6 May, 2014: FMP Showcase

After cancelling a rehearsal yesterday due to bank holiday we along with all the other FMP groups were required to showcase our most and least rehearsed pieces to each other. With our event being based on a 'live lounge' theme and the majority of our instrumentalists being absent, the outcome for us was already looking to be painfully uninspiring. To make matters worse, it took us time to find a room to rehearse in.

Once we'd found a room, we decided on the two pieces to showcase, settling on the group piece "Golden Brown", which we'd rehearsed as a whole group numerous times and my solo (featuring Serena and Stefan) "Fire" which is a relatively new and late addition the set list. We rehearsed for the first time using the one of the instrumentals Kian and I recorded. I suggested we develop the performance with some movement and we implemented some swaying and synchronised clapping to make it more interesting for the audience as it is an upbeat song.

Me, Serena and Stefan then briefly ran through "Fire" and though the vocals all-round sounded fine, the simple choreography was not executed well which concerned me about showcasing it in front of the other groups, considering one group is putting on a dance show. My fears were put to rest when we received feedback for our performances which was mixed but not overtly negative or exceedingly positive. In the feedback for "Fire", the audience commented that the mistakes in the execution of the choreography was the giveaway that it was the least rehearsed performance and so I will be rehearsing this vigilantly with Serena and Stefan to ensure it is so well embedded in their memory that it's second nature to perform.

Today's session certainly highlighted areas for improvement on both songs. Though "Golden Brown" was much better rehearsed than "Fire", this wasn't reflected in the feedback which is of concern to me and signals that the standard of all the group peformances desperately needs to be raised if we want to put on a great show instead of a reasonable or mediocre one.

I do feel though that our performances could have been better had there been a room available for us to rehearse in. This would have given us valuable time to rehearse "Golden Brown" with mine and Kian's pre-recorded instrumental.

More positively, today we made progress in the marketing department despite Luke and Dylan's absence, thanks to Crystal; who travelled to the city centre of Milton Keynes to distribute physical copies of The Lounge poster I designed. I was unable to assist due to a rehearsal for the college's prestigious Student of the Year Awards, which I am performing in.

Whilst distributing the posters, Crystal received some great, positive feedback on the poster design from a stranger.

Here is Crystal's post in the group Facebook message explaining the story:

After such a wobbly start, this was a great morale booster and encouragement to keep striving for the best. It's also further evidence that my design is effective.