ShiroKuro
ShiroKuro Sam What you want to avoid is having your monthly meetings become recitals
Why? I don’t mean that I disagree with you, but rather, I’m not sure I understand. What are the elements of a recital that should be avoided?
The feeling that everything has to be perfect before it can be performed is one thing. I encourage people to play works-in-progress. And to play those pieces month after month until they are comfortable, if that is what it takes (and it usually does).
The idea that each month has to be a new piece - not practical for us mere mortals.
We talk about our music before and after playing - when we have our annual concert there is no talking (not enough time, and we have a printed program).
And the audience comments on what they just heard - overwhelming supportive and encouraging. Not something you do at a recital.
So low-key, welcoming, encouraging - all things not associated with the pressure of a recital.
We are lucky that the size of our group is small enough that we can do these things. My other group - the one with rules - requires each performer to sign-up beforehand, including the minutes the piece will take, and there is a limit. There is no talking before playing, and no playing before and after everyone plays - much more formal...
Sam