This might be simplistic and silly, but the first thing that came to mind when I read the prompt for our second blog post was a karaoke bar. Maybe it’s just because I love karaoke, but I’m going with it. In this scenario, I’m the host (side note: my favorite karaoke host is Master Moose); I manage the show, try to convince folks to sing, and inevitably sing songs to fill the gaps in participation. I haven’t decided which songs are available to sing, they exist in pre-chosen catalog, but I do choose how to present them. Some song lists are by title, some by author, some by decade or genre even. The patrons (students) are mostly there waiting for me (the host) to kick of the night’s singing. Some of them are eager to be there and to sing themselves, while some of them were dragged there, an obligation to a friend or a promise. The event begins slowly. I start the singing and open the floor to the brave person who wants to participate first. It can be awkward but once someone sings something interesting or familiar or enjoyable, other patrons are inspired to take part and line up to sing. The more folks that participate, the more fun we have. The more fun we have, the more prepared we are next time to listen, participate, and sing along.