Derek Broadbent, Chairman of the Association of Brass Band Adjudictors has written to 4BR defending the Association's position following Steven Mead's recent outspoken views on standards of adjudication.

In the correspondance to 4BR he writes:

"It is noticeable that, following the recent outburst by Mr. Steven Mead, and the many other notices that have appeared on the internet, the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators has become the target in these matters.

I wish to make it clear that it is not the policy of ABBA to become involved in the results of any competition, unless there is proven impropriety or illegality by the adjudicator(s) of the day, and that they are members of our association.

We do not condone any improper behaviour, such as is reported, by anyone who approaches the stage, Contest Management, Officials or adjudicators. I must point out that Mr. Mead IS NOT a member of ABBA.

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators is not a 'closed shop', nor is it some form of 'old school tie' club. It is, in fact, very open and honestDerek Broadbent

The whole concept of ABBA is for the furtherance of the brass band movement, and the damaging comments that have been publicly offered do nothing to enhance that movement in the eyes of the rest of the musical world.

We do support our adjudicators!!

When there have been any problems in the past we have resolved them. I repeat. We do fully support the Adjudicators who judged at the British Open Championships on September 12th and that we acknowledge and appreciate their musicianship, ability, experience and their professionalism to their job.

The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators is not a 'closed shop', nor is it some form of 'old school tie' club. It is, in fact, very open and honest.

We have, on a number of occasions, opened our doors to the general band world giving them the opportunity to attend our seminars, and have offered in the past, to meet with Area and Contest Managements to discuss any problems, answer any questions, resolve any disagreements and to explain the process of adjudication.

Are we to be blamed for the lack of interest and poor attendance on those occasions?

The interest from the brass band movement was poor, to say the least, and answers to invitations to attend, such as-- '' No thanks — We don't have any problems in our Area'' were quite unbelievable.

If you care to visit our web site you will find quite a number of young personnel who are members. We are, at this moment in time, pursuing an idea of a trainee adjudicator scheme, which we hope will help to secure the contest side of banding for years to come. BUT!! The following question has already been posed.

Do our talented younger musicians wish to venture into adjudicating and face some of the flack that invariably flies around? I think not.

Adjudicators are very aware of the importance of promotion and relegation, especially the latter, and to what effect either of these two can have on any bands' future.

To suggest that adjudicators choose the winners and then pluck the remainder of the result from 'thin air' is more than ridiculous, and very insulting.

Much of the time, whilst audiences etc. are waiting (usually impatiently) for the results, is spent in making sure that the lower placings are correct — No mean task I can assure you, especially when the playing is of an indifferent nature.

I read on a certain web site a question with reference to ABBA.

"Who the Hell do you think you are?"

I'd like to return the question, but in a more polite manner: "Who do you think you are?"

I know the credentials of our adjudicators. What are yours?

Is it beyond any understanding, that if adverse comments are publicly made, with reference to adjudicators' physical and musical abilities, there is a right to request for proof to support these allegations, and that if such proof is not forthcoming we would expect a retraction of such comments.

The internet is a very dangerous place, and to spread unproven, malicious accusations around the world is, totally unacceptable, and a grave attempt at character assassination.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion; such is the free country we live in, and long may it be so, but the most important word is, EVERYONE. That also includes the adjudicators.

As for powers of recall. Adjudicators have their notes and comments sheets. Do you?

With reference to adjudicators having the ability to read and dissect a score. Can you?

Finally, and perhaps most important of all.

Adjudicators listen to ALL the bands. Do you?

Derek M. Broadbent.
Chairman, The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators.