Round Robin & Jam Etiquette

What is "Round Robin"? We go one direction around the circle. Each person takes a turn choosing what tune(s) they'd like to play during their turn (no stress--you can pass). This keeps from having only a few people always picking the tunes to play, and allows for varying tempos, etc. It may take a half-hour to 2 1/2 hours to get around the circle once, depending on how many musicians are there that night and how many tunes or sets are chosen by each. We ask that you respect the next person's turn, and be ready to play, rather than "noodling" on your instrument between tune selections. (It makes it hard to hear the next title.)

Tune Titles -- If you know it, please announce the title of your choice to the group (rather than just jumping into it) -- and give a few moments so others can get ready to play. Music readers and beginners greatly appreciate getting a moment to set up before the music starts.

How many times through a tune? At least three, but 4-5 times is ok, too. Especially if there are only a few musicians that night. The fewer musicians at the session, the more times you'll get to choose tunes. But when there are 15 or more musicians, we suggest three times through, to give everyone a chance to select music.

Tempo: You choose for your turn (slow, moderate, fast). The group will follow your lead. **If you ask someone to start the tune for you, be aware that their "slow" may be your "fast" -- so give them a sample of the tempo they'll set (tap your foot, etc). Please do not ask us to speed the tune (or give directions), in the middle of the tune without warning us ahead of time. It's very hard to change tempo in a large group when we have no clue that's coming. And many musicians cannot hear "directions" when playing, due to sound levels. If you wish to change tempo, mid-stream (as a stylistic thing), let us know before you start. You can ask to have a tune started slower for the first two times through, then at a faster tempo the next two times through -- but someone must set the new tempo at the change. All in all, it's easier not to do tempo changes, mid-stream with a large group.

--- Why is everything "too fast" or "too slow"? Each week is different, depending on who comes. We try to accommodate all levels and abilities -- but -- the tempo of the whole night depends on who comes and what their skill-level is. Be prepared to sit in for a mix of tempos. Don't give up, if it's beyond you. Even just hearing the music, helps you learn. If more moderate/beginner players come, then the tempo is going to be lower for most of the night, with the faster tunes added here and there. If several more-experienced players show up, then the tempo is going to be more moderate to fast, with some slower tunes tossed in. Be patient if you feel it's too slow or too fast. This is a gathering of musicians having fun, not a teaching jam; nor is it specifically a "slow jam" or "fast Jam." There will be other tunes that may be different speeds, and when it's your turn, you can choose a fast or slow tempo for your tune, as you wish.

Playing Style/Tunes: We are a mix of "ear and paper" -- self-taught fiddlers and classically trained violinists -- from beginners, to those who perform or play out in bands. For the most part, it comes together. We play mostly contra dance music -- Celtic, French-Canadian, and early Old-time American reels, jigs and marches, as well as international waltzes. Occasionally, a bluegrass, country, blues or folk tune/song slips into the mix from someone new sitting in. We're willing to listen to your tune if we don't know it. We'll try to join in backing a song if we can.

New Tunes vs. Old Favorites: We've been at this for about 12 years, with a lot of the same tunes each night, but we're always looking to learn something new! Sharing and learning new tunes is an age-old tradition. It's what keeps Traditional Music alive. Occasionally you'll hear a groan when a title is announced. It's been played to death, so to speak, or some tunes can be very intricate and/or tricky to play, and there may be not enough people who know it to make it work. Sometimes a tune dies as we struggle to make it work. We laugh it off, select another and keep going. If you pick something we don't know, we'll give a listen as you play.

Tune Books? Bring 'em.: Violinists and guitar/mando players often use books or chord sheets. Bring your stand and your music bag, if you want. For a good collection of common tunes we play (see our tune list elsewhere), you might try purchasing the following books:

Books should be able to be ordered through local book stores (Fiddlers Fakebook is available off the shelf in most larger book stores). You can also pick up some tunes books from Old Songs, Inc. (Andy's Front Hall has "retired.")

Rules of the Jam:
1) Be patient with each other and the various abilities within the group.
2) Don't overplay the group in volume (esp. if you are not sure of your ability, or are just beginning and can't hit the notes well -- as this can throw off others around you.) Play softly if unsure of a tune, and listen to the tune as others play it.
3) Tune Your Instrument - Please! (If you hear something is out in the group, check your instrument, as this can throw off others around you. "Good enough for folk music" is still out of tune. If you need a tuner, someone can lend you one. If it's going to take major work and time to return, please step aside to tune away from the group.
4) Tune varieties abound -- hurray! One tune can have several different ways of being played, and stylistic differences exist from person to person, or region to region. How and where you learned a tune is just one more way to play it. Sheet music in traditional music is a guide, not law (violinists live by different rules). Variations are plenty. Enjoy them. Pick up a new way of playing an old tune. Expand your repertoire. There is no "wrong way" to play a fiddle tune in a jam session.
5) Instruments should fit the genre of music. Common instruments for traditional fiddle tunes are: fiddle, guitar, mandolin, tenor or 5-string banjo, upright bass, bodhran and/or hand drums, light percussion (bones, spoons, etc), harmonica, flute, tin whistle, accordion/concertina, harp, dulcimers . . . -- just to give a few samples. One electronic keyboardist often plays with us, since there are no pianos in most venues (the sound level can be adjusted if too strong. Just ask the pianist to drop the volume).
6) Rhythm vs. Melody instruments: We often get 25 musicians playing.... And when it's six guitars, a piano, three bodhrans, and two or three mandolins against one or two fiddles or a whistle, please realize that melody instruments have to work hard to overcome all that rhythm volume. Either take turns playing, or at least back down the volume until more melody instruments show up.
7) You don't have to sit still -- BUT -- if you want to get up and move with the music while playing, feel free -- but respect the space around you. A jam this big it often tight for space, and music stands tip easily, and instruments are all around you (some on the floor!), as well as the occasional drinking glass. We sit in a circle so we can hear each other, and see each other for chord or tune-change cues. If there is enough space, don't take the middle, sit or stand in the circle. Taking the middle blocks our view, and people needing to see chord changes may not be able to view the guitarist they are watching. (Of course, on some occasions, a venue is small and tightly packed, and all we can do is stand or sit in the middle. But when there is space, please stand or sit on the sides.)
8) Respect the venue -- if you put a glass on the floor by your chair, be careful not to spill it or break the glass. Don't put things on pool tables. Watch out for wait staff as they move through the area. Don't block doors (exits, kitchen, bath). Tuck cases somewhere safe. We want to be allowed back, and want to make it as easy for the venue as we can. Clean up after yourself before you leave.
9) Have fun! If you're just starting out, or have played mostly on your own, an open jam like this is a good way gain experience playing with a group. The setting is kick-back comfortable. The places and people are friendly.