Technical Rider

Contact Information:
Orchestra Manager:  Dr Gameli Tordzro
Email: [email protected] 
And 
[email protected] 
Phone Number: +447445252878 
www.melicreatives.com 


1. General Information
Performance Length: 90 minutes (two 45-minute sets with a 15-minute intermission)
– Number of Musicians: 20
– Setup Time Required: 3-4 hours prior to the performance
– Sound Check Time Required: 60 minutes minimum
– Stage Plot and Input List: Provided below
– Preferred Stage Size: Minimum 30ft x 20ft
 
2. Stage Requirements
– Stage Dimensions: Minimum 30ft width x 20ft depth. Elevated stage preferred.
– Stage Surface: Wooden surface preferred; non-slip surface required. Clean and free from obstacles.
Risers: Three risers (8ft x 8ft x 1ft) for Kora players and flutists at the back of the stage.

Placement on Stage:
Front Row (Center):
  – 2 Koras
  – Mbira
  – Adeudeu 
  – Bolong

Front Row (Left and Right):
  – 4 African drums (2 on each side)
  – 4 African hand percussion (2 on each side)

– Middle Row (Center):
  – Various Flutes (4 players)

Back Row (Center):
  – 2 Additional Kora players
  – Ginbre Bass player 

– Percussion Setup:
  – Hand percussion and drums spaced evenly on both sides, with ample room for movement.

3. Sound Requirements
– FOH Sound System:
  – High-quality PA system capable of delivering full, clear sound to all audience areas.
  – Sufficient power to accommodate a 20-piece ensemble, with subwoofers for low-frequency instruments (e.g., drums and Gimbre).

– Mixing Console:
  – 32-channel digital mixing console with minimum 8 aux sends (e.g., Midas M32, Yamaha CL5, or equivalent).
  – Minimum of 6-band EQ per channel with high-pass filter capability.
  – Dedicated effects rack with reverb, delay, and compression.

– Stage Monitors:
  – 6 stage monitors (wedge type) with separate mixes:
    – 2 monitors for Kora players (Mix 1)
    – 2 monitors for percussion and drum players (Mix 2)
    – 2 monitors for flute players and Mbira (Mix 3)

– Microphones and DI Boxes:
  – Koras: 4 DIs (active preferred, such as Radial J48)
  – Mbira: 1 condenser microphone (small diaphragm, such as Shure SM81)
  – Adeudeu: 1 dynamic microphone (e.g., Shure SM57)
  – African Drums (Djembe, Dundun, etc.): 8 dynamic microphones (e.g., Shure SM57 or Audix D4)
  – Various Flutes: 4 condenser microphones (e.g., AKG C414 or Shure KSM137)
  – African Hand Percussion: 4 dynamic microphones (e.g., Shure SM57)
  – Room Mic for ambience:  2 condenser microphones (e.g., Neumann KM184)

– Direct Inputs (DIs):
  – 4 additional DI boxes for any other instruments or electronic devices

Microphone Stands:
  – 8 boom stands for percussion and drums
  – 6 short boom stands for flutes and mbira
  – 4 straight stands for vocalists (if any)

– Cables:
  – Sufficient XLR cables and instrument cables to connect all microphones, DIs, and monitors to the mixing console.

4. Lighting Requirements
– General Stage Lighting:
  – Warm, natural tones with a focus on highlighting individual players and the front of the stage.
  – Soft washes of amber, blue, and green for atmospheric effects.
  
– Spotlights:
  – 2 follow spots with operators for highlighting solo performances and featured instruments.

– Effects Lighting:
  – Subtle use of LED lights to create dynamic lighting effects in sync with the music.
  – No strobe or flashing lights, as they may interfere with the performance.

5. Backline Requirements

– Instruments and Equipment Provided by Orchestra:
  – 2 Koras
  – 4 African drums (Djembe, Dundun, etc.)
  – Mbira
  – Adeudeu bolong
  – Various Flutes
  – Hand percussion (shekeres, claves, etc.)

Instruments and Equipment Required On-Site:
  – 4 straight-back armless chairs for flute and Kora players.
  – 4 sturdy stools for percussion players.
  – 2 music stands with lights for the Mbira and Adeudeu bolong players.

6. Additional Requirements
– Dressing Rooms:
  – 2 dressing rooms (1 male, 1 female) with mirrors, seating, and access to restrooms.
  – Bottled water, light snacks (fruits, nuts), and hot beverages (tea, coffee).

– Hospitality:
  – Hot meals for 20 musicians and crew, with vegetarian and vegan options.
  – Access to drinking water on stage during performance.

– Security:
  – Secure storage area for instruments and personal belongings.
  – On-site security personnel to assist with crowd control and ensure the safety of performers and equipment.

7. Crew Requirements
– Sound Engineer: Experienced sound engineer familiar with African instruments and traditional music.
– Stage Manager: One stage manager to coordinate stage setup and performance flow.
– Lighting Technician: One lighting technician to manage lighting cues and effects.
– Backline Technician: One backline technician to assist with instrument setup and tuning.
– Load-in and Load-out Crew: Minimum of 4 stagehands to assist with loading in and out of equipment and instruments.

8. Additional Notes
– Rehearsal Space: If possible, a rehearsal space should be available for the orchestra 2 hours prior to soundcheck.
– Accessibility: Ensure the stage, backstage, and dressing rooms are accessible for all members of the orchestra, including those with limited mobility..

Links: www.haorchestra.com
Agents: www.melicreatives.com