Reclaimers Online

As you might be aware, we’ve applied to perform at the Woodford Folk Festival in December this year. However, now we have an agonising wait until August to find out whether our application has been approved. In the meantime,we’re gearing up to put on a big performance (hopefully at Woodford!) at the end of the year. But we need your help! We’re looking for people to join our Street Orchestra, first and foremost. We’re also looking for people who can help out in other ways, off stage, or with the online activities, or with recruitment.

So here we’ve put together a sort of FAQ (frequently asked questions), which is actually based on an email conversation between Charles and myself. Hopefully this will help explain who we’re looking for.

Maybe you know someone who might be remotely interested? A simple way you can help is by spreading the word and sharing this post.

FAQ’s
Q. What kind of players are you looking for?
A. We want a representative variety of players; some old, some young, some experienced, some novice, some fit, some lazy. The two most important things we’re looking for is:
a) an ability to participate regularly, and
b) a willingness to make a commitment.

Q. Would you prefer certain kinds of players over others?
A. We don’t want to exclude anyone who is willing and able, but our preference is to find new players who identify with some of the issues facing our current members. Emotional disorders, fear and anxiety based disorders, are things that really respond well to ensemble music. Sufferers tend to have more spare time and the benefits are a great motivation. Most of our current members fall into this category. Autism is another related area where time and physical capability are in good supply. It’s basically time and the ability to benefit that we are targeting.

Q. How many players are you looking for?
A. Between 12 and 24 on stage. Perhaps 3 off stage roles. Perhaps up to 5 online, remote participants.

Q. What instruments will make up the orchestra?
A. The orchestra will be modelled on a bush band and a chamber orchestra. The ensemble will be able to do either and combinations of the two.

The bush band line up is:
2 guitars
1 smaller guitar/mandolin/ukulele/banjo
2 percussion; largerphone and kit (probably box drum; cajon)
2 fiddles
2 vocals
1 whistle.

The orchestra lineup is:
8 to 12 fiddles in all sizes (includes violins, violas, cellos, etc)
2 guitars
2 to 4 wind
4 to 8 percussion

Q. Are there restrictions on the types of instruments?
A. All instruments on stage must have been made either at The Workshop in Spring Hill, Bald Hills or by the player somewhere else with a materials price limit of approximately $10.

Q. I want to join, but am I eligible?
Do I need to live locally?
A. Yes, in order to participate in rehearsals and local performances. The exceptions are: the online-offsite team and one or two remote players (who would still need to be able to join us on stage at Woodford, if we get the gig).

Q. Do I need to be available one day or two days a week for rehearsal?
A. Either would be okay. Two is better.

Q. Do I need to sign a membership agreement? / Make an on-going commitment?
A. If you want to be on stage with the orchestra, then yes. For the period that you want. It can be continually updated for people with uncertain circumstances. The ideal period would be from now until Jan 2 2011.

Q. Do I need to be available for the duration of the Woodford Folk Festival?
A. No, you could just come in for the gigs but I’d want a good reason not to stay for the duration.

Q. Do I need to buy my own ticket to the festival?
A. People performing on stage will be given a FREE ticket from the festival organisers. All other people attending the festival will be required to purchase a ticket.

Q. Do I need to arrange my own transport to the festival?
A. I think we should be able to handle this.

Q. Do I need to be able to read music, or already have experience playing a musical instrument?
A. No, reading music is not a requirement – we can show you how to play without reading music, or we can teach you the basics. Some of our members cannot read music, but they still enjoy participating. Other members are classically trained musicians, with lots of experience. Both experienced musicians and beginners are welcome to join. We’re aiming for about 60% experienced players and 40% novices.

Q. Are you looking for people who can play particular types of instruments?
A. Not really, no.

Q. Are you looking for people who have already made their own instruments?
A. No, that’s part of the process.

Q.Would hand-made instruments be chosen over manufactured ones?
A. No manufactured instruments will be allowed on stage, but you can use them at The Workshop, to join in with a rehearsal or jam session. Bringing your own manufactured instrument along to The Workshop is a great way to start, but if you want to perform on stage then you’ll need to use one of our hand-made instruments, or make your own at The Workshop.