===========
> question 1
>
> What do you think the way to handle rortation and
> what is your rule for duets?

Originally, I handled my rotations as a first come, first serve rule.
I kept a sign up tablet at my table and singers would sign up their
songs there. The big rule was that no one could sign up again until
they sang their song. In very small groups, I didn't enforce that
rule, but when there are alot of singers, it helps keep things fair.
The reaction was about 50/50 - some singers liked it, others didn't.
The ones who really didn't like it let me know so - and I would have
to keep my eyes open to be sure they didn't sneak off with the tablet
back to their table. I have since switched to a song slip system,
that allows me to hold drawings for door prizes, with the singers
forms as entries.

================
> question 2
> do you think music in the background is a needful thing for a good
show?
Not really. I think its okay to play music prior to the start of the
show, and as an "exit" song - during the initial stages of tearing
down equipment (putting away the music, microphones, books..)

=================
> question 3
> should there be a cut off point in accepting new singers?
Only if the list is full. I like to strive to let everyone who wants
to sing get their chance. Even if it means someone else only does 5
songs instead of 6.

=================

> question 4
> what do you think the best way to handle a contest?
Tough question. I don't think there is any right way to handle a
contest. Inevitably, someone is going to have a problem with it. If
your judges are club staff, people may think they voted for the best
tippers. If the judges are other patrons, people will wonder if they
were truly impartial. I've also seen other contests where everyone
who sang was entered just by turning in a song slip (and getting
through the song) and the song slip was tossed in a jar and one was
pulled out at the end of the night.

A minimum of 3 judges, I think, but points also given for total
audience response/participation - are they dancing? tapping their
feet? singing along? - during the song would be a good equalizer.
These bonus points would need to be given by someone who could keep a
good eye on the crowd throughout the contest.

===================

I hope this info helps!

Scott
STK Karaoke

sign up for FREE karaoke newsletter - send email to :
stkkaraoke@...