Orchestral PARAfection: Lost In Music Competition, March Music In The ESPspotlight

It's Hump Day, so most of us are under the cloud of those midweek blues and feeling a tad grumpy. Perfect time then, for a little inspiration, no?

I've always wanted to play an instrument. I had a piano that I didn't know how to play as a little girl (don't ask), but I would still make some racket on it til my mind eventually convinced me it sounded like a tune. The same with my Mother's guitar - that is, until I almost broke a string and decided quality of life was all the sweet music I needed. To be able to (skillfully) command an instrument is one of the greatest talents I believe that you can possess. So when I chanced across this group in the News last Spring, I was so fascinated, that I've spent the entire time since following their story and trying to learn whatever I could about them.

Founded by British Conductor Charles Hazlewood and Television Director Claire Whalley, The British Paraorchestra are a group of some of the most talented musicians that you will ever come across. More, they are also the most tenacious. Each are highly accomplished musicians, but what sets them apart is that they do so, despite battling various forms of disability. You may remember them opening for Coldplay during last year's Paralympic Closing Ceremony? Personally, I would've preferred they continued to Rock On in their own Orchestral way, rather than the band that followed, but that's just because I find them way more interesting...

Tell me that doesn't inspire you to get through the rest of your week (and beyond)! They make beautiful music and despite their barriers, they remain beautiful people with spirits that the average person can only aspire to.

One of my earliest lessons was that no matter how you're feeling, what's going on around you, or within you personally; when  you've got a show to do, the very essence of being a Performer means that the corniest of old adages rings forever true: The Show Must Go On.

The rest of your work week doesn't seem like such a hard slog now, does it?

_________________________________

Here's a little something to cheer you up. Fancy something free? I thought you might. It's Competition Time! Do you have an event coming up? Are you booked to perform? How would you like to increase the reach of your audience and extend beyond those attending on the night? With an #ESPspotlight Review, you can ensure that word of your stage accomplishments will be spread to the farthest corners of the earth; with directions of how, and where to find you and your latest release.

Need an example of what your money gets you? Try this on for size:

'An Evening with Soneni & The Soul, with Special Guest KOF! - #ESPspotlight Review'

Usually £25.00, even if you don't win, you still win! Your entry automatically earns you a massive 50% off ALL bookings for event reviews between now and the end of Performance Week tomorrow evening. Even if you don't enter, all you have to do is quote #MarchMusic at the time of ordering to be eligible. SO what do you have to do? Not much!

How To Enter:

1. Email your answer by 10:00AM tomorrow morning.
2. Tweet confirmation of your entry to ESP Ltd. on Twitter, using the #MarchMusic hashtag.
3. LIKE EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. on Facebook.

So for today's question:

As mentioned earlier, The British Paraorchestra were introduced on a world stage when they opened for Coldplay, at the Paralympic Closing Ceremony.

Name Coldplay's lead singer?

And as for yesterday's equally easy question? I asked you to:

Name either of Def Jam record label's co-founders?

If  you guessed either Russell Simmons or Rick Rubin, then keep an eye on your Inbox between now and 10AM tomorrow!

Until tomorrow folks!

ES  ;)

'Lost In Music' Competition Terms & Conditions:

• Only one entry per person, per day.
• Prize refers to ONE single/EP/Album/Event ONLY
• Applicable to Events within the London Regions ONLY. Winners outside of London and the UK will receive a Music Review.
• Performance week runs from 15th-21st March
• Entrants MUST complete all stages for entries to be eligible.
• Answers should be submitted via email, with confirmation of entry tweets containing the #MarchMusic hashtag sent to ESP Ltd. on Twitter.
• Entrants must LIKE the EricaSharlette Promotions Ltd. Facebook Page for entries to be considered eligible.
• All methods of entry should contain the #MarchMusic hashtag.
• The #MarchMusic promotional code must be applied to claim the 50% discount.
• Entry deadline is 10:00 on the morning after each competition post, winners will be notified via email within 24 hours.