Comments ~ 2003: October

Comments from October 2003

Appalling!

I'm absolutely appalled by Iestyn Davies' comments. It read like someone auditioning badly for a comedy scriptwriter's job. My advice: Don't give up your day job!

The shameful attack on BAYV Cory was particularly cringeworthy. Mr. Davies may have heard some of the music before, as Cory recently performed a charity concert for Risca Salvation Army, of which Mr. Davies is a member. I hope he enjoyed the concert. I certainly did! He praises their playing, then pulls the programme apart - Cory's planned contribution has been on their website for almost two months, along with the programme notes!

The not-very-cleverly-veiled references to Dr. Childs were particularly juvenile. In the 'real world', such comments directed at someone with less composure would earn a smack in the gob. Cory, Faireys Scottish Co-op and Derek Watkins deserve better than to have ignorant, opinionated graffiti sprayed over your website. Maybe Iestyn should spend more time hanging around gentlemen's outfitters, or watch old episodes of 'Are You Being Served' with his hand down his trousers; it's obviously the seat of his comedy inspiration.

Trevor Stevens

And the Reply?

Despite being a foetal bandsman then progressing through both Salvation Army and Academic music groups to contesting at a fairly high level, I haven't got a problem with being referred to as a Grumpy Wannabee. (However, petty and jealous does sting!)

Nobody in the audience could have doubted the high levels of talent and technical ability of all the contributors. With top bands - and BAYV Cory in particular - we have come to expect high standards. Nobody is questioning the characteristics of bandsmen and women – the issue is programming.

What I wannabee is an active participant in a vibrant art form and it's at this level that the Gala Concert was a let down. Arrangements are fine – but what about original compositions - such as that featured on Cory's recent release Wildfire? In case this grumpy wannabee is in need of musical back up I'll quote the authoritative BB, which said:

"The disc is a perfect example of what a modern, forward-looking band and conductor can achieve with the work of five skilful composers. It is the kind of recording which could, and should, reach out to an audience which may still consider brass bands a medium suitable only for walking days and park jobs".

I won't dwell on the fact but will mention in passing, this CD also introduces a distinctively Welsh voice through composition as well as performance but the reference to park jobs does seem to be relevant. What about programming compositions that have made a significant contribution to the development of the brass band repertoire - compositions from Brian, Parry or Gilson, maybe just one for the grumpy wannabee?

Anyway, enough of the falling out I am congenitally grumpy by the way, but what about some critical debate?

Iestyn Davies

Not Quite the Top 10?

I read with interest your list of the 10 greatest performances in RHA.

I can not judge some of your choices, because I'm too young to have heard all of them! But I'm a little surprised by an omission which seems to me unbelievable: Desford Colliery Band 1987-1991, perhaps the greatest band of the whole brass history! How can you forget a band who won 4 times in succession (unique performance!) the National Finals! I think that the Desford's performances of Harmony Music in 1987 and Energy in 1991 must be without discussion in your list!

Daniel Zumbrunnen
Switzerland

The Right Result?

I believe you have some of the result and venues incorrect in your results archives - Crookhall Colliery was 5th in 1961 with "Judges" conducted by Walter Hargreaves. The venue for the 1952 and 1953 Contests was Earls Court not the Albert Hall and in 1963 Crookhall was conducted by Geoffrey Brand and not G Grand.

George Dawson

4BR Reply:
Thanks George. We have checked our record books again and we agree that both in 1952 and 1953 the National Championships took place at Earls Court. However, our records show that in 1961, Morris Motors were 5th on "Judges". We would be glad if anyone else could let us know if this is correct – but we do have it from two separate sources. 1963 is a typo error in our behalf.

Regional Struggle!

To who ever is responsible for the choice of test pieces for next years Regionals, its good to see some faith being shown in contemporary composers, who don't write as if the 20th century never happened. These pieces will certainly stretch even the best bands in all sections.

I have purchased the doyen CD featuring all the test pieces, and what joy to hear a top flight band like Scottish Co-op struggling with a fourth section test piece!!! The tuning is excruciatingly bad in many places. Can they really be number 12 in the world rankings and turning out recordings like this? It gives us all renewed faith to carry on the fight, listening to the great and the good falling well short of the mark don't you think?

A. Stanton.

Cyberjam - complete with !!!!! marks

Following an earlier reference to the West End show 'Cyberjam' in this column, I too have seen it recently and I really consider it a 'must' for all brass players and MDs to see this show.

It is a rare chance to see / hear brass playing at this standard (in this case with some woodwind in a 'big band' format) in a package about as far removed from trad brass banding as you can get. Many of the players appeared with Blast! - the format is very similar, but a bit more 'sci-fi' in feeling. 'Good Vibrations' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' were 2 highlights for me (the latter played in total darkness with miners-style helmet lights on each player), also an awesome trumpet-player and some cutting-edge drumming.

Also watch out for the mobile phone ringing somewhere in the auditorium! Take the kids, take the whole band! You can get discounted tickets at www.lastminute.com , I got front row seats for £11.50! (No, I'm not on commission, just an enthusiast!). It may not last very long in the west-end if there isn't a bigger take-up of tickets, so go now!

(apologies for over-use of exclamation marks….)

Andrew Justice
ISB

In need of a desperate fix

The band I play for competed at this years Pontins Contest in the Second Section. We have a new professional conductor who has made a massive difference to the ability of the band. We played well and so did many other bands.

Funnily enough, all these bands were placed right at the bottom. I feel this contest is a complete fix as the winners of the contest were a local band with a local television camera following them around. There were other bands that played better, e.g. tuning, less split notes, right tempo's, etc and got no where. This is the most fixed contest I have ever played at. I always wonder what happens to the remarks from leaving the adjudicators box to giving them to the bands. What do they do when they take them away. The adjudicators do not right the placing of the band on the top.

Lynda Beazer

4BR Reply:
Sorry Lynda, but you are way, way out on this one.

How could you forget us!!!

Having looked on your preview for the 1st section at Pontins, you have commented on all the bands except one - VBS Poynton Band!! We are competing and Alan Lawton is taking the helm!!

Frank Needham
Chairman VBS Poynton Band

4BR Reply:
Sorry Frank – and all the members of Poynton. It was totally our mistake and we apologise forthwith. We hope you didn't think we wrote off your chances as a result!

Thanks Langbaurgh!!!

By way of explanation to readers, Langbaurgh Brass decided to do Pontins some time ago but was let down badly with only a few weeks to go. This meant either withdrawing or making some changes. We did the latter and I'd like to use your pages to express some thanks (in my role as Chairman of Langbaurgh Brass) to our band – since they are much more likely to be seen on your site than our bandroom notice board!

Thanks to Gareth for moving from solo horn to principal cornet at 3 weeks notice and to Eileen for moving up from 2nd horn to solo horn to replace him without even batting an eyelid. You both did a great job.
Thanks to Ben for coping so well with the move from 2nd cornet to 4th man down – again, almost at the drop of a hat (though his eyebrows have yet to make the transition)

Thanks to Richard – only his 2nd contest ever and bumper up cornet …. Not as green as he is cabbage looking (in joke … send sae and £10 for explanation and photographs). Chase and Melinda (and Andrews jacket) – contest virgins all - well done and hope the experience has left you addicted to this strange English custom.

Paul and Rob and Karen, – plugging away solo style on B flat bass, 3rd cornet and solo baritone respectively – It's not easy on your own and we appreciate your patience whilst the ‘Langbaurgh Brass Player Breeding Programme' gets underway. Thanks also to Josie, Karen, Jayne and Clare for dealing with all those pesky little administrative issues like registrations and accommodation (2nd great hotel in a row – what's gone wrong?) and making sure we all had transport, adequate supplies of Nurofen and clean underwear.

Finally thanks to Tim Oldroyd, who despite the problems, kept the team spirit up from the middle. Rehearsals are always a laugh (even when he is giving us a hard time) and for some of us almost better than the pills! I think last weekend and the run-up to it was a lot of what banding is about; we worked hard, we rallied round, everyone did their bit. We made some good music had some good fellowship (must be the SA influence Tim) and considering the tribulations, 8th place was a decent result. Now we've got a settled line up there will be plenty more good times and good results I'm sure.

David Pickard

Calling the Shotts

I would like to add my personal gratitude to my colleagues and committee of Saint Patrick's Brass Band (Shotts) as we completed the recording of our first CD, "Calling the Shotts" to mark our 125th year anniversary. It's a marvellous achievement and a milestone in the annals of our band's proud history.

Special thanks go to the committee and to our musical director, Simon Kerwin, for his industry, belief and ongoing commitment to bring us back into winning ways. Also noteable on the CD is the premiere of "Springhill Brig", a piece which Simon wrote in celebration of our anniversary. I'm sure you will join me in wishing the Saint Patrick's band all of the very best for the future and will support us by placing an order for "Calling the Shotts." Should you like to know any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Brian Lennon
Principal Trombone - Saint Patricks (Shotts).

Wingates Rise!

Delighted to see Wingates make such a healthy rise!!!

One question: do you calculate the points for each contest chronologically between publishing new rankings:
- Wingates won Wychaven - which caused points to be awarded.
- Freckleton won Fleetwood so do their points vary based on the fact that Wingates had won the week before ...or do the number of points awarded here not really change due to mid table mediocrity.

Just wondering
Andy Wyatt

Well done lads

I'm sure you are hearing this more and more as each new visitor to 4barsrest is introduced, but allow me to add to the masses. Congratulations on producing such a thoroughly enjoyable and informative website. I look forward to logging on each week and discovering the latest happenings in the brass band world, please, keep up the good work.

Tony Brookes
Principal Cornet
United Co-op Band ( Crewe )


And Another!!!!

Just a letter thanking the service I've received when I ordered the CD on Saturday night on your web site. I received it on Tuesday morning. Thank you again for your prompt service.

D J Ablett

4BR Reply:
The fivers are in the post.

Malta Calling

We have just launched the official website of the Mellieha International Band Festival being held in the village of Mellieha Malta between the 11th and 15th April 2004. We would appreciate if you could help us in promoting our web site. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Joe Deguara
Festival Organizer

An American in London

I will be in London from Nov 1 to Nov 8 and would like to attend a brass band performance. Can you tell me where I can find out what's available during this time?

Thea Landesberg
New Jersey
USA

4BR Reply:
Look on our classified section and find out more – there are plenty of bands doing lots of great concerts all over the South East at this time of year. We hope you enjoy them all!

Czardas or Char - das? - that is the question

Over many years I have yet to hear any brass bands personnel (including professional conductors) pronounce CZARDAS correctly. They are not alone. The ame applies to everyone on Classic FM and also Radio 3.

Am I the only one in step? I think it should be pronounced "Char - dash" - like running for a cup of tea! Are there any students of Hungarian or any Hungarians out there to prove me right or wrong (I'm usually wrong!)

Colin Dowd

A Kapitol effort

It's a pity David Read felt so sick about the appearance of banners advertising Kapitol Promotions at the national finals. He asks who they think they are. They're a company following in a tradition as old as the contest itself – people who take financial risks to stage events. If the event is a success, the promoter makes money. If the event is a failure, the promoter loses money and doesn't do it again. That all seems quite reasonable.

The point is that apart from the short time when the BFBB ran the contest brass bands don't seem to have wanted to take that risk. If they want a national contest but aren't prepared to take the risk themselves, they can't complain if someone else takes the risks for them. The nationals only exist because way back a private promoter risked his own money. Far from being critical, bandsmen should be grateful to these people. The idea that promoters/sponsors should advertise themselves at the event they are promoting/sponsoring is normal and reasonable business practice and is not new. I seem to remember back in the 1960s the stage being festooned with banners for the sponsor WD and HO Wills – cigarette manufacturers! I do not have any connection with Kapitol Promotions in case you were wondering.

Jim Yelland
Hinckley

Ten Days in England

I've been back in Canada for all of 14 hours and want to share some brief comments on my visit over the past 10 days. I planned my trip to take in both the Eric Ball Celebration and the National Finals.

The Celebration concert in Nottingham was everything I could have hoped for. I had personally seen David Daws arrive and assumed that there was a surprise in store; perhaps another surprise duet! Roger Webster was missed as soon as Dyke took the stage. The news of his accident slowly spread through the hall and it wasn't until the intermission that I, and probably most others, finally heard the news. It was a disappointment not to hear Roger play as much as it was a delight to hear David. Hopefully Roger will commit his interpretation to CD in the future. The loud burned out light bulb during Resurgam was also unfortunate.

For me there were a number of highlights, including Journey into Freedom (what an awesome bass entry toward the end, building to the climax); Song of Courage, long a favourite of mine and again so well played, particularly the trombone solo and the finale; Clear Skies, what can one say, extraordinary! The Kingdom Triumphant, my favourite piece played by my two favourite bands! This performance brought tears to my eyes. Magnificent!

The works of Eric Ball generally have a deep emotional content in addition to the music and so it was with this concert. The spoken comments of so many who had known and worked with him added an extra emotional dynamic to the evening. It appeared that the event was a commercial success but, more importantly, it succeeded in doing what it set out to do and was truly a Celebration of the Life and Music of a great man.

On Thursday evening I was treated to Cyberjam. This is an amazing show and one for brass and percussion lovers in particular to see. I didn't see Blast and, on this performance, wish I had. Incredibly the attendance was very small and it's hard to explain why. Perhaps the name(?), but I thoroughly recommend this show and hope it comes to Toronto.

After a week of travel down memory lane via the Cornish Riviera Express to Cornwall and then back to London, it was on to the National's. I was personally convinced that Dyke had won the day and was interested to read your play-by-play comments this morning. Were they victims of the early draw? I think so but then, music is so subjective and that will always be a part of any music competition. And, in the final analysis, who am I to disagree with the likes of the three men behind the curtains? Although I would have preferred an Eric Ball original, I enjoyed the music of Elgar and listened to all but five of the performances, interspersed with visits to the trade stands and some interesting and, at times, lively conversation. For some, transcriptions are a waste of time. I don't agree and like to hear good music, well played. If it is transcribed and arranged well, I don't compare the brass arrangement with the original; I just listen to it as a piece of music. A simplistic approach maybe, but it works for me.

The Gala Concert was most enjoyable, surprising in the mostly lighter content and the inclusion of a couple of old chestnuts. Was the use of Lohengrin and Finlandia due to limited rehearsal time or some other reason? I was surprised that the name of Eric Ball was completely missing from this program. The Royal Marine's were a good addition but, for me, the performance of Derek Watkins made it all worth while. He was having as much fun as I was! It was a pity there were so many empty seats. Did anyone else notice the typo's in the program? The Hebrides were described as "uninhibited" and in the promo for the concert CD, Enigma was by "Ball, arranged by Elgar"! One can only hope they catch these errors before the CD inserts are printed. After a long day, full of enjoyment and a little disappointment, it was back to the home of my hosts, Robert and Hazel Foster, tired but satisfied with time well spent.

And so on Monday it was back to Heathrow for the return Air Canada flight to Toronto with a "suitcase" full of CD's, Peter Roberts autobiography and much new listening and reading pleasure to look forward to. Whether walking the cliffs near Land's End, walking around London or listening to some great music, my ten days in England were full and thoroughly enjoyable. I had a great time.

John Brooks
Cambridge, Ontario

Grumpy Wanabees

Thank you to the many people who have e-mailed me expressing their thanks regarding the BAYV Cory Band's portion of the Gala Concert.

Napoli was a new arrangement I did for my son David and Goff Richard's new arrangement of Georgia on my Mind were both well received. Softly Softly was an arrangement that Ray Farr did for Grimethorpe Band when I was a player there. It was only the second time for the BAYV Cory Band to play it in concert, maybe that's why it sounded so fresh. The item that seemed to please most people in our programme was Dinicu's Hora Staccato played from memory by the entire cornet section. This was an arrangement we first featured in a charity concert to raise money for the Risca Salvation Army Band (who are all friends of the band). Could I also say what a great thrill and pleasure it was to perform alongside the living legend, Derek Watkins.

Derek's playing was an absolute inspiration to all the musicians on stage, and more than that he was a great guy, so humble and unassuming. I don't know why I should appear to be surprised because throughout my whole playing career I've found good musicians to be really nice people. Its only some of the wanabees that are petty, jealous and grumpy.

Bob Childs

Welsh banding on the up and up

May I through the pages of 4barsrest and on behalf of the Buy As You View Cory Band be one of the first to congratulate the Tredegar Town Band and Steve Bastable on their great result at the Nationals. I didn't hear the band play but was reliably informed by several close friends that their performance was of great merit.

Welsh banding is certainly on the up and up, next year will see four Welsh Bands at the Royal Albert Hall.

Congratulations to everyone.

Bob Childs
Buy As You View Cory Band

I should know, cos' I was there!

Not sure if it's relevant, but I did conduct the band at the Albert Hall in the First Section when Thoresby took the honours and we were placed 6th. If however, you are just referring to directing the band in the Championship section, then of course you are correct.

Thanks for the runners and riders comments!
Keep up the good work.

Derek Renshaw
Stocksbridge Band

4BR Reply:
You are right on both counts, but it was just the Championship Section this year we were looking at.

What a load of Rubbish!

What a complete load of rubbish, how do I go about getting my money back?

I've just spent 20 quid to sit and list to three bands playing a totally dull programme, a piper squeezing the life out of a strangled cat and some bloke pushing his diaphragm down a pumped-up PA system. Was this really a Gala Celebration of Brass Banding in the UK?

There was some consolation to be found in the standard of BAYV Cory's playing, except that anybody who lives within a hundred miles of the Rhondda has probably heard the programme and the jokes twice before. And anyway you could - and probably did - hear the programme Cory played at any bandstand across the UK in the summer. And while I'm having a whinge is it too much to ask for at least one item of original brass writing in a whole day of
programming?

How can MDs with so much talent and artistry face their colleagues in college departments on Monday is what I want to know. I have an LP from the 1969 Gala Concert which was record 2 years before I was born, can anyone tell me how brass band music and more importantly has moved on. Honestly that programme had as much creativity in it as a Classic FM play list. Come on fellas promoting brass music is not just Child's Play!

The three bands chosen represented some of the highest levels of talent available, individuals and sections at the cutting edge of the brass arts. Guys how do you feel about having to play so much chip shop music? There's more musical expression in a Sally Army Sunday Night Selection that that programme - ooh Finlandia what programme ender - NOT! Honestly the highlight for the evening was the Marines MD's tight trousers!

Next year I'll join the many people who stayed away and accounted for so many empty seats in the RAH.

Yours the grumpy old git in the stalls

Iestyn Davies

Plastered!

Who do Kapitol Promotions think they are plastering their advertisements all over the stage of the Albert Hall? It was an enjoyable day and well run from many aspects, but it made me sick watching the bands surrounded not by the glory of the occasion, but cheap branding.

The Nationals are a historic institution, with input from thousands of volunteers, from bandsmen and the regional committees to the audiences and other supporters. The only completely open contest, showcasing the pinnacle of the majority of bands people through the entire process of regional contests.

And in the midst of this great festival in the grandest hall of the land, the organisers have the gall to put in front of every playing bandsman and woman a huge red and yellow banner advertising the company that were paid to run the final day's proceedings.

Do Mr Morris and co understand the respect this National contest deserves? Crass commercialisation and profiteering at the expense of name of the contest cannot be allowed in future.

David Read
(not the adjudicator)

Royal Allegiance.

The Brass Band Movement shone as brightly as ever in the magnificent setting of the Royal Albert Hall last Saturday. Twenty bands played the music of Great Britain's most significant composer of the 19th/20th century, Sir Edward Elgar.

Following a brief delay due to computer problems, the doors opened, programs were bought and duly filled in with the mystical numbers relating to the order of play. Once seated and having taken in the magnificence of the 'home of banding', it was time to study this years program. Most turned to the center pages to quickly review the order, and had already begun to forecast the outcome. Towards the beginning of the program is the page dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. To see her portrait and message of goodwill always gives our showpiece event a 'special meaning'.

The first band took the stage and settled themselves whilst our master of ceremonies made the obligatory 'code of conduct speech', necessitated by our technological age. If only the minority of people guilty of propagating ring tones and flashes of light could consider the ladies and gentlemen on stage who have dedicated hours in preparation for what they hope will be their performance of a lifetime!

"Please be upstanding whilst band number one plays the National Anthem" announced the MC. Yes, as the drums rolled and the diminuendo gave way to our National Anthem, the audience rose to their feet. The band sounded well. However, the splendid words of our National Anthem on our special day under the kind patronage of our Sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, were never heard!! There was a stunning silence. The National Anthem was played but nobody bothered to sing!! I for one was very saddened by this overwhelming reluctance to show any form of allegiance to our patron!!

"To begin NEXT years National Final of Great Britain, band number one will accompany the SINGING of the National Anthem". Let it be so!!!

John Whittle,
Boarshurst Silver Band

Proud Bandsman
Proud to be British.

Well done Fairey's - and Kevin

We have read your comments regarding the bands' performances on Saturday with interest. With reference to Fairey's, whilst we agree that Kevin Crockford's performance did not match his normal high standard you may or may not be aware of his ill-health.

Kevin has been very poorly for several weeks and has been struggling to perform at the level required for a Championship band. To add to his problems, the medication prescribed did not work and for 3 weeks his health did not improve. It was not until early in the week prior the contest that this was discovered and his medication was changed.

At the time of the contest, he was still very poorly and was struggling for breath but due to his level of commitment to the rest of the players at Fairey's he was determined to be there. Kevin will be the first to admit that his perform was not to his usual high standard. Under the circumstances all credit should be given to him for the performance that he gave under such adverse conditions.

Well done Kevin and congratulations to the Fairey Band for retaining the title.

David & Jilly Hills

You need experience - don't you?

Congratulations on the excellent retrospective comments following the Dundee weekend. I was interested to read your views regarding the 2nd section and in particular welcome your comments (along with many others in the
auditorium) regarding Llanrug's performance of Sunset Rhapsody. Like yourselves, we together with the BBC production team who were following us that weekend, are still scratching our heads following the adjudication by
Morrison and Beckley.

It is worth noting that the Federation provided adjudication for all other sections through a combination of an experienced, elder adjudicator (Newsome and Scott) with one of lesser experience. It is unfortunate that this
wasn't the case with the 2nd section. This was particularly evident with the emphasis and misinterpretation that both placed on Eric Ball's title, "A Sunset Rhapsody, played to a Key West sunset in the style of Mozart" (which
incidentally is famous for sunsets viewed by hundreds of 'aggressive' and noisy tourists every evening)! But more importantly, an experienced adjudicator could have enlightened the student adjudicator as to the actual reasons behind the title and what Mr Ball was actually depicting, something more like Frank Sinatra and When I
was 17 as oppose to Mozart!. A lesson one learns from a tutor is to always prepare and read the question/title carefully!

The summing up by the President of the Federation to foster youth into banding was welcoming, but we need open-minded, unbiased adjudicators that have the ability to interpret music outside the traditional box and welcome what Llanrug attempted to achieve with a 1958 composition through the directorship of a fantastic young talent at Caird Hall. It would have been interesting to hear their opinions on what Nigel Kennedy achieved with Vivaldi's The Four Seasons (probably too aggressive!) and what Classic FM have done to classical music.

However, we hope that the BBC coverage to be shown later in the year will enable the public to understand how subjective a musical performance can be and that the diting team do their best with the adjudicators remarks, especially the ones they made before they entered the box!

Dr Berwyn Owen
Chairman Llanrug

Does anyone know the score?

Some kind soul in the audienceat the recent Bury Port Contest picked up the score and adjudication for Ebbw Vale Town Band from the official at the contest as there were no Ebbw Vale members left in the hall - this person - male, in his 30's, dark hair, stated that he lived in the area and would promptly deliver both score and adjudication to a band member.

It's now Oct 20th - we still haven't received either - can anyone help? It was an original score and is needed urgently as we are still working on the piece for Pontins (Oct 25th).

If you can help please ring Julie on 01495 717305.

Julie Rook

Extortionate Variations

We have just purchased the Section 1 Regional testpiece, Coventry Variations, for an extortionate £70 plus p&p. I trust there will be no errata evident when paying this much money for a product - its a nice little earner if your music is chosen as a regional qualifer and you can get away with charging this much, isn't it!

On a separate issue, can you explain how Point of Ayr still feature in your top 50 ranked bands when they do not actually have a band any more and have not contested, to my knowledge, for over a year?

Val Hughes
Rhyl

Timperley still going strong!

There have been rumours going around the North West region, that Timperley Band are folding. I can assure you all that is not so. We have a full band entering both the Pontins and Wilkinsons contests, under the baton of our new conductor Mr. Carl Whiteoak. Thanks in anticipation of printing this

Eileen
Contest Sec

A satisfied customer

Just like to say, since signing up with your classified ads column, our band has signed up 5 new players, the last 2 additions are a mother and son who have come to live in the area from Houston, Texas. The most recent to join are Jane Burton, horn player and Chase & Melinda Culpon who have recently moved to this country from Houston, Texas. 16 year old Chase and his mother Melinda will be competing for the first time with the band at Pontins next weekend.

Josie Coupland

Have you had the horn yet?

Really useful site. Content excellent. Do you have any articles or do you intend reviewing the Courtois Tenor Horn in the immediate future.

Alan B Pearce

4BR Reply:
Hopefully in the very near future

We wus robbed!

You have to check the results of the SCABA Autumn contest. We won in Second Section!! (brassband Panta Rhei Gent) We became second in first after Egham!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but we were disqualified because of the fact that we played 2 times the same piece. But nevertheless, these results are wrong on your website!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paul Voet
Belgium

Nationals Tickets going

I was hoping to bring five of my band (Georgia Brass Band) from Atlanta, Georgia to the band contest Saturday week. Due to circumstances beyond my control several of the members have had to cancel resulting in us all bailing out from the trip.

I have eight box tickets for the contest and Gala Concert.

Please, please could you post this on your site in the hope that I can reecoup some of the expense.

Christopher Priest
Congress2K@aol.com

A Top 10 Performance

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