Hello everyone and a very warm welcome to our November newsletter.
As I write, we are still trying to come down from our festival high! At the festival we announced our collaboration with Rock School, who are now offering grades for our young harmonica players and recognising the harmonica as a proper musical instrument. See links below.
We also had two new ambassadors joining us, Cy Leo and Sarah Saputri, both incredible players who are passionate and driven in helping HarmonicaUK in educating and bringing more young people into playing.
All of the artists at this year‘s festival were absolutely top class. Not only did they perform at the concert and workshops, but attended and involved themselves fully in all of our jamming sessions afterwards. A huge thank you goes out to all of them, the ambassadors, Jim Hughes, who entertained us with an hour's playing on the Sunday, and of course all of the rest of the team (sound and lighting crew and all of our volunteers who helped at the event). As well as the above, check out our website for the competition and its winners - we had some amazing players take part, congratulations to all winners and runners-up.
Look at our website for some amazing gigs coming up such as our very own patron Adam Glasser and Mike Del Faro playing at the 606 Club on the 30th November, one definitely not to miss! Also, Joe Powers has given us details of his Christmas gig. Something else I found particularly interesting was Eva Hurt and her new book. I really hope she does an audio version!!
Finally, I look forward to seeing you all at our open mic which is this Saturday. All styles and levels of playing are very much welcome and fully supported. Lots of fun as well! I find it incredible how quick this month has gone, see you next time for our December newsletter. 🎄
Suzy
Suzy Colclough, Communications Manager
Hello everyone,
This is my first Newsletter column as Chair of HarmonicaUK following our 2022 AGM. As Suzy mentioned above, we had a fantastic weekend at Hillscourt near Birmingham at our annual festival. The event was full of fun, fellowship and excellent harmonica playing. There were many workshops, two concerts, and players all chatting, from beginners through to world class professionals! Many thanks to our crew of volunteers, the committee, artists, ambassadors, members who attended, and everyone else who helped make this event possible.
We have already started to make plans for our next event, the Chromatic Weekend in April 2023, as well as our next Annual Festival in October 2023. We have a great team on the job, but are on the lookout for anyone who has skills that could help us in planning and running live events. If you love harmonica and feel you could contribute some time to help plan our next two live events, please email me at [email protected] - many hands make light work!
Finally, I'd like to mention again our Open Mic this Saturday 5th Nov, from 5pm until about 6pm. Whether you're new to playing harmonica or a seasoned performer, you are very welcome to come along. You will find all levels of players, all styles, and a friendly atmosphere. You can also come and just listen in too. We hope to see you there!
Until next time,
Barry
Barry Elms, Chair
Newsdesk brings you a selection of items from the HarmonicaUK Newsdesk this month. Click "Read more..." to read the full news item.
Bad Luck Friday release new single and video.
Bad Luck Friday, with Will Wilde on lead vocals and harmonica, have released their new single and video – Banshee. Read more...
New harmonica awards announced.
HarmonicaUK have got together with Rock School to announce a new syllabus and grades for the harmonica. This is a world first for the harmonica, as it means the creation of the world's first regulated graded qualifications in harmonica performance. Read more...
Eva Hurt publishes new textbook for chromatic harmonicas.
This book is suitable for children aged six and above and features lots of exciting illustrations. It also comes with a CD to play along with. Read more...
Two new HarmonicaUK ambassadors announced.
In addition to Rachelle Plas and Sam Spranger, Harmonica UK is proud to announce Cy Leo and Sarah Saputri have become their new ambassadors. Read more...
Other News
Adam Glasser’s Toots Thielemans tribute at the 606 club.
Joe Powers’ Christmas concert.
October festival competition winners. Overblow problems and solutions.
A message from the new Chair.
Read about these items and more...
And finally, do you have a spare hour to support the harmonica community?
HarmonicaUK would love to hear from you if you have as little as an hour a month to spare to help support your harmonica community. We are looking for people to help with:
• Newsdesk - writing articles, etc.
• Social media
• Website
• Events (online and in-person)
• ...or any other skills you have to offer
If you would like to get involved with the vibrant, friendly and fun group of folks behind your favourite harmonica charity then please get in touch with us by email to: [email protected]
Events this month - Read more and Zoom links on our Events Page
Friday Coffee Morning – 4th November 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
HarmonicaUK's Open Mic – 5th November 5pm
All levels, all styles, and a friendly atmosphere. You can also come and just listen in too.
Meeting ID: 935 1770 9842 and Passcode: 123666
Friday Coffee Morning – 11th November 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Friday Coffee Morning – 18th November 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Ben Hewlett’s Open Mic – 19th November 5pm
Everybody is welcome – all abilities, all styles, all types of harmonica
https://playharmonica.teachable.com/p/workshops
Friday Coffee Morning – 25th November 11am
Join us on Zoom for a chat about harmonicas, music and more!
Meeting ID: 999 3719 8697 and Passcode: 178801
Have you got a harmonica story? Upcoming gigs? Single or album release?
Newsdesk can help spread the word for you with our members
Please contact us at [email protected]
HarmonicaUK - Registered Charity 1131484 (England & Wales)