So, how do I communicate the importance of a sensitive and respectful approach that tries to take in what is happening first, and waits upon the groups tacit or overt permission before jumping in?
I actually wrote a piece that we used as a protocol and reference for proper behavior. This issue was a big deal back then (1990's ) as it is now apparently. We were mostly note readers and the book was developing so the Sessiun Etiqutte became part of the introduction.
This was a bold move on my part. I certainly became the focus of angst and disagreement as a 'self appointed Sessiun police man'. However it gained a lot of support as it actually worked. We had a set of rules and could use them.
This is from the book.
Be quiet at a regular Sessiún. Talk after the music has ended. It’s considered rude to talk
while the music plays.
Let the musicians sit together. Never sit among people who are playing.
Never touch anyone’s instrument.
Play at a regular Sessiún only if you can play quite well and are invited to play.
Try to notice if more experienced players want to play without you.
Don’t ask a Fast Sessiún to play a tune. They are working on their own stuff.
Always ask and be discrete in using a tape recorder.
Buy them a drink for a job well done! This is a tradition.
In Slow Sessiúns be friendly and polite.
Try to play evenly. Never speed up or slow down.
Don’t mix tunes. Play jigs together, reels together, hornpipes together, etc.
Don’t start a tune if someone else is starting a tune.
Try to learn the tunes others like to play.
Only one guitar and one drum should play at a time.
Never try to force others to play at a certain tempo.
Don’t tune your instrument while people are playing.
Talk quietly while others are playing; or talk only between tunes.
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