Karaoke with Ralf. Logo ©1998 RS Designs

Standard Karaoke Ettiquette
One Two Many Productions • 309 Toftrees Ave • State College • PA • 16803
(814) 235-9338 Internet: karaoke@one2many.net


DOs

DON'Ts

1

 If you are drinking, by all means continue. "Liquid courage" is often the boost people need to get on stage. But be smart about it.

1

 If you are drinking, do not bring your drink with you. Leave it at the bar or at your table, your song will not start until you dispose of your drink.

2

 Applaud for those that get up to sing. It takes a lot of nerve, and everyone deserves a cheer. For you scared folks, applaud because YOU aren't up there.

2

 Do not be rude and disrupt another participant's performance. Unprovoked, rude behavior will not be tolerated. Take it somewhere else.

3

 Keep the microphone close to your mouth. These are cardioid microphones that help eliminate room noise and cut down on feedback. You need to sing right into is as close as possible.

3

 Do not swing the microphone by the cord. Do not blow, shout or scream into the microphone. Do not tap or pound on the microphone to see if its working. If unsure, ask your host.

4

 Feel free to approach your host to ask questions or hand in a slip or to check on a song.

4

 Do not approach your host by stepping between the TV monitor and the singer.

5

 If a song starts in a key that is difficult to sing, ask the host to raise or lower the key.

5

 Do not wait until the middle of a song to ask to have it start over or change the pitch.

6

 Make sure you clearly write your name on the request slip, not the name of the artist. Also, double check the disc code. Mistakes do happen, but a wrong code can bring up the wrong song.

6

 If you use an alias or different names to increase the number of times you sing, you run the risk of being taken completely out of the rotation. Years of experience make the show as fair as possible.

7

 Find a partner or friends to join you if you are afraid to go alone. Flying solo can be scarey.

7

 Join someone else on stage only if you've been asked to do so. Do not butt in. Fill out your own slip.

8

 When submitting duets or groups, list all names participating. You may also "include" a group name. Use the back if necessary.

8

 While teaming up is encouraged, be forewarned that in doing so may affect a team participant's position in the whole rotation.

9

 Some songs include explicit lyrics, sometimes spelled out, sometimes using symbols. Sing these only if you are comfortable singing them. These songs will not be permitted at venues where minors are permitted and present. Ask your host.

9

 Do not attempt at supposed brilliance by rewriting the words of a song with obscene or profane language and singing them without first checking with your host. Some venues will not allow such whimsical behavior. Use common sense.

TERMINATION OF PERFORMANCE OR PARTICIPATION DENIED

DISCLAIMER: Your host reserves the right to deny participation or terminate a performance at any time deemed necessary. This could be due to a violation of anyone or more of the above DONTs or for causing damage to equipment, repeated malicious behavior, being a nuisance beyond reason, or other terms yet to come to light. Regular guests of Karaoke with Ralf shows know that such an action is extremely rare, so if everyone simply enjoys them without incident, there will be no need to take such action. Rules are set to establish an enjoyable and entertaining public performance outlet for your talents. Please respect these rules and you will earn respect yourself.





Rules to Frequently Asked Questions

Some rules have been set forth to answer questions as to procedure of rotations, when requests close, or what kind of behavior is inappropriate. The rules listed below are the result of years of practice and observance of what works best, and what doesn't.


Can I sing a song somebody else just sang?
RULE: During the run of a regularly scheduled show, no songs will be repeated. This means that if you'd like to sing a song someone else has already sung, that song is no longer an option. This rule was introduced to prevent endless repetition of songs less favorable and to add variety to the lineup. There are more than 6600 songs to choose from.
EXCEPTION: If, for some reason, a show goes into overtime either by manager's request or through the use of "passing the hat," a song can be repeated one more time. This opportunity will be first offered to the earliest request submitted by a patron still present.


I put that song in first. Why didn't I get to sing it instead?
RULE: Song requests are on a first-come-first-served basis. If someone has already requested a song you've just submitted, the initial request gets to sing it.
EXCEPTION: While stacks of songs are welcome to help hold your position in the rotation, songs cannot be reserved beyond the top two (2) songs in your stack. This means that if someone submits a song for the first rotation after another has submitted that song for the third rotation, the second submission will get to perform the song. This prevents songs from being reserved for an entire evening when the song could quite possibly be passed over for the entire night if the rotation becomes large.


That guy is trashed, can't you do something about him?
RULE: If you have been drinking so much you can barely find the microphone, read the lyrics or have difficulty standing, you may be denied a performance. This is a call on the part of your host. To appeal such a decision, you may take it up with the venue's manager. However, that may open a whole new can of worms.
EXCEPTION: There are no exceptions.


Can you do something about that person singing above the people on the microphones?
RULE: Persistent singing from your seat because you feel you could do better will not only not win you any friends, it will annoy others that are enjoying the show and can even result in removal from the premises. This also goes for abusive and rude heckling.
EXCEPTION: Groups that come together or know each other well can often be seen and heard heckling each other, it's part of the fun of having a good time as a group. Heckling of a malicious or hurtful nature, however, will not be tolerated. It's a judgement call on the part of your host. Just don't.


Why can't I hold my drink?
RULE: First and foremost, safety ... yours. The equipment is expensive and electrical. Liquids can cause damage and even electrocution when mixed with electricity. You'll be without you drink for only one song. You can part with it for 3-4 minutes.
EXCEPTION: None.



814-235-9338 Internet: ralfsouthard@hotmail.com
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