I'm happy to say that I've got a winner ($100 cash), two runners-up ($50 credit for MBH digital stuff), and three honorable mentions ($25 credit).
Thanks to all who provided feedback. As it happened, you confirmed my strong feeling about who the winner should be, and you convinced me that somebody in the second group deserved better. That person actually rose to snag one of the two runners-up spots--after I decided to start his video at the 10-second point.
Here are the winning videos: winner, two runners-up, three honorable mentions.
WINNER: Giovanni Ghelfi
RUNNERS-UP: Eric "BronzeWailer" Betts and Serko Neiminen (please click the link below BronzeWailer's video for Serko's video; it will start at the 10-second point)
HONORABLE MENTION: Ron Marr, Predrag Antic, and Maarti Sarelmaa:
Predrag is clearly--at least to my ears--the best player here; his version of my "front porch lesson" melody is flawless, inspiring, error-free. But his video is quite a bit longer than the specified maximum, and I just felt that the winner and runners-up videos were more likely to grab the ears of a beginner. Still, Predrag amazes me, and I'd like to hear more from him.
Congratulations to BronzeWailer for his great concept: bookending his testimonial with evidence for big fun being had on the bandstand.
Ron's video is both witty and convincing. I love it. My gut told me, despite my love, that many people stumbling across my website will be too hurried to read all that print, funny as it is. But I remain a fan of Ron's approach.
As for Maarti: there's a wildman in every bunch, and the wildman of MBH award goes to him, hands down.
Those are my notes. Congratulations to the winners; I'll be emailing you soon. Thanks to all who participated. I'm honored by your praise, and I'm inspired by your stories and your tenacity.
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Mar 22, 2016 5:57 PM
Re Predrag, I knew I'd heard it before, but hadn't appreciated it was a note-for-note version of your front porch thing!
That's quite an accolade. I assume yours was improv, and one of your virtual students has set it as a thing to learn. Like Juke or one of those classics.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Mar 20, 2016 11:23 AM
Congratulations BW - I pretty much troll the video threads. Out of all the contributors I can't think of another who is as sincere as you are. Your dedication to improving your performance on our little beast, vocals and showmanship is apparent. If my strolls ventured down under and I saw you entertaining on the street I'd stop for a listen, a lesson and I'd leave a drop in your bucket.
Congratulations to you BronzeWailer and to all who made this contest so much fun. Once again Adam has moved me into reaching beyond and post my first ever harmonica video. I watched all you guys videos several times and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed very much feeling part of the world wide MBH community together with all of you. What else can I say...."See you down the road" :)
Last Edited by Giovanni on Mar 22, 2016 4:21 PM