Here is a message from the Folks at the Girgarre Moosic Muster. Rather than edit it I thought it best to just post it as is – Cheers Editor.
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It’s almost upon us, only a few short days to go before the vans and tents will start to pop up all over the reserve adjacent to the hall in Girgarre. If you’re an early bird, why not sweeten the start of this years Muster by taking part in the Thursday and Friday walk-up sessions before immersing yourself in all the festival has to offer for the rest of the weekend.
Make a start by throwing your name into the hat for a chance to form an ‘Out Of The Hat’ band with another couple of similarly mind folk on Thursday beginning at 1pm until 4. You’ll need to have your names down with the Walk Up Coordinator, John Finn by noon. This is bound to be popular. Each group will have about half an hour to work up a song, and then the opportunity to present it to everyone. This is a novel idea sure to come up with some new and interesting combinations.
Friday there’ll be more opportunities to walk up. 10am -12 and 1pm – 3 pm followed by a typical Jigarre Jammin’ session from 3 – 4pm with the lead sheets up on the screen. Once again John Finn will be coordinating the W.U sessions. After that, the fingers and the voice will be warm and the mind alert to all the possibilities on offer for a great weekend. Friday night concerts, in the hall and out in the park, are on following the BBQ tea as usual.
Not forgetting for a moment, the many shady sites around the grounds. ‘Under the Canvas’ and ‘Camp Connection’ will be dotted around here and there plus there are ample other places you may use if they are not allocated for a workshop. Join in, this is a friendly festival and we love to hear the sound ringing around the grounds. If at any time, you’re getting together with other like-minded musicians though, we appreciate it if you keep away from neighbouring homes.
Campers please note, there is no free camping during the Muster and all campers must register at the office, whether or not they self cater. The costs are minimal and are all listed in detail in the program on the web page. www.girgarre.com.au
Keep an eye on our face book page too. There are some interesting bios on some of our regular workshop leaders and artists. Many of them have been volunteering from the very first Muster. We cannot thank them enough for their wonderful support and for spreading the word each year.
Please don’t think we’ve forgotten the partners that come along and listen rather than take part because they are not instrument players. Well, this year one of the fabulous additions to our program is flax weaving with Sally out under the trees. Sally has it all planned, including providing all the necessary materials and she is more than happy to help you create something quite interesting and unique.
Djembe drumming will once again also be on offer and Pete G is planning the next step in the formation of a ‘Junkestra’. Bring along your imagination, and imaginative, musical instruments made from recycled materials and free yourself up as you move away from the “traditional classical” view of an orchestra to create structured music that’s “abstract“ and free-flowing, something surreal and totally new. You’ll rehearse with Pete and then showcase your efforts as the ‘Junkestra’ at the evening concert.
Another newbie to this years program is Music And Memory, also offered by Pete. So many of us still rely on that word or lead sheet on the stand in front of us when we play. Developing your ear to hear the musical changes as you play, as well as knowing the words by heart will allow you to sing from the heart, and, more importantly, look at the audience. How much more engaging is that. Speaking of engaging, Chris Newman is once again offering tips on Engaging Your Audience. Those two together will raise your performance up to a higher, and more professional degree. On the other hand, if you are one of those people who will always need the prompt no matter what, then Donna will once again offer an updated ‘Storing your Songs on a Tablet’ workshop. Tablets are so convenient and much less bulky than folders and word books and believe me, I have seen some professionals who use them too. All bases covered with these sessions.
There’s so much more, it’s just not possible to put that much detail in this Newsletter. As I indicated earlier, it’s best to keep and eye on the web page – the full program and brochure are there.
Stay cool (yes, all venues are air-conditioned). See you at the Muster. Irene L.
Something for the Children too:
The Kids Program is a structured, but flexible program designed for Prep to grade 6-xers. Plenty of diverse activities are planned designed to give the kids a good time and to keep them engaged.
Check in time is 10 am with a view to starting by 10.30 or a fraction earlier with Shane and some Sea Shanties and sea songs suitable for kids.
11.30 Ukes for those interested and able with Ali and Steve.
12 onwards a ‘put-it-yourself lunch’ (all food provided).
Around 1 pm – clay Sculpture with Alex
2pm – drumming.
Finishing at 3pm.
Craft and face painting will be happening all day as well. Plenty of choice for the younger folkie set.
Numbers are limited to 30 for the kids program, and no, we’re not able to pre book them in. Supervision this year is in the capable hands of Primary teacher, Fiona Smith and her helpers. Guidelines for parents and careers as follows.
Saturday 13th 10am – 3pm in the Kindergarten building, School Rd. Girgarre.
Guidelines Flor Parents:
Children are welcome for as few or as many sessions as they wish, provided they are delivered/collected by a nominated adult. They need to be signed in at least 5 minutes before their workshop begins. This is NOT childcare but an opportunity to learn to play/make/sing/write. The leaders have the right to return any disobedient child to his/her adult without question, in the interests of the other children. A light, healthy lunch, snacks and drinks will be supplied. If your child needs special foods, please supply these. Sessions will be led by qualified staff. All parents will be asked on the day for permission for us to photograph their children for media publicity purposes – this is entirely your decision.
Something to Eat?
There’ll be plenty of food at the festival to buy if you’re a non camper. The committee members provide morning and afternoon tea and freshly made sandwiches; there’ll be a coffee van and various other hot food vans as well as ice-cream. Ice and ice-cream is also available from the Post Office store across the road from the hall. Support our local businesses if you can.
Please note; there is the Post Office Store only in Girgarre. Stanhope is 10 minutes south and has an IGA and Kyabram is 20 minutes away with a larger selection of shops.
- Muster Director, Jan Smith:
- Ph. (03) 5854 6283 / 0458 546 283
- Email – ga*********@bi*****.com
- Workshop Coordinator, Di Burgmann:
- Ph 0408 011 634
- Email – di********@ho*****.com
- Kids’ Muster Coordinator, Fiona Smith
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