring it all out is another thing altogether.
People are quirky.
# Posted on November 7th 2007 by Tonya
Re: Session Etiquette I like this bit..................
well pete different people have different views on that subject, personally i dont care what the instrument is.If they can play Irish tunes, with verve, excitement, technical mastery, originality, inspiration and joy then they can play the monrovian nose flute for all i care, ok maybe i couldnt join in, but maybe id rather listen!
What gets me is middle aged, middle class cliques of bored uninspired dull people playing the tunes and thinking that they are gods gift to Irish music on their 10grand fiddle/banjo/etc rant rant!
# Posted on November 8th 2007 by piobagusfidil