HarmonicaUK Newsletter- May 2023

As we enter May, after a fantastic Chromatic Weekend near Birmingham, realisation is dawning on the HarmonicaUK events team that our main festival is now less than 6 months away! 

First though, the Chromatic Weekend - I'd like to echo Suzy and thank the events team, artists and workshop leaders for putting on a world-class event. I was busy gophering all weekend for production manager Pete Hewitt (he runs a tight ship!), so unfortunately didn't make it to any workshops, but everyone I spoke to had enjoyed them very much. We were treated to two top-notch concerts, by the weekend artists, and also the delegates. Thanks also to all our members who came along and supported the event. 

If you haven't already made a note in your diary, pop in the weekend of 27-29th October later this year for the HarmonicaUK Festival 2023! It's looking to be a fantastic weekend already, we have Rob Paparozzi from New York, our own Adam Glasser, and Sarah Saputri from Indonesia lined up so far. There will be more details in the Summer edition of Harmonica World magazine, which is heading towards print very soon.

Speaking of magazines and events, I'm pleased to announce that Dave Colclough, the current editor of Harmonica World, has accepted a change in role on the Committee - as of the Chromatic Weekend, Dave has taken on the role of Vice-Chair of HarmonicaUK. He will also be taking on the role of Events Manager, so he will be looking after the planning of the coming Festival in October. Dave has done a fantastic job as editor, and I'd like to wish him good luck in his new roles!

This of course, leaves the role of Editor of Harmonica World vacant - but not for long! I'm happy to announce that our Ambassador Sam Spranger will be joining the HarmonicaUK Committee in the role of Editor. I'd like to wish Sam good luck in his new role! Dave and Sam will be co-editing the next issue of Harmonica World to ensure a smooth changeover.

As we edge towards the summer, HarmonicaUK is in a great position with lots of great people volunteering their time to put on great events, in person and online, and provide all our members with newsletters and top-quality magazines. We are a few people short though. We are currently looking to fill the following roles:

• Advertising co-ordinator - quarterly check-in with advertisers about new adverts for the magazine. Works with advertisers, the editorial team and treasurer.
• Communications writer - working as part of the comms team, preparing articles for the website and social media
• Membership secretary - working with the treasurer and our membership system to make sure all membership records are up to date when payments are made.

If you have some spare time and would like to support our charity in supporting the harmonica community, please get in touch with [email protected]

Have a great May everyone, don't forget to check out the events below, it would be great to see you at a coffee morning or at the Open Mic. 

Until next time, happy harping!

Barry

Barry Elms
Chair, HarmonicaUK