Our Thursday night sessions have a few rules that we invite all participants to learn and follow.   These rules are meant to guide, not chastise. They are not written in stone, but they are important. We want all to feel welcome, from novice to the accomplished. But we also want the novices to eventually become accomplished, so we strive to play at an accomplished level. If you are learning, please respect that it is your job to avoid negatively impacting the group, and to practice at home until you can meet the pace.

In general, we are targeting a composite session, maybe different than others that you might attend. Primarily we play traditional music, mostly Irish, but other Celtic flavors as well. We very much want to be a full group session, but we also allow for some individual expression.   We want to enthusiastically encourage those that are learning, but we also want to play at a pace that is appropriate and worth learning. We are not an exclusively fast session, but we don’t want to crawl either. So how to we build and maintain such a blend?

• We primarily play traditional group tunes, common tunes that most people can play.
• When you are asked to choose a tune, have a tune/set ready to call out–one that you can play well–and relatively fast–one that you expect most of the others can play as well.
• If someone calls out a tune that you don’t know very well, then just listen. We encourage learning, but the session is not the place to practice.
• We have a Session Playlist available, plus web access to sheet music, etc. for those tunes that we commonly play. Practice, practice, practice.
• We love to hear other Celtic music of all types: Scottish, Maritime, etc. If you have something interesting, but unknown to most, then tell the session leader and play a solo during one of the lulls.
• When the musicians need a break we encourage singing–preferably traditional Celtic songs.
• If you want to sing something, make it known to the session leader and wait to be asked.
• We encourage self-accompanied songs, or ad hoc groups of two or more playing/singing together.

General rules

• The room has tough acoustics. Let the accomplished players sit close to each other at the table so that they can build and maintain a quality, consistent pace. If you are still learning, please take one of the seats on the outside of the circle.
• Please don’t talk while others are playing. Talk all you want in between, but respect those who are playing by being attentive. 
• If you don’t know the tune, just listen.
• Practice at home, not between tunes, as it gets confusing to others whether or not you are starting a tune.
• Please tune your instrument before you come. Once the playing has begun, please tune outside.
• If you need the sheet music, then you are not yet ready to join in–practice at home some more.
• Learn to play at the pace of most–don’t expect the session to slow down to your ability.
• Learners must always be careful not to impact any tune that is being played. If you are ‘noodling,’ make sure that other musicians cannot hear you, until you have mastered the tune.
• Bodhrans, Bones, & Guitars are meant to compliment traditional music, not dominate it–please be considerate.
• Always ask permission before handling another musician’s instrument.
• If you are there just to listen, then please do so. Feel free to chat between tunes/sets, but set the expectation for all listeners by stopping your conversations once a tune starts.

We want the session to serve as enjoyment for all: the accomplished, those learning, and those who are just taking it all in. Our session is all about enjoying and evangelizing the great tradition of Irish music.

So enjoy, and spread the infection!