Irish Traditional music session 
In the Irish language, the word for “session” is seisiún.
The “Field Guide to the Irish Music Session” so admirably defines a session as: a gathering of Irish traditional musicians for the purpose of celebrating their common interest in the music by playing it together in a relaxed, informal setting, while in the process generally beefing up the mystical cultural mantra that hums along uninterruptedly beneath all manifestations of Irishness worldwide.
The format of a session goes like this: someone starts a tune, and those who know it join in. Good session etiquette requires not playing if one does not know the tune, and waiting until a tune one knows comes along. In an “open” session, anyone who is able to play Irish music is welcome.
Most often there are recognized session leaders. Their job is usually to anchor the session and communicate with the musicians. They may also have to maintain discipline if someone breaks etiquette and takes over the floor as if giving their own concert. They may also have to limit the volume if one instrument overbearingly dominates the session thereby tuning everyone else out.
At times a song will be sung, or a recitation made, or a slow air played by a solo artist or musician between sets. A good leader will invite musicians to start a set. The goal is to make all feel welcome and included. Generally the instruments used in a session are those that have been played traditionally. So a musician shouldn’t take it too personally if he is turned away with his jammin’ amplified electric guitar, or his bongos played in a loud dominant latin beat.
The session is not so much there to play for the audience, but for the musicians themselves, so that they may share and learn and socialize with each other and keep the culture alive. As well as downing a few pints!
Typically, the first tune is followed by another two or three tunes in a set. The art of putting together a set is hard to put into words, but the tunes must flow from one to another in terms of key and melodic structure, without being so similar as to all sound the same.
There are many great sessions right here in the Hudson Valley. Some in public houses, many in private homes, and some right here in Carmel. (Pictures to come soon).
Special Thanks to “The Celtic Note” local traditional musicians.
“Field Guide to the Irish Music Session” excerpt and to wiki pedia
