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Post by fatfingerjohn on May 16, 2014 8:19:17 GMT
The Guitar Group I have been teaching for about 2 years (part of our local U3A) are only 2 weeks away from their first public performance, in front of about 200 U3A members at their AGM, and with only 2 practice sessions left. Nearly all absolute beginners when they started its been hard work but they are finally turning a corner. We're doing 4 songs with relatively straightforward chords (including Save the Last Dance for Me and Leaving on a Jet Plane). Youngest player is about 62 and oldest 73.
I now have greater admiration for orchestra leaders than ever; getting 10 novices to start playing at the same time, in the same rhythm, with the same gap between verse and chorus and same singing has been very interesting even with relatively easy songs; stopping together has also been fun with occasional hysterical laughter. In Euro fashion I'm trying to get them to wear long dresses and grow beards but that hasn't caught on. Wish us luck and I'll report back if we survive the egg throwing.
John
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leoroberts
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Post by leoroberts on May 16, 2014 8:22:14 GMT
Here's hoping it goes well, FFJ. I'd say 'fingers crossed' but that makes it bloody difficult to get a clean fretting action...
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on May 16, 2014 8:25:32 GMT
Brilliant FFJ! It'll be such a confidence booster for your gang, and for you too I'm sure!
Let us know just how triumphantly it goes!
Keith
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brianr2
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Post by brianr2 on May 16, 2014 8:34:42 GMT
Great stuff. This will show any young whippersnappers how it should be done.
While I have my doubts about frocks for all, certainly beards should be mandatory.
I am looking forward to hearing the scale of your success.
Brian
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007
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Post by 007 on May 16, 2014 8:41:26 GMT
Good Luck FFJ
No comment about beards though don't want to start a revolution
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Post by missclarktree on May 16, 2014 17:24:55 GMT
I'd insist on beards and frocks for everyone. That way, if it all goes to pieces it will look like part of the humour. Hope it goes well though.
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Post by marcus on May 16, 2014 18:48:46 GMT
I've got my dresses but just can't seem to get the facial hair to grow...
Sounds like a wonderful project and a suitably impressive occasion for a first performance... all the best for the final rehearsals and the performance. Cheers, marcus
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Post by vikingblues on May 16, 2014 18:55:30 GMT
Best of luck John! I look forward to hearing how it was a great success. Mark
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Post by the23rdman on May 16, 2014 21:15:10 GMT
That is inspiring! Go get em!
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Post by fatfingerjohn on May 17, 2014 15:05:05 GMT
Thanks for your kind comments and encouragement. Particularly Leo because his crossed fingers point may be the one thing I've missed which is the reason it has been slow progress (along with the rheumatism, arthritis, broke my specs, donkey bites, long holidays abroad and other myriad of excuses. But the journey has been great fun, not least for me. I'll report back .........
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Post by fatfingerjohn on Jun 12, 2014 12:46:58 GMT
Well, it all happened 2 days ago. My group performed in front of about 150 people at the U3A AGM. Did 3 numbers plus a planned encore. Everyone pretty nervous as for most it was their first ever public outing and most had not touched a guitar 2 years ago. We started with a simple 2-chorder He's got the Whole World in his Hands; then accompanied a good soloist to a Shadows 'Midnight' followed by Leaving On a Jet Plane and finally The Drifters Save the Last Dance for Me. We had the words displayed on a projector at the back so the audience really joined in which helped cover up our occasional rhythm variations!. We all wore white tops and gold sashes saying 'U3Acoustic' on the front and 'World Tour 2014' on the back!
Overall they did brilliantly and I was quite proud of them. Trouble is they're now stage struck and can't wait for the next one!
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Post by Martin on Jun 12, 2014 13:09:53 GMT
Sorry I missed this, but congratulations John to you and your group Sounds like quite an achievement
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Post by ocarolan on Jun 12, 2014 14:03:47 GMT
Great stuff John - congrats to you and your gang - I'd crack on organising the next one right away I think!
Keith
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Post by vikingblues on Jun 12, 2014 17:21:29 GMT
Good to hear it went so well. Congratulations to all concerned. I'm sure the teaching they've had will have had a lot to do with the success. Mark
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leoroberts
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Post by leoroberts on Jun 12, 2014 20:59:41 GMT
Grand stuff ... and very professional looking, to boot
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