PROMISING percussionists kick-started the music section of the Mount Gambier Eisteddfod on Thursday morning.
Over 250 young musicians will compete for music scholarships at the Wehl Street Theatre during the three-day event, which will continue today and tomorrow.
Adjudicator Mark Ford is a music teacher of over 25 years and one of Australia’s most senior and sought after wind and brass adjudicators.
“We will see 283 performances over the three days which is an impressive number of entrants,” Mr Ford said.
Competitors will receive verbal critiques on CDs from Lions Club member and former National Band Council executive officer Allen Woodham OAM who records each performance.
“I record all the contestants on CD complete with a voiceover with the adjudicators comments,” Mr Woodham said.
“This is the third year I’ve recorded and it’s much more efficient – adjudicators used to write notes on the sheet of music.
“Recording to CD doesn’t breach music copyright because we have the voiceover on top of it and it is extremely helpful to young people as they can listen to their performance and listen to the adjudicators comments and it really does help them improve.”
An adjudicator at the Backstage Incorporated Mount Gambier Eisteddfod in years gone by, Mr Woodham said this year’s contestants would benefit from Mr Ford’s critique.
“We often have some of the best adjudicators in the world at these events,” he said.
“Mark Ford is one of the best in the country.”
Young drummer Vincent van Eyk was eager to take the stage ahead of his first performance yesterday.
“I’m performing in three different sections including the scholarship and drum solo sections,” he said.
“I’ve been practicing probably once a day for three or four weeks – I’m mostly excited but a bit nervous.”
