A License to Play The Tambourine

This is a difficult thing to write about, as I am fully aware of how snobby it can sound. Nevertheless, I will write it and hope that you understand what I am saying.

Twice in the last week I have encountered a situation where someone wonders why they can't play along with my group. I will explain:

The first time this happened, I was at a music gathering at the beach where I go to play ukuleles with a bunch of folk. A woman pulled me aside and asked me if I was one of the "Altared Christmas guys." I replied that I was "THE Altared Christmas guy, thank you, " and she proceeded to advise me to keep my songs shorter for the upcoming Uke Club show, as other people would lose interest and possibly walk out if the songs went on too long.

I listened politely to her comment and explained that I think that people have much too short of attention spans these days, and that I like to challenge that as much as possible.

She then said, "And why can't we sing along? Would it be that bad if we did?"

"How would you know what to sing?" I replied. "I change the song a lot when we perform it. Besides, I don't think there is anything wrong in asking you to simply listen. All of us have so many opportunities to play and sing along together. There are ukulele sing alongs at least three times a week all over town."

She listened to my comments and did say that she understood a little better now that I explained myself.

She had not really remembered me, yet she had held on to this information for a year and felt it necessary to "help me" by letting me know how I could adjust my art so she could be comfortable. She never once said anything that she did like, not the concept, the musicianship, nor how the audience were ecstatic with it in general.

No, she wanted to sing along. She felt it perfectly alright to let me study music my whole life, rehearse the band week after week, haul a truckload of props to the club, set up the PA system, and then invite everyone to join in.

The more I thought about it, the more annoyed I got. Yes, I want to be polite and listen to people's comments, as they are the ones that I am playing for, but there is also a little thing called nerve. On the other hand, I am grateful. Grateful, because now I am even more determined to hold my ground and do what I think is right.


The second incident was not nearly as inappropriate as the first, just another situation - it was suggested that we make available shakers and noisemakers for the audience at a show we are developing. "People like to play along, " it was said.

"That is absolutely the worst possible thing you can do." I replied.

"I have seen a 50+ drum circle completely fall apart in seconds simply because one off-time tambourine player decided to join in. Tambourines can either heal or destroy, depending on the skill of the player. They should be licensed."

The reaction to this comment was less than well-taken.

Now, let me explain one thing: I realize the joy of playing together, and I think that all people of any skill should have the opportunity to join in the joymaking. How else can one learn, if not by trying? And music is not measured by how perfect it is, but by the joy it brings. I certainly would never want to squelch a child's enthusiasm for music by scolding him or her for not being "on time" but teaching a child when it's time to "listen" is a valuable lesson as well.

There are many wonderful situations where one can pick up shakers, noisemakers, and play. Likewise, there are lots of ways to sing along. And many acts want people to join in- their music accommodates that involvement. I encourage everyone to play and make their heart happy.

Just not during a show. Not when someone has worked hard to present something unique. Not when others are around who want to listen. Not when you have not been asked.