4BR downunder | comments

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It comes as a great surprise to myself as Paula's 'other arf', and to many others in Australia, to hear of Paula's Australian accent. I can only assume that she must have picked it up whilst passing through the duty-free shopping section of Brisbane airport.

Kindest Regards,

Adrian Head

Phil Eades has shared the following letter with 4BRDU after it was sent, by Phil, to the Queensland Band Association:

May I commence by congratulating you on the enormous efforts in producing the 2008 Nationals. A mammoth task, which seemed to go by without too much drama. (Always a good thing).

The reason for my contact with you is to air my disappointment at the presentation of the A grade results. The winner, Excelsior, created Australian banding history over the weekend, the only band to ever win four National titles in a row, a truly mighty feat, probably not one which will be repeated for many years to come. The treatment of this band, from the microphone, seemed to me to be a mite odd. No mention of the history of the win, but a (rather) 'smart alec' comment that someone from Excelsior had better come up and get their trophy 'if they want it' (or words to that effect). Made doubly bazaar with the presence of the NBC President on stage, who disappointingly offered no direction or input. No sense of history, or prestige. It was really left to Excelsior's conductor to convey some sense of achievement. The conductor was not offered the chance to publicly thank his band, the adjudicator or the other competitors, in fact, from my perspective, it seemed once the trophy was handed over, the presentation turned into rather an embarassing debacle.

While I'm on my soap box, please let me now say that Brisbane Excelsior is the jewel in the 'Australasian' banding crown. Four National Titles, one New Zealand title, and representing Australian bands at the International Masters, quite an achievement in the last four years. Due, no doubt, to the vision of it's obviously hard working and dedicated band committee, and the skill and obvious high standards of it's musical director. Brisbane Excelsior is easily the standard setter in Australasian banding.

In closing, I did feel sorry for the band and it's conductor at the presentation, I felt they were very poorly treated. I hope that this was merely an oversight by the emcee or presentation party.

Sincerely

Phil Eades
Flinders, NSW

I read with interest that Waitakere donated music to Waratah after the tragic loss of instruments & music during the recent floods.

Given that much of the music held by bands is probably over 20 years old & no longer in print, this led me to thinking that it would be in all bands interests to establish a national archive in order to protect irreplaceable music.

The costs of storing electronically would be reasonably small. Bands could scan their library (a big job) & submit to a national archive site electronically, or could elect to pay to have a service scan their library.

What do other bands think ? Would there be enough bands to proceed further ?

Eddie Evans
Willoughby Band President

2008 May