the shapenote singing at the gathering

[lcohen]

when i first devised this idea, i weighed two things in deciding where and when to attempt it. i knew that the gathering was a loud room full of people doing lots of things that was a far from ideal space for singing, but it seemed like having the singing in a smaller, quieter room as a part of a panel, for example, had a lot of problems too. for

Comments

[frenchpony]

I personally had a wonderful time, and I ran into several people over the course of the weekend who had either seen or been brave enough to participate in the singing, and they told me that they enjoyed it as well. I know that we attracted some attention with our sound; several people did say that they could hear it about halfway across the room, and I'd told my friends meckinock and dawtheminstrel to find me at the Gathering by following the sound of singing, and at least one of them heard the singing over the rest of the chaos, so that all worked out.

Everything, from the idea of going to sing shape-note at a feminist science fiction convention, to the rehearsing, to the event itself and the chance to finally see WisCon for myself, was lots of fun, and I'm glad I did it. Thank you thank you thank you for arranging this opportunity for the Peculiar Four to get our act together and take it on the road!

[j00j]

I liked the idea and sort of enjoyed what I was able to do. I think I would really enjoy it in another space with a bit more instruction on how it all works (I am slow), and at a less stressful time for me. I'd realized I was completely out of mental resources for learning new things/being able to pay attention to the other singers in my section, due to Wiscon/Think Galactic responsibilities and other stressors in my life right now. But I definitely want to try it again sometime! Perhaps if I land in Chicago...

[lcohen]

or any time you visit. or if you land elsewhere, i'll see if i can find you a group. but the chicago people are a great group, and you now know four of us ;-) .

[ex_serenejo]

I'm glad you did it, and hope that there's enough interest/energy to do it in a better space some time. Sounds like a blast.