Rally News
British BMG Federation Rally 2014
14th–16th March 2014 – Last Minute News
Just a few final words before this major
event is upon us!
Saturday Workshops
At the time of writing (end Jan) the situation is:
• Trophies: Winners in 2012 will have received
reminders to bring their trophies with them to the
Rally. Please make sure they are as bright and
shiny as possible, ready to be put on display.
These workshops are full:
• Ceilidh Rehearsal Change of Time: The
ceilidh rehearsal with Alan Jones detailed on Page
18 of the Rally Syllabus Booklet has been moved
to the later time of 4 – 5pm. Those attending will
not miss any of the afternoon concert as this will
start after the rehearsal ends. Anyone planning to
book a ceilidh workshop will need to also commit
to the free rehearsal or make it clear they don’t
want to perform for the ceilidh dancing in the
evening.
Mark Willcocks Introduction to Renaissance
Lute (unless you have a lute
you can bring)
• Quartet Seasons from Bulgaria: Quartet
Seasons will definitely be at the Rally and will
run a workshop on Saturday afternoon 3:00pm –
4:00pm dedicated to Bulgarian folklore music. It
will be divided into two parts; the first 15 minutes
or so will be theoretical – main characteristics;
folklore songs and dances; typical instruments
used in Bulgarian folklore music; rhythms - the
irregular measures – explanation and examples.
The second part of the workshop will be practical
and you will play Bulgarian music composed in
irregular rhythm. This workshop is for mandolin,
mandola and guitar but banjo and ukulele will be
welcome if they can play from mandola or guitar
parts or chords. Players should be of intermediate
to advanced level (beginners may find the music
difficult but can also attend) and will need to read
music notation, although chords will be added
on the guitar part. Cost will be £6 members/£7
non-members. As the Rally is only a few days
away, contact Henry Girvan tel. 01592 630374 or
email [email protected] to ask if he
can accept bookings or if you should book at the
weekend.
• Saturday Afternoon Concert: This will now
commence after 5pm and will aim to finish by
5.40pm latest.
• Saturday Evening Meal and Entertainment:
Only those having purchased tickets beforehand
will be able to attend this event. For those whose
booking has been made by someone else on their
behalf, please check with them that your name
is included on their list and ask them to give you
your ticket.
Cathy Jones Rhythms of Brazil (Drumming)
Simon Mayor Lose your Music; Lose your
Inhibitions
These have only a couple of spaces:
Dave Griffiths Performing with Confidence
Travis Finch Advanced Techniques for Right
Hand (Mandolin)
Mike Pryor Powerhouse of a Bluegrass
Group
Frances Taylor Baroque Mandolin
Simon Gore Alexander Technique
Nigel Gatherer English Dance Tunes
For those where places remain, bookings
can be made at the weekend.
• Noise Level: At Rally 2012 the noise level was
high outside some contest rooms, in particular
outside the hall when people were waiting to
enter. Please keep noise to an absolute minimum
outside and near workshop and contest rooms so
participants, tutors, adjudicators and audience are
not distracted.
• Festival Tickets for non-participants:
Apart from under 18s, anyone not participating
in workshops on Saturday will need to purchase
a Festival Ticket at £5 for entry to the venue on
that day. Similarly, anyone not taking part in
contests on Sunday will need to be in possession
of a ticket. Note that only one ticket is needed
for the whole weekend as it will be valid for both
Saturday and Sunday. Workshops will be for
participants only, no observers will be allowed.
• Tickets: By now you should have received your
tickets by email or in the post. Please print your
tickets and bring them with you for quick access
to the events. If you have not received the tickets
you have booked, please contact Henry Girvan at
[email protected] tel. 01592 630374
• Weekend Programmes: These will be
available throughout the weekend from Friday
evening onwards.
3