By Chris Froggatt

When two callers work together well, it can be a great lift for the dancers. There is no doubt that some callers harmonise well, and certain callers always sound good together. The effect can be spectacular.

However there are many examples when two callers working together sound awkward or sometimes just plain bad. Why is this the case? Is it just a case of some having more natural talent, or can all callers learn the techniques that the "experts" use? I suspect that the answer is a bit of both.

This only the case if the two (or more) callers understand each other's style, and allow the other to shine. Having two callers calling simultaneously will sometimes only result in a doubling of volume, not necessarily a doubling of dancer pleasure.

The first thing to learn when calling duets is to call the "singing parts" softer.

The most successful caller duets only actually "share" certain parts of the calling – the lyrics of the song. The majority of the calling features only one or the other of the callers going solo, or leading the call. However an illusion is created that the callers are sharing most of the call. This way it is possible for two callers of contrasting styles to sound good together.

We all call to the melody of the music, but do we really listen carefully to it? Throughout any piece of music, you can hear certain instruments "leading", and certain other instruments making up the rhythm. Usually the lead instrument will be a piano, guitar or violin in square dance music. This lead instrument is playing the "melody", and that is what we usually call to. But behind the lead, you will often hear other instruments such as bass guitar, organ, drums or brass. These other instruments usually play chords that help to make the music sound complete.

The lead caller in a duet will usually follow the main melody of the song.

Closely listening to a record might reveal a second melody is present. This may actually be the same chords being played by the lead instrument, but with a slightly different melody. You might be able to identify this by listening to the bass guitar or second fiddle on an instrumental track.

When calling a duet, if one caller calls on the main melody of a singing call, while the second caller follows the second melody, a pleasing harmony can be created. The second caller should sing slightly softer than the lead (the lead callers voice should be predominant). If this is done properly, it can greatly enhance the presentation of the number.

Sometimes we have three or more callers calling together. In this case, for the call to sound musically "correct", only one caller should call on the lead melody (the dominant voice), while the others call the harmony (either higher or lower pitch than the lead). Remember the old song "Daddy sang bass, Mother sang tenor"? This is a good example of harmonising. If we hear a "blending of voices" it is pleasing to the ear.

Many groups such as The Seekers, Human Nature, The Beatles and the Back Street Boys have all used this technique. You will rarely hear members of good harmony groups singing the exact same notes.

It is unusual for callers to have the opportunity to practice together. However, if you know that you would like to call a duet with someone, here are a few clues that will help:

1. Let the caller know you would like to call with them well ahead of time, and find out if they are agreeable. This may sound funny, but most unrehearsed duets sound a lot like they were unrehearsed.
2. Write down the name of singing calls that you think would be suitable. Ask the other caller to do the same and then swap lists.
3. Don't necessarily pick numbers that you have heard others perform in duet. It is hard to live up to the memory of a great performance by someone else.
4. Select only one or two numbers to chose from, then study the music. Then study them some more.
5. If you can identify the melody and the second or counter melody, the number is probably suitable to call as a duet. If not, find something else.
6. When you have decided on a tune, practice calling to the counter melody (this is not easy, and will take some effort).
7. Talk to the other caller and let them know what you want to call, and see if they agree. If so, go it a go!
8. You will find some numbers sound good with you singing the lead, and other sound better with the other caller leading. Decide this together.

Gimmicks can be used to good effect in a few numbers (only occasionally), such as sound effects or dressing up.

Remember that duets should be something special, so don't overdo them.