Etiquette Guidelines for Gospel Jams
Ron’s TOP THREE rules:
1. Announce the name of the song.
2. Tell what key the song will be played
3. You can’t turn your back on the audience.
4. Be prepared to take your turn. If you are not ready, we will pass you by. No extra “dead time” between songs.
5. The chooser of the song shall direct the “instrumental breaks” (about 5 words before chorus ends.) The typical pattern: Sing verse, Sing chorus, Take instrumental break. Let instrumentalists shine by playing softly in the background.
6. If you get off beat or off key during a song, stop, listen, and then begin again. Encourage your fellow musician. Ask for help. Help him or her (in a nice friendly way).
7. Electrified instrument players, percussion instrument players, do not be offended if leader asks that you turn down your volume. We are primarily an acoustic Jam.
8. If you have a new song, please bring 10 copies (3 hole punched) with words and chords above the chord changes. All songs should fit on one page. Use largest print possible.
9. Develop good interactions between you and the audience. Listeners are keys to good Jams. Keep a smiling attitude towards the audience.
