So who is ready to take performing to the next level???

Some of you know I've been looking to organise a Players for Pleasure event in Tamworth in the West Midlands, which is at the confluence both of the motorway and the railway network systems. We could have a "typical" concert similar to Leeds, in a location like a school hall, but I'm inclined to raise the stakes a bit

In Tamworth there's a concert hall called the Assembly Rooms. It has a baby grand (don't know what make yet), obviously a stage, and is laid out as a proper concert hall (plush seats etc). We can hire the hall for 8 hours, so we could rehearse in the morning and perform in the afternoon in the normal way. However, I have in mind that in the afternoon, we could leave the doors of the hall open so that if any members of the public wanted to wander in and listen to us, they would be welcome to do so. We don't normally have members of the public at these concerts, but I feel from what I've seen at the Leeds concerts, Dyrham Park and Dunster Castle, that many people are now ready to perform to members of the public (and some already do this), as long as it's on a casual basis and without unrealistic expectations being raised as to the standard of performance

Depending on the level of interest, the cost per performer is likely to be between £15-£20. Date-wise, although I had provisionally thought March, the Assembly Rooms couldn't fit us in on a Saturday until August - the 14th, 21st or 28th.

I know this might seem a long way off, but I will have to book the Assembly Rooms fairly quickly if we are to secure it.

Are we ready - or will we be ready by next August - to perform to casual members of the public???



Info about Players for Pleasure here: http://www.forumforum.org.uk/playersforpleasure

Info about Tamworth and the Assembly Rooms here: http://www.tamworth.gov.uk/leisure_and_tou...mbly_rooms.aspx

Sounds great - count me in.

I think letting the public in would be good and, if so, there needs to be a 'contribution box' for them to show their appreciation as they leave. I know this system works.

Just want to say that Chets summer school is usually in Aug (so that's two saturdays gone) and I'm sure many pianist forumites will want to go...

Thanks oldnotes I thought it might be nice to support their local hospice which is St Giles - I'll liaise with them nearer the time and see if they can let us have an official collecting box.




It's a good point, Panthera. Chethams is 20-29 August so the Tamworth event could be on the 14th if a lot of people wanted to go to Chets. I don't want to have it too soon after Leeds, and I thought it would be nice to have it in the summer in Tamworth when people are more likely to be mooching around and might call in. I'm open to suggestions though

I could only make the 14th .
Sounds great.
Bev x

I am interested in trying to make this one, but Aug 14th is Wedding Anniversary (39th!), so may not be possible for me.

Your daughter would be very welcome to play as well if you wanted to make a family weekend of it

Unlikely I think, as she is in Herts. What may prevent me coming is that Mrs. may want to have a meal out with son and his wife as they live near us.

Aw, what a shame.

(I see from the recital thread that you may come to York on Saturday, so may see you then, unless I bump into you in the pub - yet again - in the meantime!)

I shall definately be coming to this one. Any date really suits me.

Lois

Will look forward to meeting you Lois

(... another flautist, wonder if we'll end up with enough flautists for a flute ensemble... )

This seems really interesting. I haven't been able to get myself organised enough for the January concert because of my theory exam, (although I may come and watch) but this one and the summer one in Leeds sound good. I'm even considering getting the old violin out again at some point in the future!

Plus I have family in Tamworth!

Excellent!

And we have a ready-made rent-a-crowd by the sound of it

Our holidays are not yet planned for next year, but I will do my best to attend this one, Skyers!

I hope we do have a flute ensemble .

A flute ensemble is looking good, Geddy!

Our holiday dates aren't fixed for next year yet, but if it doesn't clash with anything else, I'd love to do this one.

It would be lovely to see you again, amber_piano

I would like to register my interest in this event. Aug next year is currently surprisingly empty in my diary. My Dad lives quite close to Tamworth. St Giles Hospice is the charity my mother used to actively support. I would welcome an opportunity to help raise money for them.

Kate fancies this too, so more for the flute ensemble. I may be able to bring more flutes if needed.
Bev

Oooh, there's a good chance I could probably get to this one (it would be my first one!) i'd be more than happy to play and happy to bring my flute too if the flute ensemble is taking shape.

Would we have to supply our own accompanist etc?

getting a little excited at the possibility already!



Saxgirl

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to hear a selection of my recent compositions, please visit http://www.reverbnation.com/keridegg

I'd love to meet you and also listen to you play, CJB - it would be great if you could come




Kate and more flutes very welcome




Hey that would be great saxgirl - look forward to meeting you!

Re accompanying, usually some of the pianists who attend these events kindly offer to accompany - we'll probably have to see nearer the time and it will depend on the level of the piece as well. It hasn't been a problem up to now though

Good for Kate!

Will you also be bringing players for the flutes???

I live very near Tamworth and might be interested - would be good motivation to dust off the old clarinet and try to remeber how to play it. Only problem is that the dates given will be in the middle of the school summer holidays, which might be difficult for many - how about sometime in the autumn?

Welcome to the forums, JME More clarinets at Tamworth would be good! Look forward to seeing you in the Woodwind forum

I'd like to keep the event in August and it's looking likely for the 14th

Quite possibly.

Might be interested if I manage to pass my grade 5 violin in 10 days time: only 20 mins to Tamworth.

I could strum a guitar for someone if needed as well.

John

Good luck with your exam - let us know how it goes!

Can I come ?

I'm afraid I probably won't be part of the flute ensemble though sorry!!

I'll look forward to meeting you, Lizzie violin

Want a couple of quick lessons?

In case anyone in this thread has missed it, there's another thread in Adult Learners about a possible event lois may organise in the Midlands as well. It's planned for March if anyone is interested

I can't do 14th August as one of my friend's is getting married that day. I've already refused to do a reading at the service (I'm absolutely awful at reading out loud ) and I think she would be very upset if I didn't go to the wedding.

I think this event sounds really good and hope it goes well. Hopefully I might be able to come if you do one like this again.

Thanks, Flossie, hope you'll be able to come another time

This event is being dropped, due to another concert in the West Midlands now being planned for a short time afterwards instead of in March as originally planned. I don't believe it's viable, either musically or financially, for two concerts to take place in the same area within a short space of time. I'll ask the mods to close this thread.

I know it wasn't lois's intent to have a second West Midlands concert within a short space of time after this one I was organising, and I understand the position she was put in. I wish her concert every success