Re: [Harp-L] solo harmonica competition

[Michael Parker <mscottparker@xxxxxxxxx>]

It seems that a lot of players prefer to play their harp with other instruments and having a competition disallowing accompaniment would alienate that group.  I just wonder if disallowing accompaniment would bring out the real virtuosos?  





>________________________________
> From: Vern <jevern@xxxxxxx>
>To: Jim Rumbaugh <jrumbaug@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
>Cc: Michael Parker <mscottparker@xxxxxxxxx>; harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx 
>Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 4:44:13 PM
>Subject: Re: [Harp-L] solo harmonica competition
> 
>What if I showed up and wanted to play my own accompaniment on a guitar?  There are many rack players...like Madcat Ruth and Jimi Lee.
>Would the rule be one musician or one instrument?
>Would the judging be for overall musicality in which the accompaniment might confer an advantage, or just the harmonica part which would lack the advantages of cupping?
>
>Vern
>
>On Feb 19, 2012, at 5:48 PM, Jim Rumbaugh wrote:
>
>> Michael asked:
>> Is it reasonable to hold a competition for solo harmonica in which all forms of accompaniment are disallowed? In other words, you have to actually play your harmonica solo?
>> 
>> ==========================================
>> 
>> 
>> I have judged the Ohio State Championship, and modeled our own WV State Championship after it. In both, the harmonica player is allowed to have one acoustic accompanist. About half of the contestants will have someone back them. It is generally agreed that the players with backing score better.
>> 
>> So you can say:
>> 
>> 1) do not allow accompanist so there is no advantage.
>> or
>> 
>> 2) allow accompanist because it makes it more enjoyable to listen.
>> 
>> 
>> Jim Rubaugh
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