2011 Feedback from our Questionnaire

(The questionnaire was circulated at the 2011 National Marimba Festival)

How did you hear about the festival for the first time?
Mostly word of mouth, the Internet and through the various marimba manufacturers.

How many times have you participated (incl 2011)?
Many groups seemed to participate a few times and then felt the need for a break, given that many groups have the expense of travelling to Joburg. Very few groups have supported the festival every year since its inception.

What do you think the benefits of the Festival are?
Exposure for the various schools, beneficial experience for the players, networking opportunities, sharing of techniques, repertoire and general ideas.

Do you think the competitive aspect is important?
Yes = 27, No = 9, Maybe = 4

Why?
Yes = bonding, benchmarking, helps with goal-setting
No = too competitive, stressful

What is your opinion of the judging?
Overwhelmingly positive response

Have the adjudicators' comments been useful to you in the past?
Overwhelmingly positive response.

What are your thoughts on the current divisions and make-up of different sections?
Approval for sub-divisions of sections into smaller and larger groups;
suggestions: limiting the maximum number per group; holding separate primary and high school festivals; putting all primary on one day and high school and open on the next; beginner sections and advanced sections

Would you like there to be more standardisation? Eg a selection of set pieces from which to choose, each set piece in a different section with size of group specified?
Overwhelmingly positive response

Would you like the opportunity to attend teacher workshops during the year?
Overwhelmingly positive response

If there were accredited marimba courses, would you be more likely to attend?
Overwhelmingly positive response

If courses were offered in your province, would you be more likely to attend?
Overwhelmingly positive response

Would you support a regional marimba competition?
Overwhelmingly positive response

Would you support the idea of regional winners and a national final?
Overwhelmingly positive response

Would you still support a national festival (not a competition) if there was a regional competition?
Overwhelmingly positive response

Would you support the idea of a national event in a different city each year?
Overwhelmingly positive response

What for you, would be the best time of year from a school calendar perspective, to host the festival?
Many different ideas but still majority support for the winter slot.

Would you/your school agree to become a paying member of the Marimba Education Foundation, in the pursuit of
- Exploring and establishing consensus for standards for marimba playing,
- achieving course accreditation
- a functioning body o professional musicians which promotes marimba playing and looks after the interests of this growing sector in our industry?
Majority yes – concern about possible cost involved.

Any other comments/suggestions?
Various but mostly to say "thanks".

We would like to extend our appreciation to all who have participated over the years, in bringing MEF to a point where we face exciting growth as an organisation, in service of the marimba community.

MEF Board
January 2012