h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The branch of the Company I work for has chosen a 'Charity of the Year' and is aiming to The Committee decided to arrange a talent competition, which one of my bosses and a colleague where going to enter as Sonny and Cher but, for complicated reasons, they had to pull out...

So... Foolishly, I decided to enter.

Now I can play the Fiddle, believe it or not, and that is why I have it in my tag... However, I am not terribly confident in playing it Solo, as it is not an instrument that everyone likes... Horsehair on Catgut can sound very Suffice to say, last Friday was the Audition, and there were 11 acts, including me, signed up. 7 singers, a three piece band, a Magician, a drag act and yours truly. The Committee where only expecting a small turnout to watch the auditions, at £2 a head, so had arranged for a medium Meeting room to be the venue, maximum 30 people. However over 80 people bought tickets so a new venue had to be found quickly.

Come last friday, the Staff canteen had been chosen as the venue, and I had arranged, with management, to set up and do a sound check around 16:30. This was because I was going to use my electric violin, similar to this one here...

http://www.bridgeinstruments.co.uk/e_violins_Lyra.html

When I arrived at work I was told that, due to low staffing levels, and a very poor service level through the week, it was likely I would not get released... This really me off, as I had really psyched myself up for this, knowing that it is something I am not too comfortable with... Others may think I am good, but my low self-esteem does make me feel that maybe people are just being kind... Whichever it is, the day progressed and I kept asking 'Have you made a decision yet?' and was not given an answer. Eventually at 18:15 I was told to go and set up, which I did, in 10 minutes flat, but only had time for a rudimentary sound check to ensure I was plugged in

19:00 arrived, and i got changed and went to the venue, where the audience were participating in a Music quiz, until 20:00. No sign of the other contestants... They were all in the 'Green Room' that I knew nothing about. I also did not know how long my act needed to be, order of performance, nothing except turn up... In other words usual communication breakdown. I was eventually tracked down by the MC and ushered outside to meet the other contestants and I was told I was the tenth act, of eleven, to perform... We were then paraded before the 4 Judges, who had been assigned the task to copy one of the TV talent shows... The one with Simon Callow and Sharon Osborne in .

All the performers, except the Band and I, had backing tracks, which was a little daunting for me. A bit like being on stage naked. Nothing to hide behind. The acts were good, although the Drag act wasn't 'Dragged' up. The three piece Band were superb, playing one of their own number, and they had only formed for the competition... And three of the Singers (all female) also put on exceptional performances. I played two pieces strung together... A Welsh waltz... Blodhur's Drain, followed by Cork Hornpipe (if you are Irish) or Harvest Home (if you are English)

Here is a taster of Harvest Home, which is the first tune here, and it isn't me playing it...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3NR6ktiJ88

I segued neatly into Harvest Home and then just cranked up the speed, with everyone getting behind me and clapping ferociously. The only downside was that, due to an incomplete soundcheck and no foldback, I couldn't hear myself, so just had to guess where I was in the tune. Luckily I did get a standing ovation. The judges went away to deliberate on the performances, during which time I did receive congratulations from some of the audience which made me feel pleased with myself.

The Judges then ran through the winners going through to the Final.. 6 singers and the Band, then a long pause, with an 'Ask the Audience' session, and the final announcement...

I had made it through to the Final on Friday 25th July, with a First prize of £250, of which I intend to donate £25 back to the Charity if I win.

Now my big is, what do I play in the Final...

Here are two of my tentative choices:

'Humoresque' by Dvorak, going into 'Five Foot Two' followed by Trumpet Hornpipe (aka Captain Pugwash).
or
'The Can Can' by Offenbach, going into 'Sweet Georgia Brown' followed by Trumpet Hornpipe (aka Captain Pugwash).

This would give a taster of 'Classical' followed by Pseudo 'Jazz' finishing with a steaming Folk tune... However I am uncertain whether just one or two tunes would not be a better option...

I'd love some advice...



MMF

First up, a huge pat on the back for getting up there and performing. Takes some doing regardless.

The only advice I would ever give is "do what you're comfortable with". That way, less chance of making a muck of things. Most of all, enjoy it, you'll gain confidence from the experience.

Thanks, ST.

I pride myself on playing any style, and any tune I've heard, although usually with another musician... I'm sure I'll come up with something suitable...

It's not as if I haven't a large repertoire to fall back on...

Watch my journal for updates!!!



MMF

Congradulations Don't know really about the selection of what to play, either you suggested look good Depends, I guess on what the judges are lookign for... what they like... Of course doing stuff your comfetable doing and can already play etc., helps Just as an idea... and I'm not sure exactly* what song/tune it'd be, how about something not normally associated with the instrument, maybe a modern fairly well known chart song.... but done on the fiddle Not 100% Origional I know (that violinist I like who's name I can never remember had some odd pop/rock songs included on his last album.. worked quite well I thought,)... But of course that might take a lot of work to a] Identify a suitable song/tune and b] Do an arrangement of it suitable to go with other stuff in the set

<>

how do you know?



Hey, congrats I wish I'd been there to clap, well here's my and well done MMF

Haven't got a clue what you should play in the Final, I just wish I could come along and support you

Congratulations!

I have no advise for you about selections, but I'm sure you'll be great. I understand the low self-esteem thing and wondering if people really mean what they say when they compliment you. Well, they usually do! So stop worrying and have fun with it. You wouldn't be in the finals if you didn't deserve to be.

not in to classical music as such, but excellent MMF - the final will be a breeze or is that Bizet

Thanks Folks, for the support.

It was interesting, as I felt reasonably calm and, even two minutes before going on, I was still toying with playing something else.

Prof, the reason I may choose a Classical piece is mainly to show I can play the fiddle across genres. I also need to make it populist, as I believe it will be an 'Ask the audience' final and, although I am very well known, my popularity is not that high.

Three singers were from the Perfumery department, and had the support of around thirty staff members. I have been told that some of my colleagues will attend. I also need to raise £50 in sponsorship, and have around £30 pledged so far. Shouldn't be hard though... Just tap all the colleagues I know...

Just need to practice now...



MMF

Congrats, MMF .

I can't play anything but TicTacToe so I don't have any firm advice on what to play. Just play something you're happy and comfortable with.

Congrats

I don't have any advice either, but something toe-tapping where the audience can feel lifted is always a winner with me
Goodluck

Thanks ladies.

Venus, that is the reason why I've chosen the Trumpet hornpipe, as I can play it at speed, and when on form, I can play faster than they can clap...

But not at work and the Talent contest, as it is so hot once the store closes that the perspiration on my hands causes my fingers to slip and, worse case scenario, the fiddle could slip from under my chin...

Oh well, like I said, for once I shall be practicing, if I can remember how to ... Better be when the neighbours are at work...

MMF

no idea what to play - but well done for doing it and doing well

If you're looking for cash MMF I can bung a fiver in the post to you, to go with the 30 quid already raised if you like.

(I don't mind starving for a good cause<violin&gt

(Well done, btw, for making the final; one of these days we'll persuade you to give us a tune atone of the Thanet Beer Festivals)

As for the musical choices, I'd give 'em a taster of each genre and really go for it. If you enjoy what you're doing on stage, then the emjoyment becomes infectious and the audience feed off you....and you feed off the audience, as such.

MMF,

Oh, I do wish I could hear you. It sounds wonderful. I love a musician who plays all kinds. Any of your choices would be great, but the mix is good, building them up to enjoy themselves and leaving them wanting more.

I know the problems you have with self confidence, but you know, audiences in general aren't that polite - if you are not much cop they will let you know, so take the compliments as genuinely meant, and enjoy. You know in your heart you are good, I can tell, so go for it.

I could bung a fiver in the mail too if that's any help. You're worth it, to coin a phrase!

Is there any chance of a clip of you playing on YouTube ....pretty please

Websailor

Actually, I think encouraging MMF to give us a bit of a preview on You Tube is a great suggestion WS

Infact, that may well be a conditional pre-requisite before I part with someof the lads' housekeeping

(MMF, twas a joke, honest!)

But I'll second the request for a bit of You Tubing

I'll even say pretty please,as well, if you like

I have just enjoyed some Irish music on YouTube, it's amazing what you can find on there to cheer yourself up. Thanks MMF.

I really would love to hear you MMF. And you can be sure of an honest opinion too

Websailor

Youtube?

Maybe I'll get someone to film the Band playing at a gig, so you can see us playing together, I'm not sure about posting myself... especially as there is already a Madfiddler online, although I believe my tag predates his, mine being 30 years old, but he is good!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KW8YTg4gHmA

I'll have a think about it, and thanks for the offer of donations...

BTW EC, Are you up for Broadstairs Folk Week again? It starts Friday 8th to 15th August... Let me know!

I know what ever I play will be with passion, and I have 5 weeks to practice, as well as 4 wednesday jam sessions...

Here's to the fun

MMF

8th to the 15th august?
How many hitchhikers fans are likely to be in the voting audience/pannel at the finals?; I was just thinking that the highchikers theme tune might responde well to a fiddle treatment I'm having musical trubbles at the moment... I just recorded a great chord/picking patturn as an intro to the tune I'm working on... already with bass nd some melady and percussion etc.... and then afterwards i realised I'd utterly and totally and blatiently and just about note for note utterly stolen/plagerised it from one of the other tunes I wrote

I'd be up for at least a day at Broardstairs MMF - we'll get it sorted which days a bit nearer the time.

Oh..and I'd sooner hear *you on You Tube, if it's all the same to you;notyour band; *you* You can't getaway with not doing it just because someone else has your "name", that's a very poor excuse,I'm afraid.

You can always call yourself some thing else...couldn't you

Get a link up - as WS has said, you'll get an honest opinion from us lot.

Does anyone want any jam, btw? My new hobby is taking me, the larder and the kitchen over

And yes, 2 Legs, there's a spare settee if you need it.