Performance nuances aside, and realising that most play in sessions seated, when you practice, or play aone, do you stand or sit? On the off chance, do any people in your session prefer to stand?
When practicing the fiddle at home I always play standing. Playing the fiddle while sitting doesn't feel quite natural, although I sit while playing in a session, as everyone else does.
I spend too much time sitting, so prefer to stand part of the time while practicing. Often I pace near the window, so I can keep tabs on the neighbourhood.
I pace while practicing my flute too. I used to have to stand up to play certain tunes on it in the session too, but that was years ago and I can even play slouching or with my daughter sitting on my knee now. I've managed to train my diaphragm to cope!
At home, I'll either stand or sit on a high stool to play the fiddle...as has been said, this seems more natural.
Everything else and in actual sessions, I'll sit down.
However, I will sometimes stand in a session if it's busy but only if the session is large and/or very informal.
I wouldn't impose myself by standing at the back of people in a small session which is obviously "full". That would be bad manners.
As I say, if it's a large session and very informal....you know the kind that can include about three or four tables, sometimes the room!!, that's a different matter.
Perhaps, not always a highly musical experience but it can still be fun....sometimes.
I must say John, I don't even like it when someone is sitting behind me at a session. It feels rude somehow to be sitting playing with my back to someone & for me totally against the all inclusive ethos of a session.
As for someone standing up behind me at a session - well that is just out of order, big time. At times like that I wish I had the courage of Ceolachan's mate to turn round & shout - F*CK OFF!
Of course, some visitors might think that not giving way or opening up the circle is being "exclusive". However, nobody has a right to expect to be included. It's surely common sense to realise that "regular" members of the session are more likely to get offered a seat and also that there's a *limit* to the number of people that can be accommodated without either making the situation uncomfortable or unacceptably changing the dynamics.
Having said that, there are some musicians who are either unfriendly or "don't think" about making way for others. However, they are more likely to be "visitors" themselves. I've usually found the actual "leaders" to be very welcoming if it's at all possible.
I don't agree that there's a limit to how many can be accommodated in a session. As someone yelled to me once in Miltown when I was dithering at the periphery of a session in full swing, wishing I could be in it too "Come on in - there's always room for one more!"
As I recall, that one ended up with us having to open the windows and have people sitting on the windowsills hafl in and half out of the pub ... ah, those were the days ...
John, if I find myself at a strange session I would always ask if I could sit in first & then hope to be included within the circle. If there was clearly no space to sit, I just would not ask, I would simply listen & perhaps wait, in the hope that a seat became vacant.
In our own sessions here, we would always move over to let someone sit in beside us - although occasionally we might regret it later of course, but it's surely common courtesy to do so.
"However, nobody has a right to expect to be included." - I absolutely agree there, but that's when politely asking if you can sit in will give you the answer of whether it's an open session or a closed 'performance'.
Position often comes into it two of course, so, for example, while two Fiddlers might welcome another Fiddler to sit between them, they might be less likely to separate for a Bodhran player or a Bass player, who may well upset the balance of the music they were enjoying.
Well, that's more or less what I do. Of course, I'd always ask if it was completely strange session. If it was a *different* or a one off session but one where I knew most of the musicians anyway, I'd maybe be less formal and just say something like "Is there room for another?" or "Is this seat free?"
There's times though that you might wish to "sit on the edge" of a session even if you have been invited into the "main circle(term used very loosely)". This might be out of respect for regular and/or "better" musicians and you might wish to give way to them. However, they will realise why you are there and probably won't mind that much. It's the "sneaking up behind" which is rude.
"people sitting on the windowsills half in and half out of the pub ... " - like I said, desperate men! "
Last year at Newcastleton, a female whistle player did exactly that in the small room of The Liddesdale. She was actually part of the session and could easily have been inside the pub but she'd worked out that, if she stuck her head into the lounge, she could play the whistle. On the other hand, all she had to do was turn her head the opposite direction "for a smoke". Very ingenious, I thought.
Anyone seen crowd-surfing by ITM players, or any ITM musician being passed horizontally over the heads of the crowd to take his / her rightful place in the session?
I prefer to stand to play flute at home (and shake my booty), but I sit like everyone else in the session. I've tried standing, thinking I would have better wind, but I feel self conscious and my playing stinks.
The dynamic changes; in terms of body language it feels forward or aggressive in a circle of players. The "musical conversation" suffers.
Someone standing behind playing feels like a vulture on your shoulder.
"Oh, even worse, by the way is when someone comes in and sits "In front" of you!!!!! That's really annoying." - Aye, but if they actually stood in front of you, that'd be even more annoying, wouldn't it? - so standing is ruder than sitting, after all!
I practice flute and fiddle in my comfortable desk chair in front of the monitor where most of my music, midi, mp3 and other crutches are stored. I play bass standing in public, so I can dance with it. I do play it sitting here sometimes, to work up new tunes and such. push it out in front , prop the scroll on the back of the chair and play up the neck a little. very lazy old gal I am. AND if I came to your session with it I could play it whthout changing the dymanics, ballance or style of your music. get out the blow torch -- I am ready. lol
I prefer to sit for a session, but always stand for a ceilidh, where I have to have the audiences' attention, as I'm doing the calling ( and playing ).
I also stand to sing Sacred Harp, but can either stand or sit for club singing performances. I think some of it is to do with the energy you are having to put out, psychic and/or emotional as well as concentration on the music.
When I work with organisational groups, the standing / sitting thing is a way of deliberately changing the dynamic. If the group's sitting, then if I sit it's as if I'm an equal with them, if I stand then naturally people are expecting me to take the lead. I often deliberately use this in my work - it's not a big thing, just a neat way of working with a group that uses our natural knowledge of body language.
I know sessions are different. I used to sit in my band but quickly realised that if everyone's standing, it looks damn silly sitting down, and I got lost behind the front line. Singing sitting-down I've always found difficult - but then, it's impossible for me standing up too!
When playing from sheet music, I stand in front of our music stand. Otherwise, I sit, and try to sit up straight on the edge of the couch or bed, so I can use my diaphram, play with proper posture, etc, etc.
i always practice standing up and prefer to play standing up generally, though most people in my beginner session play sitting down. I have tried out sitting several times but its hard enough to play as it is without sitting as well! I'm lucky in that my session is in a large room and there are only about 7 of us so there is lots of room. I would of course sit down if that was nessecary and i should really practice it more so i can manage it i suspect. I also often lean against things, so i'm half sitting/half standing. When i practice i walk around a lot.
Al, so your telling us that you sit on the edge of your bed & use your 'Diaphram'. Achem! ...... I think that's probably just a little more information than we really needed to hear!
For a minute, I just thought I'd dropped into the wrong Forum, Al! Ha Ha
Mind you, I dread to think what some folks here get up to in their spare time, in the privacy of their own wee rooms!
As for standing or sitting to play, who could be bothered standing up? Our Friday night session usually last for 3 & a half hours & there's no way I'd be fit to stand up all the way through that!
Never stand when you can sit and never sit when you can lie down is my motto. Never tried playing the fiddle laying down though. Might make my arms ache
Going back to the "half in and half out" comment earlier. Last year's sessions at the Sidmouth festival at the Bedford were on ocassions like that. Me and my friend had to sit on the windowsill and have instruments passed through the window. That was until we started a rival session in the dining room further back- and we were the ones there till 4am!!!muahahahaha
Standing or Sitting Part II
Standing or Sitting Part II
Performance nuances aside, and realising that most play in sessions seated, when you practice, or play aone, do you stand or sit? On the off chance, do any people in your session prefer to stand?
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by jtrout
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
When practicing the fiddle at home I always play standing. Playing the fiddle while sitting doesn't feel quite natural, although I sit while playing in a session, as everyone else does.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by lazyhound
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
mostly stand, it loosens mr up somehow.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Kheelch
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
me, not mr
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Kheelch
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
I do both. When I'm trying to figure a tune out, I'm sitting. When I know a tune and I'm in a good mood, I stand up so I can dance and shake my tush.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by *Misha*
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
I spend too much time sitting, so prefer to stand part of the time while practicing. Often I pace near the window, so I can keep tabs on the neighbourhood.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by oldstrings
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Guitar - sitting. Much easier, as I do not use a strap.
Bouzouki - sitting or standing
Flute - standing, sometimes pacing
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by EastPole
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
I can't stand my instrument when I'm playing.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Phantom Button
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
I pace while practicing my flute too. I used to have to stand up to play certain tunes on it in the session too, but that was years ago and I can even play slouching or with my daughter sitting on my knee now. I've managed to train my diaphragm to cope!
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by SineadE
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Did you ever see a double bass player sitting to play?
Most Hammered Dulcimer players seem to prefer to stand as it makes it easier to reach all areas of the instrument.
I only have a small one, so, being a shy sort of a fella I don't like standing up to do it!
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Fiddle - standing, mandolin - lying down. At sessions, standing or lying down are not the norm.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by RichardB
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
At home, I'll either stand or sit on a high stool to play the fiddle...as has been said, this seems more natural.
Everything else and in actual sessions, I'll sit down.
However, I will sometimes stand in a session if it's busy but only if the session is large and/or very informal.
I wouldn't impose myself by standing at the back of people in a small session which is obviously "full". That would be bad manners.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Johannes J
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Double bass players in orchestras often use a high stool.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by lazyhound
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Ah, but do they sit side saddle, or open their legs?
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
"...standing at the back of people in a small session" - surely John, the act of a desperate man!
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
As I said, I wouldn't do that. it's rude.
Many do though and some sing/play drums.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Johannes J
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
As I say, if it's a large session and very informal....you know the kind that can include about three or four tables, sometimes the room!!, that's a different matter.
Perhaps, not always a highly musical experience but it can still be fun....sometimes.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Johannes J
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
I must say John, I don't even like it when someone is sitting behind me at a session. It feels rude somehow to be sitting playing with my back to someone & for me totally against the all inclusive ethos of a session.
As for someone standing up behind me at a session - well that is just out of order, big time. At times like that I wish I had the courage of Ceolachan's mate to turn round & shout - F*CK OFF!
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
"the all inclusive ethos"
Of course, some visitors might think that not giving way or opening up the circle is being "exclusive". However, nobody has a right to expect to be included. It's surely common sense to realise that "regular" members of the session are more likely to get offered a seat and also that there's a *limit* to the number of people that can be accommodated without either making the situation uncomfortable or unacceptably changing the dynamics.
Having said that, there are some musicians who are either unfriendly or "don't think" about making way for others. However, they are more likely to be "visitors" themselves. I've usually found the actual "leaders" to be very welcoming if it's at all possible.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Johannes J
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
I don't agree that there's a limit to how many can be accommodated in a session. As someone yelled to me once in Miltown when I was dithering at the periphery of a session in full swing, wishing I could be in it too "Come on in - there's always room for one more!"
As I recall, that one ended up with us having to open the windows and have people sitting on the windowsills hafl in and half out of the pub ... ah, those were the days ...
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by benhall.1
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
John, if I find myself at a strange session I would always ask if I could sit in first & then hope to be included within the circle. If there was clearly no space to sit, I just would not ask, I would simply listen & perhaps wait, in the hope that a seat became vacant.
In our own sessions here, we would always move over to let someone sit in beside us - although occasionally we might regret it later of course,
but it's surely common courtesy to do so.
"However, nobody has a right to expect to be included." - I absolutely agree there, but that's when politely asking if you can sit in will give you the answer of whether it's an open session or a closed 'performance'.
Position often comes into it two of course, so, for example, while two Fiddlers might welcome another Fiddler to sit between them, they might be less likely to separate for a Bodhran player or a Bass player, who may well upset the balance of the music they were enjoying.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
"people sitting on the windowsills half in and half out of the pub ... " - like I said, desperate men!
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Well, that's more or less what I do. Of course, I'd always ask if it was completely strange session. If it was a *different* or a one off session but one where I knew most of the musicians anyway, I'd maybe be less formal and just say something like "Is there room for another?" or "Is this seat free?"
There's times though that you might wish to "sit on the edge" of a session even if you have been invited into the "main circle(term used very loosely)". This might be out of respect for regular and/or "better" musicians and you might wish to give way to them. However, they will realise why you are there and probably won't mind that much. It's the "sneaking up behind" which is rude.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Johannes J
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
"people sitting on the windowsills half in and half out of the pub ... " - like I said, desperate men! "
Last year at Newcastleton, a female whistle player did exactly that in the small room of The Liddesdale. She was actually part of the session and could easily have been inside the pub but she'd worked out that, if she stuck her head into the lounge, she could play the whistle. On the other hand, all she had to do was turn her head the opposite direction "for a smoke". Very ingenious, I thought.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Johannes J
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Oh, even worse, by the way is when someone comes in and sits "In front" of you!!!!! That's really annoying.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Johannes J
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Anyone seen crowd-surfing by ITM players, or any ITM musician being passed horizontally over the heads of the crowd to take his / her rightful place in the session?
(I must admit, I haven't.)
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by nicholas
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
I prefer to stand to play flute at home (and shake my booty), but I sit like everyone else in the session. I've tried standing, thinking I would have better wind, but I feel self conscious and my playing stinks.
The dynamic changes; in terms of body language it feels forward or aggressive in a circle of players. The "musical conversation" suffers.
Someone standing behind playing feels like a vulture on your shoulder.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by ottoschmelk
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Now surely all the 'gentlemen' here would immediately stand up & offer a lady musician their seat, if she wished to join their session?
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
"Oh, even worse, by the way is when someone comes in and sits "In front" of you!!!!! That's really annoying." - Aye, but if they actually stood in front of you, that'd be even more annoying, wouldn't it? - so standing is ruder than sitting, after all!
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
I practice flute and fiddle in my comfortable desk chair in front of the monitor where most of my music, midi, mp3 and other crutches are stored. I play bass standing in public, so I can dance with it. I do play it sitting here sometimes, to work up new tunes and such. push it out in front , prop the scroll on the back of the chair and play up the neck a little. very lazy old gal I am. AND if I came to your session with it I could play it whthout changing the dymanics, ballance or style of your music. get out the blow torch -- I am ready. lol
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by jehanna
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
I prefer to sit for a session, but always stand for a ceilidh, where I have to have the audiences' attention, as I'm doing the calling ( and playing ).
I also stand to sing Sacred Harp, but can either stand or sit for club singing performances. I think some of it is to do with the energy you are having to put out, psychic and/or emotional as well as concentration on the music.
# Posted on February 5th 2007 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Guernsey stand up, quickly, your dancers await:
http://pages.prodigy.net/bestsmileys1/emoticons1/circle.gif
# Posted on February 5th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
"Dances With Bass"? Tell us more about yourself, jehanna!
# Posted on February 5th 2007 by oldstrings
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
When I work with organisational groups, the standing / sitting thing is a way of deliberately changing the dynamic. If the group's sitting, then if I sit it's as if I'm an equal with them, if I stand then naturally people are expecting me to take the lead. I often deliberately use this in my work - it's not a big thing, just a neat way of working with a group that uses our natural knowledge of body language.
I know sessions are different. I used to sit in my band but quickly realised that if everyone's standing, it looks damn silly sitting down, and I got lost behind the front line. Singing sitting-down I've always found difficult - but then, it's impossible for me standing up too!
# Posted on February 5th 2007 by Mark Harmer
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
When playing from sheet music, I stand in front of our music stand. Otherwise, I sit, and try to sit up straight on the edge of the couch or bed, so I can use my diaphram, play with proper posture, etc, etc.
# Posted on February 5th 2007 by AlBrown
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
i always practice standing up and prefer to play standing up generally, though most people in my beginner session play sitting down. I have tried out sitting several times but its hard enough to play as it is without sitting as well! I'm lucky in that my session is in a large room and there are only about 7 of us so there is lots of room. I would of course sit down if that was nessecary and i should really practice it more so i can manage it i suspect. I also often lean against things, so i'm half sitting/half standing. When i practice i walk around a lot.
# Posted on February 5th 2007 by velvet
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Al, so your telling us that you sit on the edge of your bed & use your 'Diaphram'. Achem! ...... I think that's probably just a little more information than we really needed to hear!
# Posted on February 5th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Oh dear, that is not what I meant at all, I was talking about proper breath support, etc, etc.
# Posted on February 5th 2007 by AlBrown
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
For a minute, I just thought I'd dropped into the wrong Forum, Al! Ha Ha
Mind you, I dread to think what some folks here get up to in their spare time, in the privacy of their own wee rooms!
As for standing or sitting to play, who could be bothered standing up? Our Friday night session usually last for 3 & a half hours & there's no way I'd be fit to stand up all the way through that!
# Posted on February 5th 2007 by Ptarmigan
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Never stand when you can sit and never sit when you can lie down is my motto. Never tried playing the fiddle laying down though. Might make my arms ache
# Posted on February 5th 2007 by bowburner
Re: Standing or Sitting Part II
Going back to the "half in and half out" comment earlier. Last year's sessions at the Sidmouth festival at the Bedford were on ocassions like that. Me and my friend had to sit on the windowsill and have instruments passed through the window. That was until we started a rival session in the dining room further back- and we were the ones there till 4am!!!muahahahaha
# Posted on February 15th 2007 by RoisinB