The Festival Bush Orchestra
The Festival Bush Orchestra was initiated by Graham McDonald as a way of exploring collected dance tunes through simple arrangements. He passed the baton on to Greg O'Leary who similarly arranged and taught some tunes. My son James and I took it on in 2012. From 2013 to 2023 I have done the arrangements and conducted the orchestra.
2024
Based on personal and written feedback the Festival Bush Orchestra has been an important part of the National Folk Festival, one of the participatory events that distinguish the NFF from other music festivals.
Taking my definition of an entertainment hour as an hour of musical participation/ entertainment for a festival goer. Over the last 10 Nationals the Festival Bush Orchestra has contributed an hour of rehearsal each day for an average of 50 musicians plus a 45 minute concert with an audience of 100 which adds up to 2105 entertainment hours!
AND this without request for a fee!
Despite this long standing contribution to the Festival over many years the current Artistic Direction Triumvirate rejected the 2024 application.
SO rejected but not dejected I hosted a camp on my property over Easter and enjoyed music with some 40 musicians. I wonder how many would have otherwise been at the National?
and the future...
I thank all of you who have participated over the years, some haven't missed even one year with me and others have dabbled and moved on.
Who knows what 2025 will bring?
Videos on Bush Traditions YouTube Channel
Videos from 2022, 2016 and 2014
Earlier Arrangements of Tunes in Parts
