Singing Q. & A. Q. -- I sometimes see singers moving from one side of the "hollow square" to another during singings, so I wondered if that is OK for anyone, including new singers. A. -- Yes, all should try out different parts to determine which they like the best and to see where they can be of the most help to a group. Singers often move around to balance the parts better, depending on who is present on any particular day. Many men sitting in the tenor (melody) section could sing bass well enough if they would move over and try it -- and that would help the singing a great deal if they did so. Some leaders in the tradition have said over the years that half the singers present should be singing bass, for the music to "sound right." Q. --  I am picking up the singing pretty easily, but get tripped up when we sing the notes beforehand. Any suggestions? A. -- This is experienced by every new shape-note singer. You will find the notes getting easier and more automatic (like bike riding) after just a few singings. In the meantime, just say "fa" or "la" for every note if you can't keep up -- that helps. Precision in saying the notes is not as important as hearing a preview of the song before you sing the words. Similarly, bass and tenor singers may find it challenging at first to follow their parts while reading the words way up there by the treble part. Somehow, the eyes figure it out for you after you have been at a few singings. Q. -- How can I find out when a singing is canceled or rescheduled, and learn about any special events or that sort of thing? A. -- Please put your information in our Contact Book at the next singing. It asks for your name, city, phone number and e-mail address. That way we can contact everyone and keep them up to date. Add your questions: info@waxahachiesings.org updated Dec. 27, 2008