I went to a session in Dallas, Oregon for my second time. This time- when the tune selection came to me I choose a simple tune that I knew I could start and play reasonably well a couple of times- after the THIRD time through I noticed everyone looking at me kind of funny- and then someone asked if we were ever going to stop- It ended in laughter- but I realized that I don't know how to stop. Do you signal others when you want to stop? How do you know when to end a tune?
But seriously, who says you can only play a tune three times through?
If we are really enjoying a tune around here, I've seen us play it 6 or 7 times.
As for stopping, just a short look at one of the leading players is all you need to do. They'll know what it means & either launch into another tune, or end it all.
Tarrantella's leg up ( & over ) method wouldn't work for us as we are all huddled round tables here, so we would probably need to kick someone, if we wanted to signal with our legs.
You should be able to signal the end of a set without saying anything or moving. I often play at being a bass drum and play a couple of staccatto chords in the penultimate bar - even strangers seem to pick it up.
Some people shout "Out" - which causes much mirth when we ask who exactly are they talking about.
Now finishing tunes that go on and on like "Morrisons" or "Double Lead Through", that is a different problem.
Stop at the end of the tune, put your instrument down quickly, and look accusingly at the people who didn't stop - make a clear (though unspoken) implication that it's their fault, and that such a level of ignorance on their part is really rather a disgrace to music when it was so clear that that was the last time through.
This will win you many friends, and you will become a hugely popular person - within a couple of months you will almost certainly be elected "Session Leader".
The sessions I have been in, people have shouted "out!" or "last time" or "one more time". (occasionally, someone else will shout "override" and we'll keep going.) I've also seen the foot stuck in the air. Sometimes the person who started it just stops; often with a flourish, like if they play fiddle, waving their bow in the air.
Last night we were playing Major Harrison's Fedora and everyone but a fiddler stopped on the third time through. Then she stopped after the first phrase out of embarrassment, but someone else on accordion played the next phrase to join in with her but also stopped at the end of it. Someone else played the next phrase on flute to be funny, (it was me) and then we all jumped in and played it one more time. Sessions can be a lot of fun.
Give a look to the session leaders. It's likely they'll be looking to see if you want to change. If not, make a sound or do something to get their attention so they know.
Often if you just want to end the set (or tune), you can signal that by using a couple longer notes (like quarters instead of eighths) or chords in the very end of the last phrase through.
Play it as many times as yer comfortable with and if anyone asks you to stop, whack 'em on the side of the head. Sounds like they're a bit green in Dallas. I also play most of my tunes in sets of three; helps me remember them.
It never seems to be a problem stopping a tune. Everyone looks at the "leader" on the third round, and if he/she ends, someone else might be ready to slide in a new tune.
On starting in unison, on the other hand, I find the old method works perfectly:
"When I nod my head, you all hit it!"
Ah yes - you can't beat learning forward. For those who don't know, this involves continuing to play the tune you are on, but using your feet to open a book of sheet music at random, and learning a new tune in your head in time to play it when the current tune finishes.
If you want simply to stop at the end of the current tune, then a suitable alternative is leaning forward.
When to stop
When to stop
I went to a session in Dallas, Oregon for my second time. This time- when the tune selection came to me I choose a simple tune that I knew I could start and play reasonably well a couple of times- after the THIRD time through I noticed everyone looking at me kind of funny- and then someone asked if we were ever going to stop- It ended in laughter- but I realized that I don't know how to stop. Do you signal others when you want to stop? How do you know when to end a tune?
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by scjandy
Re: When to stop
Sticking a foot in the air is the most common way round here. Occasionally musicians who can talk and play yells one more time or last time.
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by Tarrantella
Re: When to stop
By going into the next tune?
) method wouldn't work for us as we are all huddled round tables here, so we would probably need to kick someone, if we wanted to signal with our legs.
But seriously, who says you can only play a tune three times through?
If we are really enjoying a tune around here, I've seen us play it 6 or 7 times.
As for stopping, just a short look at one of the leading players is all you need to do. They'll know what it means & either launch into another tune, or end it all.
Tarrantella's leg up ( & over
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by Ptarmigan
Re: When to stop
You should be able to signal the end of a set without saying anything or moving. I often play at being a bass drum and play a couple of staccatto chords in the penultimate bar - even strangers seem to pick it up.
Some people shout "Out" - which causes much mirth when we ask who exactly are they talking about.
Now finishing tunes that go on and on like "Morrisons" or "Double Lead Through", that is a different problem.
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by geoffwright
Re: When to stop
Stop at the end of the tune, put your instrument down quickly, and look accusingly at the people who didn't stop - make a clear (though unspoken) implication that it's their fault, and that such a level of ignorance on their part is really rather a disgrace to music when it was so clear that that was the last time through.
This will win you many friends, and you will become a hugely popular person - within a couple of months you will almost certainly be elected "Session Leader".
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by showaddydadito
Re: When to stop
In your brand new session in a different pub perhaps?
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by Trevor Jennings
Re: When to stop
The sessions I have been in, people have shouted "out!" or "last time" or "one more time". (occasionally, someone else will shout "override" and we'll keep going.) I've also seen the foot stuck in the air. Sometimes the person who started it just stops; often with a flourish, like if they play fiddle, waving their bow in the air.
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by TJ
Re: When to stop
Fake a coughing fit mid-way through the 4th time and have everyone else stop in confusion. Works every time.
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by cuchulain54
Re: When to stop
Last night we were playing Major Harrison's Fedora and everyone but a fiddler stopped on the third time through. Then she stopped after the first phrase out of embarrassment, but someone else on accordion played the next phrase to join in with her but also stopped at the end of it. Someone else played the next phrase on flute to be funny, (it was me) and then we all jumped in and played it one more time. Sessions can be a lot of fun.
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by Phantom Button
Re: When to stop
Give a look to the session leaders. It's likely they'll be looking to see if you want to change. If not, make a sound or do something to get their attention so they know.
Often if you just want to end the set (or tune), you can signal that by using a couple longer notes (like quarters instead of eighths) or chords in the very end of the last phrase through.
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by heth
Re: When to stop
Play it as many times as yer comfortable with and if anyone asks you to stop, whack 'em on the side of the head. Sounds like they're a bit green in Dallas. I also play most of my tunes in sets of three; helps me remember them.
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by Farr
Re: When to stop
It never seems to be a problem stopping a tune. Everyone looks at the "leader" on the third round, and if he/she ends, someone else might be ready to slide in a new tune.
On starting in unison, on the other hand, I find the old method works perfectly:
"When I nod my head, you all hit it!"
# Posted on November 22nd 2005 by oldstrings
Re: When to stop
If I'm changing tunes I stand up or learn forward. If I'm stopping I slow down a bit. It has always worked so far.
# Posted on November 22nd 2005 by Owell Mabee
Re: When to stop
Ah yes - you can't beat learning forward. For those who don't know, this involves continuing to play the tune you are on, but using your feet to open a book of sheet music at random, and learning a new tune in your head in time to play it when the current tune finishes.
If you want simply to stop at the end of the current tune, then a suitable alternative is leaning forward.
# Posted on November 22nd 2005 by showaddydadito
Re: When to stop
No I'm only toeing thru a book when I'm trying to read Austin Clarke while I'm fiddling.
# Posted on November 23rd 2005 by Owell Mabee