Sing your heart out, or just listen.
Silent participation is welcome also.
We'll usually, depending on the song captain, start the session by going once around
the room in approximate order of seating.
(Totally optional, nobody has to sing. You can use your turn to pass or ask someone else to sing one.)
After the first round it's open to whoever wants to sing the next song.
Feel free to help keep the music going.
If you want to lead a song, jump in.
Don't be a session hog, but if you've already led a song and there is a lull in the session, lead another.
Energy is good.
Polite drift is boring.
We're mainly an a cappella session, but if you feel you'd like to accompany yourself on a song that you lead, go for it.
The leader is master of their song.
Please do not play along with a song unless the leader of that song has asked you to.
If you accompany a song without checking with the leader of that song, you owe a round of drinks.
Respect the group by connecting with them in song.
Songbooks or songsheets tend to break group connection and we kind of hope you won't bring them.
We want to see you while you sing, not the cover of your Rise Up Singing.
If you can't remember all the words, lead the song anyway.
Chances are someone will know the words and can prompt you.
And if nobody knows the words, make some up on the spot.
Nobody will notice, because, remember, they don't know the words.
And if they do notice that you're faking it, they'll admire you for your audacity.
Or maybe they'll think you're being silly.
Whatever.
Respect the song leaders by giving them your attention.
Please avoid flipping through songbooks or binders
(if you bring them at all, see #6 above) while someone else is leading a song.
If you're shy, or feel you have a bad voice, it doesn't matter.
Sing along with the choruses, and if at some point the urge hits you, go ahead and lead one.
It's really quite easy.
And it doesn't even have to be a chorus song.
It can be a solo all the way if that's what you want to sing.
The group will enjoy being able to sit back and just listen once in a while.
Alcohol consumption is permitted, but not required, at IHW sessions.
It's bad for the voice, but good for the spirit.
It would be neater to have ten things to write here.
But there are only nine. Sorry.
Patterned after, with permission, In Harmony's Way (IHW) down in the San Francisco Bay Area.
