Anyone who
wasn’t at the BMG Federation Rally weekend in March missed a fantastic
treat, starting with Friday evening’s concert with Gordon Giltrap
‘finger-picking’ on his beautiful array of guitars and ably supported by
‘Malfunction’, through Saturday’s numerous workshops, meal, open-stage
and ceilidh dancing to the tireless ‘Witchazel Family Band’, and ending
with Sunday’s busy schedule of contests featuring no less than 8 senior
orchestras and a huge range of individuals and groups of all ages and
sizes! Workshops had more than 350 places filled and there were twice as
many contest entries as in 2008.
What people said about the Rally
“Just wanted to say my thanks and
congratulations - didn't know what to expect but was impressed” Shep.
“It was definitely worth the trip to Birmingham. The Rally was
inspiring, motivating, and of course entertaining. Kudos to the MFO for
perfect organisation” Hans (Germany).
“Thank
you for this nice Rally. It was very well organised and I will come for
sure to the next one!”
Claude (Belgium)
Review
of Workshops
A total of 21 workshops
were on offer and most were filled to capacity.
Click on the links below to see full reviews and pictures
Banjo related workshops
Mandolin related workshops
Guitar related workshops
General workshops| |
Review
of Open Stage This was
fantastic entertainment with a variety of musical styles from all age
groups providing a feast of rock, pop, rhythm, classical, Celtic, vocals
and fun music.
Ceilidh
Witchhazel
Family Band played some lively music and Alan Jones called the dances
for what proved to be a hugely successful ending to the Saturday
evening. This is now a regular part of the rally weekends.
Competitions
There were about 121 entries for the competitions. Participants came from far and wide and the
8 competing
orchestras were Bristol Mandolin Ensemble, Midlands Fretted Orchestra,
Edinburgh Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra, Fretful Federation
(Brighton), Da Capo Alba (Lanarkshire) Worcester Classical Guitar
Orchestra and Bristol Fingers & Frets. The standard was particularly high and it was good to see so many
young people winning senior competitions. Other areas represented at the rally included Cheshire,
Newcastle-on-Tyne, Nottingham, North London and Cambridge
Click here for the
results
Rally
Photos
Paul
Tombs did an excellent job taking photographs throughout the weekend;
some of which are included with these reviews; there are many more to
see on his website: www.ptgraphics.co.uk
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Our Biennial Event.................