Frances Musicianship Competitions
We're rolling onto 2012! Competition entries open here on November 1st.
Here are the results for the 2011 competitions. Congratulations to all who - not just won - but to those also who entered.
The 2011 Competition Rules are here if you're interested in what you might have missed. The 2012 rules will be available here when the entries open (Nov 1st).
What's it all about?
In case you haven't been to Frances, here's a bit about the competitions...
On the Saturday during the day there are musicianship competitions in the competition tent. There is a PA set up, with a sound mixing person and you get to perform in front of an audience - and in front of three judges. All performances are acoustic. You cannot plug into the PA. You can have an instrument mike and a vocal mike. You can use any acoustic instrument that you can carry onto (and off) the stage.
You have a certain amount of time to perform, usually around 4 minutes. The judges will then consider your performance and mark you against the judging criteria that you can see in the rules.
The contestants are divided into "open" and "intermediate" sections, based on whether or not they normally get paid to perform. If you're normally paid to perform, enter the "open" section. If not, you can enter either section (or both).
There is usually prizemony for the winners and placegetters and results are announced and certificates presented at the end of the day's competition.
On the Saturday night the bands compete. This is on the main entertainment stage and is called the "Bandemonium". Similar judging rules apply but there are no status requirements. If you have 4 or more people, you have a band! There is a full PA available and instruments can plug in if you wish.
Sorry if you missed out at the last Gathering. Keep an eye on this page from November 1st to enter for next year's Gathering.