Hi all.
I’m in the process of doing a project on adjudication and competition in ITM, and I was wondering if there’s anyone out there who competes, or who has competed in competitions in the recent past. I’m looking for perspectives and feelings on this topic, from the point of view of the competitor. If anyone can help, please PM me, or email fluter_dAThotmail.com (please replace AT… you all know the drill!)
Thank you in advance!
Deirdre
To clarify a few points: my project is basically on performance theory, and how it relates to ITM. So I’m looking at the role of the adjudicator (in general, with particular reference to ITM), perceptions of that role (from adjudicators, and competitors), and the bases on which adjudication decisions are made. Which is why I’m looking for reactions.
Deirdre
[Edited to clarify purpose of thread. D]
[ This Message was edited by: fluter_d on 2002-12-28 12:49 ]
D, you can click on the “edit” icon at the bottom of your first post and delete all except your original post, then type in an invitation to continue the discussion in the ITM forum.
(Edited to exult in my modest html skills)
An Pluiméir Ceolmhar
[ This Message was edited by: Roger O’Keeffe on 2002-12-19 09:26 ]
From what I read from Peter The Silent (Pierre Le Taiseux–this IS a compliment) it goes with music as it goes with sports. Sports are great, competition sucks.
IMHO
I started ITM on the Mandolin about 3 years back, and one reason I gave up was that the teacher was trying to steer everyone into doing Exams. He then spent more time with the pupils who were practising for exams, until one time he spent the first 40 minutes of a 2 hour class excusively talking to one flute player. The rest of us couldn’t play anything or we would disturb the flautist.
I used to enjoy Ballroom and Latin American Dancing until the teacher tried to puch me into competitions. Watch the film “Strictly Ballroom” for a great take on dance competitions, it’s so true it’s scary.
I agree with the idea of using competitions and exams to grade your own progress, the problem for me is we don’t all progress at the same rate, but that doesn’t make the slower learners bad people. Comnpetitions do make them losers though.
Thank you all for responding. However, the project deadline approaches like an oncoming steam engine - at speed, and scaring me quite a bit - and so I thought I’d bump this back up again and keep hoping! As before, please help if you have any experience of either performing in or adjudicating any type of competition - not just in traditional Irish music, although that is the main focus of my project…
TIA
Deirdre
On 2002-12-28 12:52, fluter_d wrote:
Thank you all for responding. However, the project deadline approaches like an oncoming steam engine - at speed, and scaring me quite a bit - and so I thought I’d bump this back up again and keep hoping! As before, please help if you have any experience of either performing in or adjudicating any type of competition - not just in traditional Irish music, although that is the main focus of my project…
TIA
Deirdre
My only experience is one competition as a participant, several as an observer at Irish Dance (Feisanna) competitions. Some have music competitions as well.
Generally, the format is some form of ITM, whether it be whistle, violin, flute, singing, etc. For the musicians (As opposed to singers) it’s generally required to do one air/song type, and one tune. It’s generally judged by one person, and you are judged on clarity, difficulty, phrasing, ornamentation and presentation. I’m sure there’s more that the judge takes into account, but this is what I’ve seen.
Hope that helps more than “Geez, I hate competitions, don’t know why people do it!”
he adjudicated a the tin whistle competition at the midwest fleadh in detroit a number of years ago. very learned man; he would have lots of good stuff to say. I think he teaches irish history at a university in st. louis, if that helps. good luck.
brendan
Thanks, Feadog - I have a few people lined up here who’ve adjudicated all-Ireland Fleadhs, so I probably won’t need to do that - but thank you!
Deirdre
I took part in the instrumental music competition for the past two years at a Feis that is sponsored by Rince na h’Eireann, a school of Irish Dance in Charlotte, NC.
The adult competition seemed to be judged according to skill with the instrument, difficulty of tune and by the degree of emotion expressed by the musician.
You could probably contact them and find out who they use to judge the competition.
I tried to copy thread! It’s all here - I just hope it’s not too messy. Please get in touch if you can help me!
