SAC SIGs - All you need to know
SIG stands for Special Interest Group.
It is a way to extend the pleasure we all get at our meetings from listening to good music through good equipment in good company.
A SIG is different in that:
The SIG’s are managed at the club level by the SIG Co-ordinator (George Davidson).
He works with SIG Conveners, one for each SIG topic.
Presently there are four SIG topics: Jazz, Classical, Rock and Pop, and Blues/World/Folk/Country. Each has a convener.
The convener’s job is to find SIG hosts.
SIG hosts are the people (you) who (as it says) hosts the SIG meeting. The SIG hosts vary from month to month, depending on who volunteers.
How does it work?
When the convener has agreed to the date, times, numbers and theme with a host, he advertises the SIG through the club email to members who appear in that category in the “members interests” database and he lets the SIG Coordinator know.
The invite offers the time, date, rough area, (e.g. Chatswood area,) and a theme, say “Glam Rock” and any additional information.
Expressions of interest are taken on a first come first served basis. Members may bring their partner if they wish, but they must confirm they require two seats. Once the available spaces have been booked, the convener sends out an invite to the lucky members who got a place with the details of the address etc. and he lets the host know who to expect. The lucky members turn up with some good music, maybe some refreshments, the SIG takes place and anything from 2 to 8 people have a great time!
When can a SIG take place?
Anytime really. Most are in the evening and on Friday or Saturdays, but some have been afternoons and some on Sundays or weekdays. The decision is up to the convener.
What do I need to do to host a SIG?
Contact the SIG Convener of your choice. He will talk you through it but in essence it is pretty simple.
What are the Rules:
There are few hard and fast rules, most of it is obvious but….here are a few pointers….
SIG Dates
The club aims to have a certain number of SIGs in a year and the dates are planned ahead provisionally and published on the club website.
Future SIGs
Well the future looks good! We have held a couple of DVD SIGs and they were a great success. We have also had a few Classic Album SIGs. Again the plan will be to hold one or two “one offs” and see how they go. We have also had enquiries about a SIG for “music streamers” so I will be raising that with the committee.
Hope all that helps. If not or if you are still puzzled please do not hesitate to ask. Happy Listening!
George Davidson
Vice President, SIG Coordinator
It is a way to extend the pleasure we all get at our meetings from listening to good music through good equipment in good company.
A SIG is different in that:
- It is more about listening to the music rather than tinkering with the equipment
- It is hosted at someone’s home and usually consists of less than 8 people (depending on the host)
The SIG’s are managed at the club level by the SIG Co-ordinator (George Davidson).
He works with SIG Conveners, one for each SIG topic.
Presently there are four SIG topics: Jazz, Classical, Rock and Pop, and Blues/World/Folk/Country. Each has a convener.
- Tom Waters: Jazz
- David Minarik: Classical
- David Minarik: Rock & Pop
- Tom Waters: Blues/World/Folk/Country
The convener’s job is to find SIG hosts.
SIG hosts are the people (you) who (as it says) hosts the SIG meeting. The SIG hosts vary from month to month, depending on who volunteers.
How does it work?
When the convener has agreed to the date, times, numbers and theme with a host, he advertises the SIG through the club email to members who appear in that category in the “members interests” database and he lets the SIG Coordinator know.
The invite offers the time, date, rough area, (e.g. Chatswood area,) and a theme, say “Glam Rock” and any additional information.
Expressions of interest are taken on a first come first served basis. Members may bring their partner if they wish, but they must confirm they require two seats. Once the available spaces have been booked, the convener sends out an invite to the lucky members who got a place with the details of the address etc. and he lets the host know who to expect. The lucky members turn up with some good music, maybe some refreshments, the SIG takes place and anything from 2 to 8 people have a great time!
When can a SIG take place?
Anytime really. Most are in the evening and on Friday or Saturdays, but some have been afternoons and some on Sundays or weekdays. The decision is up to the convener.
What do I need to do to host a SIG?
Contact the SIG Convener of your choice. He will talk you through it but in essence it is pretty simple.
- You need to have a HiFi system of some kind (your definition).
- A place where you can play it with your guests.
- You need to select a theme for the music.
- You need to host the event and keep a play list.
- We like hosts to write a short report including the playlist but that is optional, as are pictures.
- Refreshments. There are no strict rules but usually people take something and the host provides something, so it is a mutual arrangement. Best advice is to talk to each other!
What are the Rules:
There are few hard and fast rules, most of it is obvious but….here are a few pointers….
- The convener’s decision on guests is final. As numbers are often limited you should reply swiftly to ensure you get a place. Conveners do their best but once they decide, they act, so the list is set.
- Guests in general are very good and reliable and of course things do happen that mean sometimes people just cannot make it despite their best efforts. However guests that repeatedly drop out late in the day may find they are put further down the list. So make sure you get a note from your mum!
- We have never had any rude or disrespectful hosts or guests (so good for all of you!). It is only respectful and in the spirit of our club and given we all enjoy the club it is no wonder we do not have issues at SIGs. Because of that we have no rules or punishments for poor behaviour, we really do not feel the need to go down that road. In extremis however, the SIG convener and coordinator will consider what to do and if they cannot resolve something, it will go to the committee. Like a good constitution, now we got that clear, let’s put it in the drawer never to be used!
SIG Dates
The club aims to have a certain number of SIGs in a year and the dates are planned ahead provisionally and published on the club website.
Future SIGs
Well the future looks good! We have held a couple of DVD SIGs and they were a great success. We have also had a few Classic Album SIGs. Again the plan will be to hold one or two “one offs” and see how they go. We have also had enquiries about a SIG for “music streamers” so I will be raising that with the committee.
Hope all that helps. If not or if you are still puzzled please do not hesitate to ask. Happy Listening!
George Davidson
Vice President, SIG Coordinator