WHAT TIME DO I ARRIVE?
The music starts at 7:45pm. The list of people wanting to sing is taken from 6:15pm by Les Tomkins. Recently we have been very busy and the singing list fills quickly. If you want to be sure of getting a singing spot or need to sing in the First Set (7:45 - 9:00pm) you need to be in early. From 7:00pm everyone pays admission and signs the door book, this includes non-singing guests. If you want to sing you sign the clip board with the list of singers for the evening attached as well as the door book. You have the opportunity to give us your email address so that you can receive our monthly newsletter NOTES which contains information relating to Singers’ Night as well as other jazz music events that are taking place. Sometimes there are flyers advertising upcoming gigs and workshops at the desk for you to take.
 

WHAT IF I JUST WANT TO LISTEN?
That’s fine. Some singers come a few times to listen before deciding to sing. Even if you have put your name on the Singing List you can decide not to sing. Just let our door person or host know. If your new to the event it can help to bring a friend along. It won’t take long before you make new friends and feel at home.


WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO SING?
If you are singing you also give our door person your full name, the title of the song you intend to sing and the tempo you will be singing your song in such as slow swing, medium swing, fast swing, Latin or ballad. You can choose a spot anywhere in the first or second set. Usually each person sings one song but occasionally there is time for a second song. Always bring along a selection of music rather than just one piece. If you see that someone else is singing a song you want to sing it’s really not a problem. But often singers prefer to sing a piece that isn’t already taken. Always take a look at the tempo of the song preceding yours. If it’s in the same tempo, ie two ballads, it might be better to choose another spot. If you play keyboard or guitar and want to accompany yourself that’s fine, but be sure to tell our sound engineer in advance so that he know’s you will need a mic. Otherwise, singers always work with our instrumentalist.


WHAT IF I AM LATE IN ARRIVING?
Songs spots are taken on a first come first served basis. If both sets are full when you arrive you can put your name on the Overs List. This means that if there is time at the end of the second set a few additional singers may sing. It is not a sure thing, however. We will try and fit you in if we can but sometimes it just isn’t possible. There is no prebooking of singing spots and you can’t sign in for someone who is going to be late, only for yourself.
 

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I WILL SING?
Singers are usually called up in the order they have signed the Singing List. The only exception is if two or more singers want to sing in the same tempo. In that case the host may move a song. You will know two songs before your turn is coming since the singers names are announced in advance.


WHAT SHOULD I TELL THE INSTRUMENTALIST?
You do not have lots of time to sort out you song with the pianist. You need to have your music ready, preferably in the key that’s right for you. Most of our pianists can transpose your music but it’s always better to know that your music is in the best key for your voice before you begin to sing. If you are new to singing and not sure how to do this there is help. You can get information on how to transpose the music yourself or get a pianist to do it for you at a nominal charge. You need to think about the tempo you are going to sing in and how you want to begin and end your song. If you don’t feel secure counting in the tempo you can sing a bit of the song to the pianist so he or she can understand what you want. It can help to put this information on a Post-It and put it on your music so you don’t forget anything you want to tell the pianist including if you would like him or her to play a solo and if so when you want to come back in to the song yourself. It’s always a good idea to give a brief introduction to your song if you feel confident. It can be something as simple as “ My song, Summertime, was written by George and Ira Gershwin.”.


WHAT ABOUT THE MIC, I’VE NEVER USED ONE?
You don’t need to bring your own mic since we have a high quality mic for you to use. You can either keep the mic in the stand or take it out and hold it. We have an professional sound engineer who will make you sound as good as possible. Holding the mic about an inch from your mouth is ideal. If you hold the mic too far from your mouth the sound has to be turned up, starts picking up reflection from the room and can cause feedback. Don’t put your lips on the mike. This can also cause feedback. If the instrumentalist is taking a solo be aware of how you are holding the mic. Don’t point it at the speakers which can also cause feedback.

WHAT IF I FORGET THE WORDS TO MY SONG OR WANT TO STOP AND START AGAIN?
At Singers’ Night the ideal is to know the words of your song so that you don’t need to read them from the sheet music. There is a music stand so that you can have a copy of your music close at hand. If you forget your words, chances are that everyone will join in and help you out! It’s not a problem since it happens to us all from time to time. If your song starts badly, the wrong key or tempo, you can always stop and ask the accompanist to start again. Before you begin to sing take a big breath and let out all your tension and centre yourself.

Most important of all, enjoy your song. Singing is a wonderful form of communication!