Saturday 4 March 2017

The MAPAS Choral and Vocal Festival 4 March 2017


Another weekend, another choral festival.


How could we not take part in this one? After all, it is run by the Salford Music and Performing Arts Service.  MAPAS. We are indeed the Ordsall A Cappella Singers and Ordsall is very much part of Salford. 
The venue was easy to find as was on street parking. The MAPAS banner outside helped. We were well looked after. And as the information from the organisers told us there was a “tuck shop” in operation. Note, this the first year they’ve had adults at the festival. Well, the coffee was very welcome in any case. 


A warm up space was provided for us, and though it was little tight, it worked. Jeff’s magic chewing gum really came into its own in this small space. Sorry, can’t say any more about that as it’s a trade secret though if any younger fans and followers are reading this and have worked with Jeff, you’ll know what I mean. Guys, it really worked for us grown-ups. Especially the bit about the ceiling. (Oops- hope the caretaker’s not reading this.) 


We were fortunate to be able to go into the auditorium and listen to the adjudication of the children’s section. Already we were impressed with the detail given and wished we could have got there to hear the youngsters. Still 9.00 a.m. may be a tad early for an adult who’s worked all week and might it have been a bit intimidating for the young people. One to think about for next time.  
       
We tried out for the first time our small ensembles – The Ordsall Chord and the Ordsall Tone Rangers.
“Great names, by the way,” said one judge. 

We heard some lovely sounds from the other choirs. We meant every clap of our enthusiastic applause. As the judges said, it was clear that every single participant loved what they were doing and gave as much as they could. We know all about that.

Every single group that performed was either highly commended or awarded honours. 

The atmosphere throughout was relaxed but the critique was at once encouraging and constructive. This festival has a particular ethos, a solid one and one that encourages all to enjoy making music. Read about the festival here.   
  
Indeed, we had very positive feedback from the judges as did our two smaller groups. They recognised the risks we took in not standing in our parts and not having a conductor. It seemed to pay off. Now we must concentrate on finishing phrases together especially where they end in consonant. Could we manage with just a root note intro and not all four notes?  They really appreciated our engagement with each other and our audience. Working on that for so long has also paid off. 

This was a lovely morning and sure, we’ll come again next year if you let us.  

Wait - what's that at the front?

 
By the way, we won!              
Look at our fabulous shield.
 

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