ECO at the Music for Youth Regional Festival, February 24th 2008
There was warm praise for ECO at the Exeter Corn Exchange in February, from the professional adjudicators at the Music for Youth Regional Festival. Music for Youth has an international reputation for the events it organises around the UK, including the regional festivals, national festival in Birmingham and the Schools Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
This was the first time that ECO have participated in the festival - getting the orchestra in place (and out again) for a ten-minute performance was an achievement in itself! But we were also rewarded by some very warm and enthusiastic feedback from the festival's professional adjudicators:
General
"What a splendid assembly of young enthusiasts! This in itself is a remarkable and special achievement."
Celebration (Cool and the Gang)
"A spirited piece founded upon a strong rhythm section. A multiplicity of instruments - all confident teams. Syncopation well–understood. Pace well-maintained throughout. A good choice for all - plenty of notes to play!"
"An exciting and arresting start to the performance. Given the numbers and mix of instrumentation this was a lively and inspiring performance with some good ensemble playing. The enthusiasm of the youngsters was apparent in their commitment to the performance."
Pomp and Circumstance March No 4 (Sir Edward Elgar)
"Again total involvement! The arrangement saw to this. A good tone in the trio was achieved - as well as a pleasing balance. Intonation 'OK' throughout. Spirit 'huge'!! A well disciplined 'outfit' - clearly inspired to play with determination and all the musicianship available to them. An abundance of enthusiasm!!"
"The 'big tune' in the Elgar was given a suitable broad sweep both by the strings and then the full orchestra. To bring together such a large group of youngsters who obviously enjoyed their performance is an achievement in itself. The orchestra has great potential both musically and to inspire others."
Many thanks to the adjudicators, to the organisers, and to everyone in ECO and all our helpers for making this such a good experience!