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.
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| Wait - what's that at the front? |
By the way, we won!
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| Look at our fabulous shield. |
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