I had the impression you were using some sort of church premises and that's why I'd assumed it was Saturday. Will depend on the timing but I'm wanting a couple of Sundays off around then so can't really do another.

with Louise, that's a shame, sbhoa

Hi I keep looking at these events and wondering................should I???

I have only been playing 2 years and just into G3.

Does it matter how short the pieces are? Should I string 2 or 3 small (beginner) pieces together???

Any suggestions as to what I could play?? I would feel happier about sticking my toe in the performingl water if i had some ideas as to what to play.
I guess I would have to play without music???

Would be great to see you at an event!



To give you an idea : I played 'cello at the first Cardiff event (Feb '10), and I did a short 30 second piece, and at a guess I was probably about grade 0.5 then



Whatever you feel comfortable playing. As long as it's within whatever the event's time limit is (usually varies between 3.5-5 minutes), anything goes. We're all very supportive of all performers.



I've always performed at these events with music : it's not at all compulsory to play from memory, though if you prefer playing from memory, that's OK too.

Many events will also have ensembles to get involved with, too. Hope that gives you an idea : have a browse through this calendar and next year's.

I'd just like to add to what b-c has said and say that for solo performances there is absolutely no minimum level.
It's about meeting other people and having fun playing. Playing 2 or 3 short pieces is good and has been done more than once.
As for what to play, make it something you enjoy and feel comfortable with. If you need an accompanist we usually manage to have that covered.

THANK YOU for answering all my ???
I was so releived to hear you say you played for just 30s in your first concert - you are so brave.

I like the sound of an ensemble - I feel playing along with someone else gives me some support - a musical lifejacket in a sea of possible dissonance!!!!

I am in North Wales so will look out for something near me (Chester, Liverpool, Oswestry are all closest).

No problem, indigwolf. Hoping to have an event in Chester in Autumn 2011, perhaps sbhoa's annual Stalybridge gig is one to consider for you - that's in mid-late July each year. Plenty of new organisers came along this year, hopefully more people will come forward in 2011, too.

Hi indigwolf, another terrified newbie here I've been playing clarinet for two years and I've attended two events now - a playday and an adult learners concert, and although I was scared about going to them I am so glad I did. Both events had such an extremely supportive and positive atmosphere, it was impossible not to enjoy them. I played my first ever (accompanied) solo at the adult learners concert, it was very very scary but I enjoyed it so much I am going to do another at the Cardiff event in September (yes I am mad).

My problem, and I think a lot of people are the same, was that I was expecting to give a professional standard performance even though I'm an amateur, I was expecting far too much from myself. It has taken me a long time to realise this and it is hard not to be so critical of everything I do but now I'm working hard to be find the good things in my practice sessions/performances rather than concentrating on what went wrong. Obviously the things that go wrong do need looking at but not the extent that you can't find anything that went well. Am I waffling now? OK, to sum up. If you can get to an event then go for it, I can't recommend them highly enough

You've been very supportive of the events this year Louise. Thanks for coming, glad you've enjoyed them

Have added the Royal Northern College, Manchester Woodwind Weekend to the calendar : thread is in Viva Woodwind, it's on 30/31 October. Have also done a little general tidying of the calendar.

Thanks to those who organised them, they have been great fun and I really do mean that

Thank you for being honest, louise1712.
I too have an enormous fault in that I expect my music, each individual note to be right on pitch, clear beautiful - in fact perfect.

I will take your advice on board and try to look at what went well in a session!!!

I cannot make Cardiff as I am in Scotland then but will keep my eyes open for an event near me!!

Thank you for all the supportive comments - XXXXX

Aw, that's a pity . Is Birmingham a feasible journey for you, indigwolf?

Is that the forum concert on the 7th November??
What is the difference between a forum Concert and a Playing for Pleasure concert??

Yep, it's the forum concert on 7th November.

Rather than go through all the ins and outs here, there's a pinned thread in this forum - 'Forum Concerts and Other Events' which covers most of the basics, indigwolf.

Hey there

Can you add these to the calendar please?

FOREST OF DEAN YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
ADJUDICATOR: MR. MARIO CONWAY MA, BMus (Hons), LTCL
SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER 2010
METHODIST CHURCH, PILLOWELL, LYDNEY, GLOS, GL15 4RA

Forest of Dean Junior Young Musician – Grade 5+
Open to brass, string and woodwind instrumentalists aged 11 - 15 who are grade 5 standard or above on the instrument on which they will be competing. A contrasting programme of not more than 12 minutes duration is to be performed.

Forest of Dean Senior Young Musician – Grade 8+
Open to brass, string and woodwind instrumentalists aged 16 – 21 who are grade 8 standard or above on the instrument on which they will be competing. A contrasting programme of not more than 15 minutes duration is to be performed.

Closing date for entries: 17 September 2010
CONTACT: FODYoungMusician@kixmusic.co.uk



FOREST OF DEAN SOLO, DUET, QUARTET & ENSEMBLE CHAMPIONSHIP

Sunday 3rd October 2010, Bells Hotel and Golf Club (tbc), Coleford, Glos

Adjudicator: Mr Tom Davoren

ENTRY FORMS NOW AVAILABLE BY EMAILING FODSoloChampionship@kixmusic.co.uk


See www.kixmusic.co.uk for more information on either event

Hi indigwolf

Lots of forum members come to the Players for Pleasure concerts and you'd be very welcome if you want to come Have a look at the Players for Pleasure web site where you can see info about the previous concert in June. The next one is on Saturday 8th January in Leeds and if you PM me with your email address, I'll send you details in due course

www.playersforpleasure.co.uk

Going to add that lot now. Hope it goes well, kixmusic.

Sunday 5 Sept : Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire : York Concert Band, including DawnF in concert, Burnby Hall Gardens, Pocklington, 2-4pm.

^ just taken the above event and reprinted it here : I'm sure DawnF will appreciate support if you're nearby!

Two more events are going to get new threads very soon. These are both small scale ensemble playdays, all welcome. The first is in Harrogate on the afternoon of Sunday 21st November, the second is in Greenwich from 11:15am-3:15pm on Saturday 27th November. Harrogate is louise1712's work, Greenwich is mine...

Saturday 23 : Sheffield, South Yorkshire : The Yorkshire Wind Orchestra are pleased to announce the Sheffield Community Playday and Flute Day to be held at Birkdale School, Sheffield between 9:30am and 5pm. Grade 5 plus standard asked for. Musical director - Keiron Anderson. Thread in this forum.

^ with thanks to DawnF, this is now on the calendar.

Which month, Barry?

oops

It's October!

This is next Saturday : just giving it a gentle push

Thanks Barry. Tea/coffee & biscuits are available from 10.30. The concert is free but with a retiring collection towards a plaque we are providing to commemorate Vincent. The hall seats approx. 220 and we are expecting a near capacity audience.

It's a one hour programme with 4 pianists, spanish guitar, soprano, tenor, clarinet, two recorders and a cello. Our final rehearsal is on Wednesday morning so, I now hope all goes well on the day, we have done the practise. Also hoping we don't get another monsoon.

Blimey, it's been quite a busy year, hasn't it? And still a few things to go!

The Kingston U3A orchestra will be performing at the United Reformed Church in Kingston (Eden Street, which is in the town centre), this Sunday, from 3pm-4:30pm, playing Bach, Beethoven and Raff. Thanks to performer Suepea for the information.

click

Now on the calendar

I'm going to ask for this calendar to be unpinned and the 2011 calendar to be pinned in its place after taxidriver's house party this Sunday. Hope you've all had fun in 2010!