No Rules — Crossover Edition

This one is the loud cousin. The one where the bow goes electric, where the kick drum lives in your sternum, where the violin trades its hush for a scream. We wrote rules for the quiet room. So now we are writing the un-rules for the loud one.

(Yes, we know. Naming it “No Rules” and then giving you twelve is the joke.)

So… here we go. Add what you think is missing — and yell it.

If these annoy you, ignore them. If one feels true, send it to the friend you wish was already on their feet.

• • •

1. If you know the words, sing. If you don’t, hum. The song is bigger when more of us are in it.
2. Stand up when your body says stand up. The seat is a suggestion, not a contract.
3. Clap on 2 and 4. The whole room finds the same heartbeat.
4. Yes, film the moment when the bow goes electric. Just don’t watch it through the screen the whole time. Look up between takes.
5. When David screams, scream back. He’s waiting for it.
6. Watch Franck. Watch Vincent. Watch Johnny. Watch Bodi on the drums. The band is having more fun than anyone — borrow some.

7. Sweat is allowed. If your hair is sticking to your forehead by song three, you are doing it right.
8. When Vivaldi turns into ‘Master of Puppets’, do not try to reconcile. Just go for it!
9. Look at the woman crying three rows back. Look at the kid air-bowing. Look at the grandfather mouthing every word. This is the audience David built — and you are part of it.
10. The encore is louder. The encore is freer. The encore is the part where you really show up.
11. The walk to the car is loud now. Sing the chorus. The night doesn’t end at the parking lot.
12. The crossover concert is not a one-time event. It’s an addiction. Welcome to the —What? Again?!!?— Club. ;)

• • •

These aren’t really rules. They’re invitations. The opposite of the ones we wrote for the concert hall — but the same belief underneath. That something can happen in a room of people listening together. The classical concert teaches you to listen with your back straight. The crossover teaches you to listen with your hands in the air.

Both rooms are real. Both are David’s. Take whichever rules — or un-rules — help you tonight.

If a date on the tour catches you, go loud. These un-rules are easier to break than to write — and easier still when there’s an electric bow about to come down.

— The Strings Society Editorial Team