OK- I'll cry "uncle"- I'm usually pretty laid-back about session etiquestte and such and even the choice of instruments and tunes- generally try to go by the mantra of accepting others foibles and hoping they accept mine. My last session put me over the top though- too much even for me. This was the scene:
This is a generally cool session which plays at different houses every week. Most of these places are a fair distance from me but I have no near-by choices so I do it. This one was a new location where we'd never played before, the host was a friend of our session "leader" and most of the session regulars were away. The host played trombone(yes, really), as did his friend who showed up with the wife and 3 kids- all of whom played various instruments which would be ok at a session(not trombones) but the kids were I'd guess age 5-9- cute kids and all- and learning to play. But.... the whole time I was there, until I bailed out, we played what the kids wanted to play which were hot numbers such as "Hot Cross Buns", "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie" and other tunes of that ilk I don't even know the names of. I just sort of wandered around the house not playing in hopes that this would end soon and we'd play some real tunes, although the trombone was maddening(I don't want to hear any dissin" of bohdrans- better than a trombone any day!) But no- this kept up. I just packed it in and left and drove the 45 minutes home in the rain and fog..... What do you make of this? What would you have done?
Now I wonder how will I know if there is to be a repeat of this as there are other houses we play at in the same area- maybe they will want to do this again- the Suzuki recital bit..... I like kids and all but....... not sure what to make of this or how to handle it. I am just not being cool? Is it wrong to feel that this was not ok?
I agree with what you did. Before I'd drive all that way to the next one I'd want to find out who'd be there and what the plans were for that evening's session. I wouldn't want to get caught out twice.
You aren't responsible for your friend's friend's kids' musical development. A few tunes is ok but a whole night of that.... forget it.
Yep, I agree with both the above. It's their session so they can do what they want. Hang about for a few tunes to be courteous but you don't have to go back. Live and let live with sessions I think, folk should find one they like or start one to suit but leave others to they're own devices no matter how mad they might seem.
Wow, fair play to you. You must really love the music to put up with all that sh*te just to get a few tunes. Makes me realise how easy we have it over on this side of the pond, when all I have to do to get a good session is get off my lazy behind and go to the pub.
Speaking of which, is there any chance there might be a pub in the vicinity where ye could all meet for the session, instead of going to people's houses? Meet after 9pm, so there would be no kids allowed, and the trombone player would quickly be asked to leave by the bar staff.
At least you'll be able to tell your grandkids about the time some muppet pulled out a trombone in a session! Priceless....
the trombones were played by the muppet's dads....(sigh): at least the 4 muppets played fiddle, cello and flute(or tried to)......
yup- some of you may have it really swell over on your side of the pond- out here in my area the choice sems to be "acoustic sessions" of Bob Dylan tunes, "old-time", sessions of guitar/mandolin players(12 at one session I went to recently!) who play "songs" about motels, women, trucks and bibles or something........ I started a session a number of years back- had to fend off:
a) a local family who came with a 4th grader and his snare-drum and a 2 year old who "played" the rocks he held in his hands(my percussion session I guess- no complaints about bodhrans again people!)
b) another local family with a saxophone playing daughter and a jazz piano playing dad
Yeah, that's kinda weird. Nice, I guess, you know, the kiddos and all, but not one would expect if being invited to a kitchen session with your session tune playing friends.
Where you at, fiddlinfarmer? Nothing in your bio. Even here in the wilds of SW Florida we do better than y'all.
fiddlinfarmer: if you are who I think you are, please check your e-mail.
I just sent you info on three sessions per month that may be a slightly longer commute than the 45 minutes that you drove to the one above -- but well worth it for the lack of trombones.
Before you commute to one again, find out who is there. You can probably figure out from that what the craic will be like. If it's at someone's house and they want their kids to join in the whole night, then that is there prerogative but if you figure that out in advance, you don't have to go!
We had some really good Irish sessions in CO and some, uh, interesting ones. But they all put up with my rubbish playing -- I'd been playing like a year, maybe two, so it really was quite dodgy.
thanks Browndog- tis I....guess I should just gear up for some hefty drives-one of those should work- maybe a tad over a hundred miles round-trip- but another- yikes- that's a few hours drive each way! (I DO love to play but......)
tradshark- muppets huh- thought you were just referring to "moppets" or some such- meaning the kiddos- nope- the kids were cute and it wasn't their fault really...... what do they know- maybe they will now think this IS what we play at sessions Why do we teach this sort of garbage music to kids anyway? I swore I'd never play "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie" once I was an adult- and I don't- why teach this drivel to kids when they could be playing good tunes.......
SWFL Fiddler- well- let's just say rural New England to protect the not-so-innocent ;)
The thing is, I've done this session many times before- there has been the occasional odd-ball session and the occasional horn player(never a trombone though), but often it's really a fun session which is why I do this one as opposed to the Bob Dylan songs one or the old-time one or the songs about trucks and motels one.... so this just blew me away- and not sure how to make sure it won't happen again- if I drive to a house up that way ........
Maybe you need to discuss setting a clearer definition for your collective aims. You are sure to find others in agreement. Like ~
NO BRASS!!!
AN ADULT SESSION ~ with 'capable and considerate youth' welcome... As someone said previously, allowing them a party piece, maybe two, but not letting them be what determines your play list...
If all else fails, it might be time for a few of you to break away and start something up with some kind of defined limitations and goals, and leave the trombones and their sprats to their own ends... But, to avoid misunderstanding, you will need definition, who you are and what your goals and interests are, and maybe something about what you aren't. Let the bones go start up a concert band or something...
Balance ~ OHMMMMMMMM!!! I have nothing to complain about. I'll say a prayer for you tonight before going out to a little session down the way from here where the only brass are penny whistles, free reeds and a fiddle mute...
I like a brass section in a session. Booming cellos are fun too. The only thing it lacks, is a little fellow crouched beside you taking the tuning pieces off your pipe drones while you play. Happy April fools+1 to all of you!
FiddlinFarmer...Do I now you from the Tuesday night one at Salthill Pub in Lebanon NH???
Theres one at the Shaseen Pub in manchester NH as well..Sunday 5 till 8
cheers
RogerB...Epsom NH
Huh. From the description, I could have sworn that FiddlinFarmer lived in my neck of the woods.
It's the drive that's the killer, isn't it? You have to get there, find the place in the dark, then fume and reproach yourself all the way home. And not even the excuse of a pint. Trombones indeed.
one off session & you come crying about it. you're a sensitive lot.
go to the next session & leadoff a set which *you* want to hear. Better yet, learn the pipes & you won't have to worry about any trombonisist.
;)
For example, if I pick 04/05/2009, I can see that a bunch of Friends will be there and so the 45 minute drive to get there would be worth it. I see which of my friends will be there and I may decide to go where otherwise I may not.
To encourage people to use the attendance app, sometimes I have a Green Elephant Drawing:
I know the do-do I am going to get here, but this has really helped promote sessions around here.
Give it a try! Just let me know the location of your sessions and I will put it in the dropdown. That way you and your friends will be able to determine if the drive is worth it.
Roger B-
Nope- never been there- but the Lebanon one is a possibility- still over a hundred miles round-trip but this is the way of life out here- why don't we just hold sessions in our cars? One person could drive and the rest could play Tell me about that one over in NH if you would....
feardearg- too funny- cannot even imagine this working- just finding out WHERE we will be playing is work at times, let alone WHO will be playing there...... this is a rather anarchist collection of souls shall we say.......
and Random Notes- well, I did feel guilty griping about it- this is usually a great bunch to play with- just was pretty shocked by the last session and worried about it being a harbinger of sessions to come- if the trombonist(s) liked it and such, or their kids did or they all did....sigh.... and wasn't sure if I was over-reacting or handled it poorly or if I should just be taking it in stride or what...... and who better to ask but you all?
I guess that really what I need is a true ITM session- this has been the best I could find in terms of coming closest to this- as opposed to the other area "sessions" I've described. Perhaps a true ITM session would never allow this- but of course there are none except at a long distance but may have to start doing this, at least in good weather and just play by myself at home in the winter......
Remind me to never invite you to my house for some music. Oh I couldn't bear the public humiliation of it, particularly if I'd invited some youngsters along in an effort to encourage their interest in traditional acoustic music. What a shame they weren't born with silver bows in their mouths, ready made made beards, false internet names and derision for anyone who dares to play music that doesn't conform to some twee and crass notion of painted-by-numbers tunery practiced by middle aged men with scratchy piles and smelly jumpers. Oh what a joy I have found in this site.
You mention a 'generally cool' session. I would guess that the general coolness is created by a small number of (non-trombone-playing) musicians. Start your own session, and invite the one musician, or two musicians, with whom you like to play. Otherwise, it's only a matter of time before you go postal. It's not a quantative thing, it's qualitative.
Joel - while I agree with you in the spirit of encouraging the youth to take up the playing of music, I think eventually you have to start teaching the sprats some session etiquette - starting with "It's not about you, it's about the tunes" and "Just because you know it, you don't have to play it" and "For god's sake will you shut up with your Hot Cross Buns already" and stuff like that.
ok Joel- Don't invite me to your house to play music . Seriously though, while you are quite enitled to your own opinion, I think you may have missed something in your rush to condemn all of us. I am in no way intolerant of kids- I have often encouraged kids to play at sessions and have gone out of my way to do this, including driving them home afterwards. The difference is that these kids were able to play some real tunes and were ready to actually fully participate in a session and follow standard session etiquette, so they were a joy to have attend. This was not the situation that I described above- these kids were really nice kids too and were making a good attempt to play and such , but the fault here was with the adults who didn't realize or care that perhaps the others in attendence woudn't be too thrilled with driving a long ways only to end up with endless rounds of Hot Cross Buns and Go Tell Aunt Rhodie accompanied by trombone. So I'd say it was the clueless adults in this situation who were to blame.
Mass condemnation ~ HALLELUJAH! Now slip your arms in here and we'll guide you back to your padded cell. We wouldn't want you to hurt yourself with all those twisted interpretations banging around inside that skull of yours... Some folks are just so rash it makes you want to scratch ~ MEOWRRR!!! HISS!!!
I can't for the life of me find anything here that says WE ALL are anti toward the support and encouragement of 'considerate' youth... It wouldn't surprise me that there's more of us spending time promoting and encouraging music amongst those who will carry it into the future ~ than Mr. McDermott who choses to condemn us all with his poor reading of the issues. But, alas, such foolishnes is not rare...
Hell, I even work with inconsiderate youth, and have also done so with youth in prison. Mind you, those criminals were more interesting and interested than some of the middle class brats I've come across...
Let's hope none of these kids find this site on the internet, fiddlinfarmer, or you may find you have a few less friends. You have left a few too many clues of who you are, and it is often the case that posters here, emboldened by their anonymous internet names, end up facing those who they describe and criticize.
I'm not condemning anyone. Do you not recognise satire Mr or Mrs Ceolchan? Perhaps you are American Sir or Madam? I'm very glad to hear that my particular foolishness is rare. It feels good to be different.
wow AlBrown- maybe you and Joel should get together.... I'm not sure where you see me as putting down the kids involved- I said they were nice cute kids who really tried to play their instruments and they were playing instruments that would have been fine at a session: it was the tunes they were choosing to play- which was what they had been taught- and the adults in their lives as well as the session leader who kept this going for far too long whom I was critical of. That and the trombone which was not played by the kids.... but that's ok- if it makes you feel better to pick on someone here, I guess you can go do that anonymously.........
I wasn't trying to be judgemental, fiddlinfarmer, although reading my comment again, it certainly came across that way, and I am sorry that it did. I was merely pointing out that the internet, and this site in particular, may not be the best place to air your frustration. You seem like a decent sort, and so do those hosting the session, just seems like you weren't on the same wavelength that night. Put that story on the internet, however, stir it up with a lot of folks that like to be negative, consider the fact that the traditional music world is a small one, and you have all the ingredients that can end up causing hard feelings between people who should otherwise enjoy each other's company.
AlBrown
Ok- truce. You might even be right . The people I play with are wonderful people in truth- I really appreciate them and it might not have come across this way perhaps- the people with the trombones and the kids are new to me-also seemed like really nice people although they had no idea I would think as to how this would play out....
My frustration was with the session leader and other regulars- all of whom I like a good deal and otherwise have major respect for. I was floored by their total lack of any thought for how it would feel to have driven a long ways for this.....and as to how to figure out if this would happen again and again.... I would not want to hurt them for anything, really.... I also wondered how I should have handled it- and if others had other thoughts on it.... and perhaps I should not have posted this at all- and I might refrain from ever posting again..... might be the safest thing to do
I also am sometimes amazed by how frustrated people on the Session get because someone wanted to play a tune they think is overplayed, such as The Butterfly or Kesh or whatever- and I was merely throwing up my latest 'session" as a comparison- best not to complain about the Butterfly: it could be lots worse......
Fiddlinfarmer, Truce accepted. I have been following this site for many years, and I hate seeing people falling into the trap of saying a bit more than they should, or seeking validation for some opinion or another, and then seeing that they have hurt feelings, or had their own feelings hurt.
I won't add any more advice to what has been offered above, I will just promise that if I ever get up your way, or you get down to Southern New England, and we get a chance to share some tunes, I will make sure they are all good traditional fiddle tunes!
Too much even for me......
Too much even for me......
OK- I'll cry "uncle"- I'm usually pretty laid-back about session etiquestte and such and even the choice of instruments and tunes- generally try to go by the mantra of accepting others foibles and hoping they accept mine. My last session put me over the top though- too much even for me. This was the scene:
This is a generally cool session which plays at different houses every week. Most of these places are a fair distance from me but I have no near-by choices so I do it. This one was a new location where we'd never played before, the host was a friend of our session "leader" and most of the session regulars were away. The host played trombone(yes, really), as did his friend who showed up with the wife and 3 kids- all of whom played various instruments which would be ok at a session(not trombones) but the kids were I'd guess age 5-9- cute kids and all- and learning to play. But.... the whole time I was there, until I bailed out, we played what the kids wanted to play which were hot numbers such as "Hot Cross Buns", "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie" and other tunes of that ilk I don't even know the names of. I just sort of wandered around the house not playing in hopes that this would end soon and we'd play some real tunes, although the trombone was maddening(I don't want to hear any dissin" of bohdrans- better than a trombone any day!) But no- this kept up. I just packed it in and left and drove the 45 minutes home in the rain and fog..... What do you make of this? What would you have done?
Now I wonder how will I know if there is to be a repeat of this as there are other houses we play at in the same area- maybe they will want to do this again- the Suzuki recital bit..... I like kids and all but....... not sure what to make of this or how to handle it. I am just not being cool? Is it wrong to feel that this was not ok?
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by fiddlinfarmer
I'd do the same thing
I agree with what you did. Before I'd drive all that way to the next one I'd want to find out who'd be there and what the plans were for that evening's session. I wouldn't want to get caught out twice.
You aren't responsible for your friend's friend's kids' musical development. A few tunes is ok but a whole night of that.... forget it.
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by cocus
Re: Too much even for me......
Take the rough with the smooth - just don't take it 2wice
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by Nick Splease
Re: Too much even for me......
Yep, I agree with both the above. It's their session so they can do what they want. Hang about for a few tunes to be courteous but you don't have to go back. Live and let live with sessions I think, folk should find one they like or start one to suit but leave others to they're own devices no matter how mad they might seem.
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by bogman
Re: Too much even for me......
Wow, fair play to you. You must really love the music to put up with all that sh*te just to get a few tunes. Makes me realise how easy we have it over on this side of the pond, when all I have to do to get a good session is get off my lazy behind and go to the pub.
Speaking of which, is there any chance there might be a pub in the vicinity where ye could all meet for the session, instead of going to people's houses? Meet after 9pm, so there would be no kids allowed, and the trombone player would quickly be asked to leave by the bar staff.
At least you'll be able to tell your grandkids about the time some muppet pulled out a trombone in a session! Priceless....
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by tradshark
Re: Too much even for me......
A trombone, fiddlifarmer? ....
... you were fortunate that there weren't any more ...
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/lyrics/76trombones.htm
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Too much even for me......
the trombones were played by the muppet's dads....(sigh): at least the 4 muppets played fiddle, cello and flute(or tried to)......
yup- some of you may have it really swell over on your side of the pond- out here in my area the choice sems to be "acoustic sessions" of Bob Dylan tunes, "old-time", sessions of guitar/mandolin players(12 at one session I went to recently!) who play "songs" about motels, women, trucks and bibles or something........ I started a session a number of years back- had to fend off:
a) a local family who came with a 4th grader and his snare-drum and a 2 year old who "played" the rocks he held in his hands(my percussion session I guess- no complaints about bodhrans again people!)
b) another local family with a saxophone playing daughter and a jazz piano playing dad
c) a digerido and clarinet player
I swear...........
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by fiddlinfarmer
Re: Too much even for me......
Trombone??? How about this baby?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXBeu7o9uUM
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by bogman
Re: Too much even for me......
Hehe, over here we use the word "muppet" to describe an idiot, but a kind of hapless, harmless, well-meaning, but still an idiot sort of idiot.
I meant the dads - wasn't actually calling the kids muppets! That would be cruel - I'll give em a few years first
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by tradshark
Re: Too much even for me......
That session seemed to be on the 'slide' from the word go, but I do love that great old reel 'Go Tell Aunt Rhodie'
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by Free Reed
Re: Too much even for me......
Yeah, that's kinda weird. Nice, I guess, you know, the kiddos and all, but not one would expect if being invited to a kitchen session with your session tune playing friends.
Where you at, fiddlinfarmer? Nothing in your bio. Even here in the wilds of SW Florida we do better than y'all.
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Too much even for me......
fiddlinfarmer: if you are who I think you are, please check your e-mail.
I just sent you info on three sessions per month that may be a slightly longer commute than the 45 minutes that you drove to the one above -- but well worth it for the lack of trombones.
Cheers.
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by browndog
Re: Too much even for me......
Make that *four* sessions (one with a bit of a longer commute) -- if you're who I think you are.
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by browndog
Re: Too much even for me......
At least you got a story out of it.
Before you commute to one again, find out who is there. You can probably figure out from that what the craic will be like. If it's at someone's house and they want their kids to join in the whole night, then that is there prerogative but if you figure that out in advance, you don't have to go!
We had some really good Irish sessions in CO and some, uh, interesting ones. But they all put up with my rubbish playing -- I'd been playing like a year, maybe two, so it really was quite dodgy.
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by TheSilverSpear
Re: Too much even for me......
thanks Browndog- tis I....guess I should just gear up for some hefty drives-one of those should work- maybe a tad over a hundred miles round-trip- but another- yikes- that's a few hours drive each way! (I DO love to play but......)
tradshark- muppets huh- thought you were just referring to "moppets" or some such- meaning the kiddos- nope- the kids were cute and it wasn't their fault really...... what do they know- maybe they will now think this IS what we play at sessions
Why do we teach this sort of garbage music to kids anyway? I swore I'd never play "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie" once I was an adult- and I don't- why teach this drivel to kids when they could be playing good tunes.......
SWFL Fiddler- well- let's just say rural New England to protect the not-so-innocent ;)
The thing is, I've done this session many times before- there has been the occasional odd-ball session and the occasional horn player(never a trombone though), but often it's really a fun session which is why I do this one as opposed to the Bob Dylan songs one or the old-time one or the songs about trucks and motels one.... so this just blew me away- and not sure how to make sure it won't happen again- if I drive to a house up that way ........
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by fiddlinfarmer
Re: Too much even for me......
Maybe you need to discuss setting a clearer definition for your collective aims. You are sure to find others in agreement. Like ~
NO BRASS!!!
AN ADULT SESSION ~ with 'capable and considerate youth' welcome... As someone said previously, allowing them a party piece, maybe two, but not letting them be what determines your play list...
If all else fails, it might be time for a few of you to break away and start something up with some kind of defined limitations and goals, and leave the trombones and their sprats to their own ends... But, to avoid misunderstanding, you will need definition, who you are and what your goals and interests are, and maybe something about what you aren't. Let the bones go start up a concert band or something...
Balance ~ OHMMMMMMMM!!! I have nothing to complain about. I'll say a prayer for you tonight before going out to a little session down the way from here where the only brass are penny whistles, free reeds and a fiddle mute...
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by ceolachan
You've a friend in browndog. Sounds like you're sorted. It's worth the extra effort if in the end you get what you long for, a tromboneless session...
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by ceolachan
Re: Too much even for me......
I like a brass section in a session. Booming cellos are fun too. The only thing it lacks, is a little fellow crouched beside you taking the tuning pieces off your pipe drones while you play. Happy April fools+1 to all of you!
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by Atahualpa Quigley
Re: Too much even for me......
Kids in the kitchen? I love kids- just couldn't eat a whole one.
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by P-K
Re: Too much even for me......
Perhaps you should go to an Irish session next time...
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by McCracken
Re: Too much even for me......
FiddlinFarmer...Do I now you from the Tuesday night one at Salthill Pub in Lebanon NH???
Theres one at the Shaseen Pub in manchester NH as well..Sunday 5 till 8
cheers
RogerB...Epsom NH
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by Roger B
Re: Too much even for me......
Huh. From the description, I could have sworn that FiddlinFarmer lived in my neck of the woods.
It's the drive that's the killer, isn't it? You have to get there, find the place in the dark, then fume and reproach yourself all the way home. And not even the excuse of a pint. Trombones indeed.
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by Batlady
Re: Too much even for me......
one off session & you come crying about it. you're a sensitive lot.
go to the next session & leadoff a set which *you* want to hear. Better yet, learn the pipes & you won't have to worry about any trombonisist.
;)
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by Random_notes
Re: Too much even for me......
I have a little application on my site that can help predict and, in fact, make a success out of session that otherwise may not have happened.
It allows participants to let others know that they will be there.
http://sessionite.com/index.php?in=new_attend
then, others can see who will be there and what they will be playing, and decide either to go or not go.
http://sessionite.com/index.php?in=atend_search
For example, if I pick 04/05/2009, I can see that a bunch of Friends will be there and so the 45 minute drive to get there would be worth it. I see which of my friends will be there and I may decide to go where otherwise I may not.
To encourage people to use the attendance app, sometimes I have a Green Elephant Drawing:
http://sessionite.com/page.php?in=47
I know the do-do I am going to get here, but this has really helped promote sessions around here.
Give it a try! Just let me know the location of your sessions and I will put it in the dropdown. That way you and your friends will be able to determine if the drive is worth it.
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by feardearg
Re: Too much even for me......
Roger B-
Tell me about that one over in NH if you would....
Nope- never been there- but the Lebanon one is a possibility- still over a hundred miles round-trip but this is the way of life out here- why don't we just hold sessions in our cars? One person could drive and the rest could play
feardearg- too funny- cannot even imagine this working- just finding out WHERE we will be playing is work at times, let alone WHO will be playing there...... this is a rather anarchist collection of souls shall we say.......
and Random Notes- well, I did feel guilty griping about it- this is usually a great bunch to play with- just was pretty shocked by the last session and worried about it being a harbinger of sessions to come- if the trombonist(s) liked it and such, or their kids did or they all did....sigh.... and wasn't sure if I was over-reacting or handled it poorly or if I should just be taking it in stride or what...... and who better to ask but you all?
I guess that really what I need is a true ITM session- this has been the best I could find in terms of coming closest to this- as opposed to the other area "sessions" I've described. Perhaps a true ITM session would never allow this- but of course there are none except at a long distance but may have to start doing this, at least in good weather and just play by myself at home in the winter......
# Posted on April 2nd 2009 by fiddlinfarmer
Re: Too much even for me......
Remind me to never invite you to my house for some music. Oh I couldn't bear the public humiliation of it, particularly if I'd invited some youngsters along in an effort to encourage their interest in traditional acoustic music. What a shame they weren't born with silver bows in their mouths, ready made made beards, false internet names and derision for anyone who dares to play music that doesn't conform to some twee and crass notion of painted-by-numbers tunery practiced by middle aged men with scratchy piles and smelly jumpers. Oh what a joy I have found in this site.
# Posted on April 3rd 2009 by Joel McDermott
Re: Too much even for me......
You mention a 'generally cool' session. I would guess that the general coolness is created by a small number of (non-trombone-playing) musicians. Start your own session, and invite the one musician, or two musicians, with whom you like to play. Otherwise, it's only a matter of time before you go postal. It's not a quantative thing, it's qualitative.
# Posted on April 3rd 2009 by Robert Ryan
Re: Too much even for me......
Joel - while I agree with you in the spirit of encouraging the youth to take up the playing of music, I think eventually you have to start teaching the sprats some session etiquette - starting with "It's not about you, it's about the tunes" and "Just because you know it, you don't have to play it" and "For god's sake will you shut up with your Hot Cross Buns already" and stuff like that.
# Posted on April 3rd 2009 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Too much even for me......
ok Joel- Don't invite me to your house to play music
. Seriously though, while you are quite enitled to your own opinion, I think you may have missed something in your rush to condemn all of us. I am in no way intolerant of kids- I have often encouraged kids to play at sessions and have gone out of my way to do this, including driving them home afterwards. The difference is that these kids were able to play some real tunes and were ready to actually fully participate in a session and follow standard session etiquette, so they were a joy to have attend. This was not the situation that I described above- these kids were really nice kids too and were making a good attempt to play and such , but the fault here was with the adults who didn't realize or care that perhaps the others in attendence woudn't be too thrilled with driving a long ways only to end up with endless rounds of Hot Cross Buns and Go Tell Aunt Rhodie accompanied by trombone. So I'd say it was the clueless adults in this situation who were to blame.
# Posted on April 3rd 2009 by fiddlinfarmer
Re: Too much even for me......
When in Rome, do as the Romans do ... you visit their house, you play by their rules.
# Posted on April 3rd 2009 by the wounded hussar
Passing judgement on others from ignorance ~
Mass condemnation ~ HALLELUJAH! Now slip your arms in here and we'll guide you back to your padded cell. We wouldn't want you to hurt yourself with all those twisted interpretations banging around inside that skull of yours... Some folks are just so rash it makes you want to scratch ~ MEOWRRR!!! HISS!!!
I can't for the life of me find anything here that says WE ALL are anti toward the support and encouragement of 'considerate' youth... It wouldn't surprise me that there's more of us spending time promoting and encouraging music amongst those who will carry it into the future ~ than Mr. McDermott who choses to condemn us all with his poor reading of the issues. But, alas, such foolishnes is not rare...
# Posted on April 3rd 2009 by ceolachan
Hell, I even work with inconsiderate youth, and have also done so with youth in prison. Mind you, those criminals were more interesting and interested than some of the middle class brats I've come across...
# Posted on April 3rd 2009 by ceolachan
Re: Too much even for me......
Let's hope none of these kids find this site on the internet, fiddlinfarmer, or you may find you have a few less friends. You have left a few too many clues of who you are, and it is often the case that posters here, emboldened by their anonymous internet names, end up facing those who they describe and criticize.
# Posted on April 4th 2009 by AlBrown
Re: Too much even for me......
I'm not condemning anyone. Do you not recognise satire Mr or Mrs Ceolchan? Perhaps you are American Sir or Madam? I'm very glad to hear that my particular foolishness is rare. It feels good to be different.
# Posted on April 4th 2009 by Joel McDermott
Re: Too much even for me......
'I'm not condemning anyone.' That's good to know, Joel. Perhaps you could 'not condemn' them a little more subtly...
# Posted on April 4th 2009 by P-K
Re: Too much even for me......
"Go Tell Aunt Rhodie's" not a bad way to teach a child a polka rhythm.
Heck, it's a better polka than a lot of the crap polkas I've heard played!
# Posted on April 4th 2009 by jwvansteenwyk
Re: Too much even for me......
Ahh, he said 'NOT rare' ... talk about selective hearing/reading!
# Posted on April 4th 2009 by the wicked hacker
Too much me......
I guess everyone needs a shoulder to dry on.
go ouyside & play!
# Posted on April 4th 2009 by Random_notes
Re: Too much even for me......
wow AlBrown- maybe you and Joel should get together.... I'm not sure where you see me as putting down the kids involved- I said they were nice cute kids who really tried to play their instruments and they were playing instruments that would have been fine at a session: it was the tunes they were choosing to play- which was what they had been taught- and the adults in their lives as well as the session leader who kept this going for far too long whom I was critical of. That and the trombone which was not played by the kids.... but that's ok- if it makes you feel better to pick on someone here, I guess you can go do that anonymously.........
# Posted on April 4th 2009 by fiddlinfarmer
(sic)
outside
# Posted on April 4th 2009 by Random_notes
(2) - >
cry
# Posted on April 4th 2009 by Random_notes
The gander is weeping . . .
because his wife is dead.
# Posted on April 4th 2009 by Random_notes
Re: Too much even for me......
I wasn't trying to be judgemental, fiddlinfarmer, although reading my comment again, it certainly came across that way, and I am sorry that it did. I was merely pointing out that the internet, and this site in particular, may not be the best place to air your frustration. You seem like a decent sort, and so do those hosting the session, just seems like you weren't on the same wavelength that night. Put that story on the internet, however, stir it up with a lot of folks that like to be negative, consider the fact that the traditional music world is a small one, and you have all the ingredients that can end up causing hard feelings between people who should otherwise enjoy each other's company.
# Posted on April 5th 2009 by AlBrown
Re: Too much even for me......
This is not sarcastic. Learn from the children.
# Posted on April 5th 2009 by Random_notes
Re: Too much even for me......
AlBrown
. The people I play with are wonderful people in truth- I really appreciate them and it might not have come across this way perhaps- the people with the trombones and the kids are new to me-also seemed like really nice people although they had no idea I would think as to how this would play out....
Ok- truce. You might even be right
My frustration was with the session leader and other regulars- all of whom I like a good deal and otherwise have major respect for. I was floored by their total lack of any thought for how it would feel to have driven a long ways for this.....and as to how to figure out if this would happen again and again.... I would not want to hurt them for anything, really.... I also wondered how I should have handled it- and if others had other thoughts on it.... and perhaps I should not have posted this at all- and I might refrain from ever posting again..... might be the safest thing to do
I also am sometimes amazed by how frustrated people on the Session get because someone wanted to play a tune they think is overplayed, such as The Butterfly or Kesh or whatever- and I was merely throwing up my latest 'session" as a comparison- best not to complain about the Butterfly: it could be lots worse......
# Posted on April 6th 2009 by fiddlinfarmer
Re: Too much even for me......
Fiddlinfarmer, Truce accepted. I have been following this site for many years, and I hate seeing people falling into the trap of saying a bit more than they should, or seeking validation for some opinion or another, and then seeing that they have hurt feelings, or had their own feelings hurt.
I won't add any more advice to what has been offered above, I will just promise that if I ever get up your way, or you get down to Southern New England, and we get a chance to share some tunes, I will make sure they are all good traditional fiddle tunes!
# Posted on April 8th 2009 by AlBrown