We have 10 members in this splinter group. Due to RVing and other activities/commitments, 6-8 folks turn up at practices; Not always the same people, but sufficient to ensure continuity. Our practices are usually informal/social events hosted at a (rotating) member's home. Good appetizers and liquid refreshments are provided by the host.
The smaller group means that individual mistakes are more obvious. Nobody jumps on anyone for a mistake, but it's always a learning moment for us all. We try different arrangements of a song, and add/change things as we go along, until we hear the sound we like. Last evening, for example, we played/sang a song that would normally be punctuated with trumpet licks; None of us play trumpet, but someone suggested using banjo ukes for the licks, and it sounded great.