String Day Review: Well Done to All!

Saturday 6th June 2015 saw our first String Day take place, and what a day it was. The BBC Get Creative inspired day was full of fantastic acts, including Booths Music string students as well as accomplished soloists, duos and groups. We’re proud to say our first event on our new stage was a great success. Here’s our review of the day!

String Day Review

The acts

If you didn’t manage to make it to String Day, don’t worry you can catch the highlights in the video below! The acts on the day brought a range of interesting styles and genres. For instance, following our initial get creative session, the crowd were treated to some traditional Indian music, performed by violinist Neha. Next up we had the captivating music of Hungarian duo Istvan and Norbert Kate. Having performed in several European countries, the duo wowed the audience with three songs, including the famous Monti’s Czardas. We were also delighted to have Ceilidh group The Riot Band performing for us! The group was formed in the 1970s and continue to please the crowds to this day. The acts also included a number of Booths Music violin students, both as soloists and a string group. We hope to give many more opportunities to our students to perform, not least those who take violin lessons, but all other instruments as well as our live zone groups. A big well done goes to string tutor Matt Haigh for his work with the students and string group!

Talks & Products

The first action of the day saw a talk on the life of famous Boltonian and inventor of the spinning jenny, Samuel Crompton. Matthew from Bolton museum Hall i’ th’ Wood gave musicians and historians an interesting and much appreciated insight into both Samuel’s background as well as his life as a violinist and composer. A big thank you also goes to Hugo of Barnes and Mullins for coming down and supporting String Day with product displays. A special mention to all at Barnes and Mullins for their generosity and support for the day.

Competition Giveaway Winner

We can now announce our winner of the £700 Edwin Whitmarsh violin! With around 40 entrants, all keen violinists, Dave Jones was the lucky winner picked out of the hat. Stage String Day was our very first use of our brand new stage. This time last year, the Booths team began a campaign to raise money to build our very own pop up stage to showcase students and local musicians on a regular basis. Twelve months later, we’re delighted to say that the stage as well as an accompanying marquee shelter are now in use. A big thank you once again to all those who supported and took part in our String Day. Watch this space for more events and impromptu gigs with our new stage!