All right, the open house is tomorrow, the season is begun and you new kids need to learn the rules around here. Pay attention, take notes, get a tattoo of the important ones.

Rule #1 – Don’t be on time.*

Rule #2 – Follow Susie’s directions during the warm-up. No, she hasn’t lost her mind, this is how we roll. Leave your ego at the door and flap your arms and your gums and whatever other weirdness is happening. We’ve seen it all before and looking silly is just part of a Tuesday night. Your chance of survival will go up dramatically and you’ll magically become a better singer.

Rule #3 – Buy two pencils and put them in your folder. Then you can lend one to the person next to you who did NOT abide by Rule #3.

Rule #3a – No Sharpies. Duh.

Rule #4 – Do NOT hum your voice part when other voice parts are singing and yours isn’t. It doesn’t matter how soft you think you’re humming. We can still hear you. And you’re probably getting a note or two wrong anyway. Hush.

Rule #5 – Assume nothing, expect anything. Rehearsals have a format (sorta) and a plan (usually) and a way-it-all-feels (randomly) but you just never know. Some nights are hilarious, some nights are grindstone-like work and Susie gets all purple in the face. Some nights we might have a guest who does something really cool (remember the Afro-Caribbean drums?). Open your mind and roll with it.

Rule #6 – Shush. Yes, many of the people around us have become some of our dearest friends but update them on your kids/dog/grandkids/new car someplace else. We gots us some singin’ to be doin’.

Rule #7 – Sing someplace else (also). There are sound files to be had and sectional rehearsals that will be thrown together (that seem to ALWAYS involve wine…it’s a miracle). Learn at rehearsal, practice before the next rehearsal, come back better than when you left.

Rule #8 – Be more than a singer. A non-profit organization runs on two things: donations and volunteers. I can assure you that there is NEVER a shortage of things for someone to help with. From time to time you’ll hear about committees forming for something, jump in and help. We’re a fun bunch. Ask a member of the Board what you can do and I know you’ll get a smile. They’re a fun bunch too.
See you Tuesday!

*Be early. New singers are asked to come at 6:30pm and returning singers are asked to come between 6:45 and 7:00pm (unless you are helping with set up). Holman Hall on the marsh side of the Kailua United Methodist Church parking lot, 1110 Kailua Road, Kailua.