Re: Shadows Club woes
Posted: 02 Apr 2023, 11:01
There is nothing new in this debate, anyone who has run a club will know that you can only work with the skill and experience of those at any particular meeting, this could be any combination from complete newbies, people who play mostly at home or those who already play at club or professional level. This equally applies to the format, numbers and sets that one is able to do in order to benefit and attract members, whilst keeping it interesting and entertaining!
As someone who ran what most considered to be a pretty successful Shadows club for around 6 years, it was made very clear in the club mandate and on the website that we also welcomed music of the 50s/60s and in practice we were reasonably tolerant. Despite what Steve may think, it was very much a Shadows Club in that we were not only keeping the music alive, but also generating interest and introducing many new players to the Shadows experience, whilst encouraging an enjoyable performance based atmosphere.
Where Shadows Clubs come into their own is in providing experience, knowledge, confidence and constructive evaluation/advice. We were very fortunate in having several exceptionally talented players who were more than willing to help newcomers and share techniques, there was a really good knowledge of the Shadows and their music, which was often of interest and discussed amongst our appreciative audience. The club was also quite technically supportive, people could discuss guitar/equipment setups, electronics and DAWs.
I would say to Steve that rather than being openly critical both here and with those attending the meetings, whilst expressing derisory views for anything that doesn’t fit his ideals, why not try getting involved and acting in the common good? The people running the clubs are putting in all the time, work and effort, often having to deal with “situations” and take on board all sorts responsibilities on behalf of the club and it’s members, I’m sure they would appreciate some positive input and he might find it quite enlightening!
As someone who ran what most considered to be a pretty successful Shadows club for around 6 years, it was made very clear in the club mandate and on the website that we also welcomed music of the 50s/60s and in practice we were reasonably tolerant. Despite what Steve may think, it was very much a Shadows Club in that we were not only keeping the music alive, but also generating interest and introducing many new players to the Shadows experience, whilst encouraging an enjoyable performance based atmosphere.
Where Shadows Clubs come into their own is in providing experience, knowledge, confidence and constructive evaluation/advice. We were very fortunate in having several exceptionally talented players who were more than willing to help newcomers and share techniques, there was a really good knowledge of the Shadows and their music, which was often of interest and discussed amongst our appreciative audience. The club was also quite technically supportive, people could discuss guitar/equipment setups, electronics and DAWs.
I would say to Steve that rather than being openly critical both here and with those attending the meetings, whilst expressing derisory views for anything that doesn’t fit his ideals, why not try getting involved and acting in the common good? The people running the clubs are putting in all the time, work and effort, often having to deal with “situations” and take on board all sorts responsibilities on behalf of the club and it’s members, I’m sure they would appreciate some positive input and he might find it quite enlightening!