Re: [Harp-L] shifting gears...Big vs Small

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michelle LeFree wrote:
> Richard Hunter wrote:
> <clippage>  Here's one idea: the harmonica festival of the future is broken out into a series of days devoted to particular levels of players.  Day one is for novices, and features lots of instruction in basic techniques, plus seminars in jamming, gear, etc.  Day two is for intermediate level players, and features seminars in particular styles, discussions of advanced techniques, more jamming, and maybe even courses on making it in the music business.  Day three is all masterclasses taught by top pros, with plenty of concert performances.  Day four is jamming all day long, with a concert at the end.  Attendees can buy tickets by the day or by the week.
>
> Is this a formula that will retain intimacy while increasing the numbers of attendees--especially beginners and intermediate players--and the quality of the experience?  Maybe.  It's not the only approach.
***********************

<I've been watching this thread with interest as the two SPAH meetings 
<I've attended have given me some of my fondest memories. I've also been 
<motivated to keep quiet on the subject because I myself am 
<embarrassingly delinquent in following up with Tom Stryker on an idea I 
<had for increasing interest in playing harmonicas by younger people, 
<using SPAH as the shining light.
<
<But here I have to speak up because, in spite of my immense respect for 
<Richard as a player and a person, plus the fact that I have no doubts 
<whatever about his sincerity in his constructive criticism and in fact 
<agree with him in many respects, this is one colossally bad idea.
<
<To me, one of the magical things abut SPAH is the very fact that players 
<of all abilities from rank beginner to seasoned pro rub elbows for the 
<entire festival. I've never felt any sort of elitism or separatism 
<whatever at a SPAH or any other harmonica festival. I very firmly 
<believe that creating any sort of hierarchical or stratified structure 
<to the meeting would do much to destroy one if its best features.
<
<At least that's the way I see it.

Thanks for the feedback. Like I said, this is ONE idea for the harmonica festival of the future.  I don't think it necessarily excludes players of all levels meeting and mingling at SPAH, though it might change the kinds of players who meet and mingle on a given day. You always need some top-level players around on any given day--that's what attracts everyone else. 

The main point, which I will repeat here, is that there's doesn't seem to be a vision of the harmonica festival of the future, or if there is, it hasn't been communicated.  And if there's no change, given the demographics of these shows, the strong likelihood is that these festivals will be much smaller beginning a few years from now.

So what's the vision?

Regards, Richard Hunter

author, "Jazz Harp" 
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