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2012 Brass in Concert Championship — Five things we got to know

Five things we got to know from Brass in Concert at The Sage Gatehead on the weekend.

Harper

1. Philip Harper has stamped his long term identity mark on Cory

When Dr Robert Childs left Cory earlier this year there were some critics who felt the new MD would do well to last longer in the job than the new Chelsea manager.

However, after two impressive performances at the British Open and National Finals, the first piece of major silverware has been secured – and in the most impressive fashion.  

Now you won’t be hearing the dreaded vote of confidence coming out of the Rhondda any time soon.


Trophies

2. The new percentage game

It took a little getting used to – but the transparency engineered by a much more robust marking system gave the audience – and more importantly the bands, something they could fully understand and appreciate.

The illusion of a 27 point victory margin for Cory still didn’t hide the fact that they were placed first by three of the four independent judges.

It was also a testament to their musical excellence and the intelligent approach of their MD that they worked out the importance of the new percentage game weighted in favour of musical content.


Brighouse

3. Percussion features remain an acquired taste

As much as audiences admire the fun and games of the exotic ‘shed builders’, percussion features are still an acquired taste at brass band entertainment contests.

There was some wonderful playing on show – but rattling off a million notes on a xylophone, accompanied by a bass drum and a few vocal chants can still leave you yearning for a decent bit of slow melody cornet playing.


Carlton Main

4. Are all the new arrangements fully legit?

As much as we would like to think that all the new arrangements that appear at the event are innovative and captivating, does anyone really know if they are all totally legit?

Getting permission for a ‘one-off’ performance seems the best some bands can do in the circumstances, so could the organisers insist that in future they come with the publisher’s agreement that they can be played after the contest as well?


Reg Vardy

5.  The demise of slapstick humour

Say it quietly, but we may well have seen the last of awful slapstick humour at Brass in Concert.

Just the odd bad memory of times past this year, but also a few indications that a more mature musical intellect is appearing in the programmes of the best bands.



The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

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