Hi Everyone

I will shortly be looking into options for dates for the next St Albans event. In the meantime, I thought it would be useful to get your views on anything you think would improve the afternoon.

In particular, I would like to know your views on how much rehearsal time you would like. What do you want to do during rehearsal (eg do pianists just want to warm up by playing a few scales, or do you want enough time to play the whole piece through?) What about those of you doing duets and accompanying - what are your needs in terms of rehearsal time?

The other factor is the accommodation - how did you find rehearsing in the large hall? Was this space adequate? I noticed some of you took instuments out to the corridor - how was this for you? There is another room available that would could book if required, but this would have cost implications.

Please let me know your views and any constructive suggestions you have, and I will try to take these into account next time. Please post here, or PM me if you prefer.

Anne

I think it went really well to be honest and don't think I'd change much at all

Looking forward to the next one!

Personally if you were to hire the extra room for rehearsal I wouldn't object to the price hike. I thought the cost was exceptionally reasonable.

It may give a bit more practive space

Lois

Considering the price was very reasonable, I too think hiring the other room would maybe be a good idea.

I was happy with the set up too. It was actually nice to be able to have a quick practice whilst people weren't really listening carefully. So yes, keep as is.

I know katyjay and I were among those who went in to the corridor. Mainly, I think, it was so we could hear ourselves attempting to play together for the first time, without being drowned out by the piano and clarnet(s) that were going on in the main hall.
I thought this was fine, but we were probably technically a fire risk blocking the corridor as we were
I wouldn't mind paying for the other room if it were hired as the cost was very reasonable for what we had. I am sure if it were there we would make use of it, even if we non-pianists could do our rehersing in the main room anyway!

Thanks for your responses. I will look into the option of hiring the main hall and piano for the whole event next time, with the other smaller room for just the first couple of hours, which should help to keep costs down. Overall, it should still come in at under £10.

I'll investigate some possible dates over the next week or two, and let you know the options available.


Anne

Great - looking forward to it...

*wonder what I can play this time as repertoire is quickly becoming used up quicker than I can learn new stuff*

Anyone interested in a piano duet at the next one?

Good opportunity to improve your sight reading - gives a credible excuse for any mistakes!

Most of the stuff we play at our local orchestra is sight read ... which is why we don't do public performances (well that's our excuse).