Comments ~ 2003: November

Comments from November 2003

Coming Second was great - (All the boys say that)

It was with great pleasure to compete with the likes of Fodens at the recent USA Open Brass Band Championships. It was worth every penny to just hear them play. A second place finish for the Brass Band of Central Florida was truly an honor for us. What a great learning moment.

In addition, the custom fine spirits and brew with the Fodens group surpassed our expectations. At least in this venue the results were too close to call. I think we may have had a dead heat with this little known after hours friendly competition. A grand time was had by all!

Kevin Cramer

Not a great way to treat the Miners, Butlins?

I would be interested to hear the thoughts and comments of any other bands who are attending the Butlins Mineworkers National Festival regarding the cost of entry?

After the initial entry fee, I was shocked to discover that there would be an additional charge on the day! The cost for each bandperson of £12, (£6 for under 16's) would mean that to compete in this contest our band would have to pay over £400 plus coach fare, taking the total cost of entry to over £700!!!

Now I don't know about other bands, but I feel that this is ludricous! Not many bands have the resources to pay out this much money in the hope of winning £750!

Are the lower sections having to subsidise the prize money being awarded to the Championship Section? Why was the cost not stated on the entry form?

Needless to say my band has withdrawn from this contest, and have yet still to receive a response from the organisers as to the reasons why we have withdrawn.

Susan Pratt

Reality Cheques

Mr Yelland, I rather think it is you who is in need of a major reality check. The fact that I was referring to brass band pieces, not orchestral or other ensemble pieces and comparing the regional test pieces shows a flaw in your comment. Let me, for Mr Yelland's benefit outline the duration of the regional pieces and the cost: Vizcaya (9.28) £40; Partita (10.18) £29.95; Kaleidoscope (11.32) £53.95; Coventry Variations (12.25) £70 and Tristan Encounters (17.05) £55.

Now, common sense would now tell you that in comparison to the other pieces, considering both duration and cost, Coventry Variations is rather expensive. It is rather easy to compare these pieces isn't it Mr Yelland? The fact that the longer the piece and the cost of it (i.e. being quite cheap in two cases) doesn't also support your comment. Also, there will always be 25 members in a brass band set, especially at a regional contest, so how can the number of parts possibly have an effect on the overall price in this instance?

Questioning whether or not I can afford the test piece is rather unnecessary and ill mannered of you, I think. The fact I referred to "struggling bands" and not myself really shows a "struggling person" who needs a new pair of glasses.

Also, Mr Mann, how can you possibly compare golf to brass banding. For a start, in brass banding, you have to supply the equipment. You don't go to a contest and expect equipment. You also don't get a 2 days with a professional conductor neither do you expect band uniform. Rather a weak comparison I think.

Mr Gernon

And what about copying?

Never copied any music for your bands Jim? Is all the music in your band's library originals? All bands copy music - that they haven't got caught is something of a minor miracle!

Steve Walker.

John Casey - Ruler of the Universe!

I'm beginning to wonder if John Casey went to school with Messrs Duckworth and Lewis but then realised they probably couldn't cope with coming up with something as complicated as the 4barsrest ranking system! Please; it is getting too big and apart from probably the top 20 reflects nothing on the standards of the bands in the rest of the list, where there are some obvious howlers.

It's not subjective any more and it just appears to be a conduit for John to mash all our brains up then assume his rightful place as 'John the Merciless, Ruler of the Planet Banding' . Keep it to a top 50 and we can all be amazed when one of our 'lesser' bands creeps in at 49 by being awarded 1.43267 points for coming 13th in the Throgmorton Open Entertainment Contest because Faireys did the gala concert!

Keep up the good work guys, (apart from John who should be made redundant). Only kidding, give him the teaboys job, although you'd probably never get a cuppa 'cos he'd be working out the equation for sugar absorption or something..............gibber

Billy Brook

And what about our Mark on the system?

Could someone possibly give us (Markham) an idea of our current ranking position because everybody is wondering after our excellent victory in Treorchy, and there were some useful bands there (Abergavennny, Ammanford and Rogerstone).

John Smith
Markham Band

What about these great cornet players then?

What about - Del Staigers, Jimmy Burke (Goldman Band), Walter Rogers, Frank Simon (Sousa Band), and let's not forget Louis Armstrong made some pretty good records on cornet, and then there's guys like Bobby Hackett.

With due respect to your list - these guys were (are) all wonderful - the universe of cornetists includes a rather diverse group of musicians. Phil Smith of the NY Philharmonic is an incredible cornetist, and has recorded solos on both sides of the Atlantic with British and American Bands. Some food for thought.

Mark Heter

4BR Reply:
We did our top 10 some time ago - we still stand by it. Check it out on the site and see what you think.

Russian Roulette?

I'm almost certain that the "Moscow Musical College" appeal for CD's is a scam/con. I also received the email but on doing some research I could find almost no references on the net to it other than copies of almost the exact same letter sent out over the last 18 months. A search on Nickolay Garmanow also only reveals 2 links - both to the same letter.

There are no references on Google to the web address listed and there are no references to it on Usenet other than more references to the same letter (I hasten to add my searches were in English and that there may be more references in Russian). There IS a Moscow Music College (some people have written Musical when they are actually referring to Music) but this is definitely not the same place as this has been around for 50 years at least. Also of note is that previous versions of the letter I've seen refer to a Mr. Nickolay Garmanow, not Carmanow and to Parkovaya instead of Barkovaya - seemingly Parkovaya is right and Barkovaya doesn't exist. There is not a single page on the web or Usenet where the "Moscow Musical College" and the "Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory" are mentioned in the same place - bizarre considering they're supposedly so closely linked.

The site is hosted by a generic and very small hosting company based in Moscow which in itself I find strange. There is no Netcraft entry for the site which immediately makes me very suspicious about how long it's been about and it's authenticity. The website itself is solely there to handle donations - there is nothing about the college other than a small vague writeup saying they've been about since 1989. You would expect even a very poor college to have registered it's own domain name for website and email addresses even if it can't afford to actually host their own servers. The email address is a completely different generic hosting service which again leads be to believe it's bogus.

Perhaps I'm just too cynical and jaded by years on the net but I'd stake money on this being a con.

Gary Hopkins

4BR Reply:
Thanks Gary - if anyone is in doubt then do not send anything off.

Still the earliest Star Lake?

Thanks to your reader in the Netherlands for his response concerning Star Lake.

Does he know if that 1944 recording is still in existence. does anybody have a copy? I still cling to the notion that the recording in my possession may be the earliest one in existence although not in history.

Gordon Brock

Help for Xmas!!!

Is there anyone that might be able to help we have a very special day coming up early in 2004 and wondered if any band might have a very old set of band uniforms that they might lend or want to sel.,

Derek Johnston
Hayle Band

4BR Reply:
Is there a Xmas Uniform Santa out there?

The impossible question

Could you please let me know where I can find out how a contest is judged. What is the marking criteria etc. I would be most appreciative if you can help me.

Mary Jones

4BR Reply:
Mary - It is the impossible question! It remains the ultimate secret!!!!

Cheap when compared to Golf?

I note the perennial comments about 70 quid for a test piece, cost of entering competitions etc. I also play golf (badly). Imagine if I went to the membership committee and proposed that I would pay a tenner a month to join and in return I would expect equipment and clothing to be provided, as well as the services of the professional twice a week! On the other hand you don't get debate about results in golf: there's a proven and fair handicap system, and whoever gets round in the fewest shots wins! No room for "well technically you were the best but it wasn't the style we were looking for".

Dave Mann
Rugby

Is £70 expensive?

Mr Gernon and Ms Hughes complain about the cost of a set of parts and score for 'Coventry Variations'. I think they need a bit of a reality check. It's not so easy to compare the cost (£70) with the cost of other pieces, because the price varies according to duration, number of parts etc etc. But take a look at the cost of music for other types of ensembles (wind bands, string orchestras etc) and you will find it is a pretty typical price.

And is £70 expensive anyway? A band has about 25 members. That works out at less than £3 each. Sounds pretty cheap to me for something you can use over and over again. Can Mr Gernon and Ms Hughes really not afford that sum?

The music might be cheaper if it wasn't for the wholesale illicit copying that goes on. I can think of a brass band messageboard only a few mouse clicks away from the 4BarsRest website where requests for replacement parts which have gone missing are routinely made. It's pretty obvious what the poster wants - a free copy of the part, and to judge by the replies he is usually successful! Some people who respond even offer to fax the music to them! ! In public!!! It's against copyright law!!!! I also know of a band where a photocopier is kept in the band cupboard specifically for making copies of the music.

If you need a replacement part, contact the publisher who will sell you a copy. The money he makes from the sale will help to keep the cost of new pieces down. It might even pay for a decent proof reader to weed out the errata before the music goes on sale.

Jim Yelland
Hinckley

Great Kev

In reply to R.Townsends recent comments i would like to say yes i heard all the comments after the finals, such as "how did faireys win when their sop player played so badly" blah blah blah. All i was trying to do was defend the reputation of a man i have known for 22yrs. Kevin & i have played as soloists in many of the worlds greatest concert halls & and have won something like 25-30 major titles between us. Mr townsend of course is entitled to his opinions,but i truly wonder if he realises the enormous pressure players are under when they take the Albert hall stage to play in the nationals with a band like faireys (and yes i do before anyone asks). One swallow does not make a summer,and one questionable performance does not make a bad player. Leave the guy alone.

Bob Blackburn
Solo baritone Y.B.S

First Class Kev

WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY KEVIN IS COMING IN FOR THESE ADVERSE COMMENTS.

KEVIN IS A FIRST CLASS PLAYER WITH A CONTEST RECORD SECOND TO NONE, IF KEVIN HAS HAD A BAD DAY FOR WHATEVER REASON THEN SO BE IT! LOOK AT THE OVERALL
PICTURE AND YOU WILL FIND A LEVEL OF CONSISTANCY COVERING SOME 25 YEARS AT THE VERY PINNACLE OF BANDING.

I WOULD ALSO ADVISE LISTENERS AT TOP BAND CONTESTS AND CONCERTS TO GO TO LISTEN AND ENJOY RATHER THAN JUST LOOK FOR THE CRACKS THEN YOU MIGHT NOTICE
THE PICTURE THAT THE JUDGES HAVE FAVOURED. ONE LAST POINT, IF YOU HAVENT HAD THE PLEASURE OR YOU HAVENT THE ABILITY TO PLAY SOP WITH A TOP BAND OVER A LONG PERIOD DONT KNOCK THE PLAYER YOU HAVE NO IDEA OF THE PRESSURE OR THE PLAYING SKILLS REQUIRED TO PULL IT OFF (I WOULD KNOW!)

GOOD LUCK TO KEVIN

DAVID JONES

4BR Reply:
Thanks to everyone (especially the capital letter writers - please find the keyboard manual guys). Correspondance on this matter is now closed.

Wrong Rankings?

I noted that prior to the National Finals Co-op Crewe and Co-op Milnrow were very close in your ranking order. Since then Milnrow were placed above Crewe at the Nationals and were awarded 2nd in the 1st section at Pontins - a contest to which Crewe didn't go.

The 2 bands get on so well together and support each others achievements so I wouldn't want any confrontation caused over something so basic as an oversight if indeed there has been one.

Have you therefore given your ranking marks to the wrong co-op band or have I missed something?

Andrew White

Earliest Star Lake

According the question about the first recording of Eric Ball's march Star Lake I found the following quote by Brindley Boon in his book "ISB - the story of the International Staff Band": The Musician dated 29 April 1944 carried the statement.....
" That very week 3 ISB records - the very first of the war where released.... the only reminder of the band under direction of Eric Ball".

The pieces chosen forthis historic issue where;
SA 112 Starlake
The Pilgrim's Prayer
I guess it's fair to say that the recording from 1947 was not the first one. The composer conducted an earlier recording.

Herman A. Haverkate
Enschede, the Netherlands

Daws is the Sky Man

Having just seen your track listing for the ISB's Eric Ball CD - Resurgam, I'd like to point out a small yet glaring error. The cornet soloist in Clear Skies is not Kevin Ashman, but David Daws (who else would it be with playing like that?!?)
That's not to put your site down, it's most excellent!

Thomas Morgan

Star Lake recording

I was very interested in reading your review of the Eric Ball centennary concert and the notes by Ronald Holz in the Eric Ball Festival Music CD that Ball's Star Lake was written in 1937 at the Star Lake Music Camp in the USA.

I have in my possession a 78 rpm record of Star Lake played by the New Plymouth Salvation Army Band at a SA Band Congress in Auckland on 7/1/47.

I am intrigued at the possibility that this might be the first recording ever made of Star Lake. Do you know of any earlier recording?

Gordon Brock

4BR reply:
Can anyone shed some light on this?

Who needs friends like this?
(IN CAPITALS AS WELL)

HOW DARE ANYONE SUGGEST THAT KEVIN CROCKFORD GAVE ANYTHING OTHER THAN A POOR PERFORMANCE AT THE RECENT NATIONAL FINALS WHEN THEY PERSONALLY WEREN'T THERE? HE ALWAYS PUTS IN 110% EFFORT AND I'M SURE HE FEELS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH GOOD FRIENDS, BUT THE ONLY THING REMARKABLE ABOUT THAT PERFORMANCE WAS THAT IT DIDN'T COST HIS BAND THE CONTEST.

YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW THE MAN TO MAKE A JUDGEMENT ON THE QUALITY OF WHAT COMES OUT OF HIS BELL END. I DON'T REMEMBER THE JUDGES EVER BEING SO SYMPATHETIC WHEN OTHER PLAYERS HAVE PLAYED BADLY BECAUSE THEY WERE VERY ILL.

NOTHING LIKE BEING OBJECTIVE, EH!

R. TOWNSEND - GLOUCESTER

4BR Reply:
Kevin certainly battled against ill health and made a sterling effort even to play on the day and for that he should be congratulated fully, but we take the point. As for letters in capitals - no more please!

Not quite Graduate Material

Just a quick email about your news article regarding the NABBC young conductors competition. It says in the article that I', a 30 year old graduate of Birmingham University.
Flattering on two counts.
i) I'm 31
ii) I don't have a degree.

If you could alter the record accordingly I would be grateful.
Wouldn't want to upset anyone from Birmingham. (It's my partner who's a Birmingham Graduate)

John North.

What about me then?

I was interested to read your report on the NABBC young conductor's contest. I am still waiting for my application form, as I am still waiting for a reply to the letter and the application form I sent regarding membership of said organisation. Is there anyone out there who is part of this organisation or can let me into the secret of successfully contacting them.

Paul McLaughlin
MD, Fulham Brass Band

The Best Ever "Journey"?

I have got to agree with Andy Wyatt about his 'best performance at the RAH'. I was involved in the performance of Journey into Freedom at the European of 1982.

In my many years of playing (in a few decent bands as well) that had to be the best. The sound which enveloped me at the finale was indeed awesome. It just got bigger and bigger! The performance had one split note, in the cornets at the scherzo. One of the adjudicators, the late John Fletcher, wrote only about that split, the only words on his remarks sheet were: 'At last you prove you are human!'

John Maines

Warm Up Pontins!

I would just like to point out that how can the Pontins contest be so badly run if it is commemorating it's 30th Anniversary you would think that in all the 30 years of being run it would of got better by now. Oh no - how can you possibly have a fair run contest if the contest is pre drawn some 2 weeks prior to the actual contest!!?? - Surely the adjudicators have internet access or do they stick them in a lead lined box 2/3 weeks prior to the contest so they can't see how is playing.

I Think Not!! And as for a so called WARM UP room how can this be if it is a good 2/3 mins walk from registration and it is chucking it down with rain surely any good bandsperson would realise that by the time you have so called warmed up you are all cold again when you return to registration what is the point of the room apart from it being in a laundrette is this maybe to dry your clothes again!!

And finally just while I am in the mood for complaining have Pontins or even Prestatyn ever heard of HEATING as one of my good friends was in the audience listening to bands from 3rd section then the following day going to listen to Championship section said " I have listened to up to band no 13 in 3rd section I am not prepared to sit again tomorrow in the freezing seets in the audience. And finally the medals that were given to every bandsperson that competed in the contest were quite a nice piece of memorabilia except when I went to examine my medal more closely out of the case on the back etched into the medal in scruffy writing read "DON'T COME BACK" what thought does this leave in the bandroom? I know my thoughts are forget it unless it improves.

Pete Hull
Bass Trombone
Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

No Money in Higher Education

Recently my band were asked by a higher education institution to host a master-class for conductors. Cockerton Band played for 5 hours during the course and then for a further 45 minutes at an end of course 'concert'at a venue some 15 miles distant from where the course had taken place (ie our bandroom).

For the privilege of borrowing half a dozen players, heating our bandroom, our band giving up an entire Sunday, travelling the 30 mile round trip and performing at the concert we have been offered a fee of £50.(YES FIFTY - I haven't missed a zero off).

The moral to this tale is - never presume that the fee will reflect the status of the course, its leader or the institution purporting to promote the event. Fees should be agreed in advance and obtained in writing before the event.

John Steel
Cockerton Band

4BR Reply:
A lesson well learnt.

Do you remember this old Friary?

Does anyone have any information about the old Friary Meux Brewery Band or Friary Silver Band from Guildford, which was in existence around the early 1900's. The Surrey Advertiser is compiling information for an exhibition next year. Records show that they came in the frame at the National Finals alongside Black Dyke? Any information would be gratefully received either via 4barsrest or by me, at the Surrey Advertiser website. Thanks!

Nicola Yarham
Friary Guildford Band

Lost in France?

Recently bought a home in France where I intend to retire in a few years time and I am looking to find out more about the brass band scene in France. At the moment I travel to the Charente area (near La Rochelle) several times a year and (given the time) would like to know what is going on over there! - can anyone help?

I've played euphonium with most of the top bands in Wales but now call myself "semi - retired"! I'm playing euph with the resurgent Parc and Dare Band at the moment until they find someone who can do the job properly and have also been known to do a bit of 'Carving" when bands are desperate!

To all the Tredegar lads at 4barsrest - I blame all this on the Band tour to Brittany many years ago!

Rob Burnett

Another one for our resident Ranker

I noted that prior to the National Finals Co-op Crewe and Co-op Milnrow were very close in your ranking order. Since then Milnrow were placed above Crewe at the Nationals and were awarded 2nd in the 1st section at Pontins - a contest to which Crewe didn't go.

The 2 bands get on so well together and support each others achievements so I wouldn't want any confrontation caused over something so basic as an oversight if indeed there has been one.

Have you therefore given your ranking marks to the wrong co-op band or have I missed something? Thanking you for your anticipated review,

Andrew White

Not Me

I wish to point out through the comments page of 4BarsRest that the letter purportedly sent by Lynda Beazer concerning the Pontins Championships does not in any way come from myself or any person associated with the Cresswell Colliery Band to whom I am a member.

Whoever has used my name in this respect has done so malicioulsy and I would appreciate this opportunity to put the record straight on this matter.

Lynda Beazer
Cresswell Colliery Band

4BR Reply:
Thanks Lynda - this matter is now closed.

Sent to an expensive Coventry

Whilst having a fantastic weekend at Pontins (maybe not so good with the accommodation, but the nightlife and the contest was good!) I was absolutely appalled at the price of "Coventry Variations", the Regional 1st section test piece for next year. It cost the band £70.

To me, and to the band, that is quite expensive considering the other pieces cost no more than £55. But what do bands with not a lot of money do? On top of that there is registration fees, paying conductors, paying players that are helping the band out and transport to the contest venue. I think the music publishers are really cashing in on the money, because the regional contest is one of the most important ones, so they (the publishers) know that they can push the price boundary up, as all bands will be competing. What has the brass band world come to?

Ben Gernon

Pontins Fix (another one!)

I would very much like to agree with Lynda Beazer, who wrote in saying that the Pontins contest is a complete fix.

I played in the third section playing "Kantara", and having heard several bands who played after us, was astonished when the results were read out, as was our conductor! Although we weren't too surprised to hear that a Welsh band took first prize!!!!! (raised eyebrow!)

We are hoping there will be a huge improvement next year as many people were not overly impressed with the adjudications. (Hopefully we'll have moved up a section by then!!!!). PONTINS ORGANISERS PLEASE SORT THIS OUT!

Hannah Gay

4BR Reply:
Come off it Hannah - you are barking up the wrong tree with this one.

Pontinitis

It is nice to see you boys came home, suffering from "Pontinitis", as well as the rest of us. In your results of the third section, you have jumped a line on the order of play, from near the bottom of the programme. e.g. Timperley came 16 and played 7th not 19th as you have them playing. Thanks to all the organisers for an enjoyable contesting weekend.

Eileen Ludlow

4BR Reply:
Sorry for the mistake.

The Price is right

In the recent Pontins prediction, review, etc and general information, you are reporting that A. Browning is the conductor of Ebbw Vale Town Band. I would like to kindly inform you that A. Browning has not conducted us since Regionals 2003 and L. Price took over the baton. Sadly, due to his commitments with Abergavenny Brass Band, he has now left the band (after Pontins). I would just like to inform you of this change for your future recording of our results, etc.

Dean Woods

Well Done Kev - from someone who knows
(in capitals as well)

How Dare Anyone Suggest That Kevin Crockford Gave A Poor Performance At The Recent National Finals. I Personally Wasnt There (I Was Busy Recording A CD With Another Sop Legend ) But I Know That Kevin Would Give No Less Than 110% Effort On Stage. He Is Also Very Lucky To Have Such Good Friends As Those Lovely People David & Jilly Hills. The Fact That Kevin Was Very Ill Only Makes His Performance All The More Remarkable. The People Making The Comments Obviously Dont Know The Man Like I Do. Get Well Soon Kev.

Bob Blackburn,
Solo Baritone
Yorkshire Building Society Band.

"Alexandra the Great".

I liked the article about how Alex won the British Open Solo Championship, however I wondered if you knew that she did the contest on a Bb Cornet, and not soprano as you have implied in the article. In fact it was a Bb Cornet that she won from Courtois whilst playing the same piece - "Slavische Fantasie" in the Norwegian entertainment's contest - Siddis. On that occasion she also won a trip abroad - then it was Paris not Australia.

Simon Kerwin

4BR Reply:
Congratulations from 4BR as well.

Poor standard at British Open

My Brother and I visited Hyde Town Hall yesterday for the National Solo Competition (first time since we last went when they were held in Crawley) Whilst we thoroughly enjoyed our day we were amazed at:

A - The lack of support
B - The poor standard of playing

Surely if this great occasion is to survive it needs to be supported by all members of the Banding World and promoted with a much higher profile? We enjoyed our day and we are in total agreement of the winner, we also enjoyed talking to Prof. David King and Malcolm Wood. We will be going again next year because we think this great day needs supporting. But 2 don't make an audience!!

Barry and Peter Radford

Bullying MD's

In my many years conducting lower section bands, I've never considered myself the 'bullying' type but interpersonal skills is a major make up of any MD and I openly admit that it's something I struggled with in my early years. I went on a brass band course a few years ago where they experimented with an additional conductors course for a year. The stipulations were that all candidates had some conducting experience and were proficient on their own instrument.

It was fairly obvious from the outset (given the tuition and excellent teachers I had over the years rather than any individual talent on my part) that I was probably more experienced than the other conducting students. Now those that know me, would, I hope, know that I'm not a braggart (he, says, modestly....) but when it came to the final day of the course where all the conductors were given time to study a section and subsequently conduct a section of Kenneth Downie's Purcell Variations, I wanted to prove that I was at least capable, but I was also nervous seeing a band containing the tutors, all of whom were (and still are) at the top of their trade. It was a combination of keenness to do well with downright nerves which, I believe, made my interpersonal skills look considerably lacking. In the end, I was humiliated (or perhaps 'humbled' would be a better choice of words) by one of the tutors who'd noticed that I was coming over rather pompously. I won't name him, simply because (a) he was dead right to do so anyway and (b) I don't wish to 'name drop', even in a story against myself.

In the end, I learned a valuable lesson that day and vowed to work on my interpersonal skills. As I said, I'd like to think I've never been a bully (but there again, that's for others to decide and I'm NOT fishing for compliments from those that know me!) I won't say my IS's are now perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I have learned and worked out a few things for myself.

It (probably*) doesn't matter what section the band you conduct is in, it's likely that there are a few players with at least equal if not more musical and performing experience than you. (Something else I learned the hard way). Coupled with the fact that there may well also be players who are in the early stages of learning and/or struggling and the fact that we were all at that standard once, it's a good idea, I think, for us conductors to appreciate and respect ALL of the players under our direction. Remember, there are a number of people who come to a band rehearsal to relax, or get away from the 'realities' of a hard day at work. It's a hobby to them (as it certainly is to me, personally!). They don't expect to be b*llocked by a fellow adult simply because they don't 'come up to scratch' all the time.

(*I've never conducted a Championship section band!)
Sure, when things go wrong we all get frustrated from time to time, but let's face it, if nothing went wrong we'd hardly ever need rehearsals anyway!

I conclude by saying this is not 'advice from an expert', far from it. I'm just listing my own experiences where I learned (and am still learning) the hard way.

Regards
Dave Payn
Fulham Brass Band
Conductor: Croydon Brass Band

Desford 1991 - not quite a Top 10

I write to contradict Daniel Zumbrunnen's call to include Desfords 1991 performance of "Energy" in the 10 greatest performances at the RAH. Undoubtedly Desford were the band of that period and 3 of their 4 titles were well deserved - but not "Energy" in '91.

For the anoraks out there '91 was a year that had 2 adjudication panels - one open, one closed. The official result came from the closed panel - Desford first, Britannia second. BUT the open panel put Britannia first - which was the popular view on the day.

I'm not saying Desford weren't good - I'm just saying Britannia were better!!! ..but then I'm biased.

As far the best ever at the RAH - not strictly in the Nationals - it was the European, but Dyke put in an awesome performance of Journey into Freedom in 1982 (I think) - NEVER BETTERED!!! (and I'm ex Brighouse) ...time to go and flush my head down the toilet...

Andy Wyatt
Lancashire

Not quite a Camel

As someone who has only been attending contests regularly over the past eight or so years I cannot comment on the past. Speaking personally, I like to listen to as many bands as possible, but there are some other factors to take into account.

As I'm not a camel, I do need to take in food and drink during the day, which normally entails missing a couple of bands. We normally take our own refreshments with us - if we were having to queue to obtain anything there then it would take even longer. Secondly, one of the attractions of attending a contest is to visit the various trade stalls: this normally has to be done while the contest is in progress as they often have to be all packed away by the time proceedings are over.

As to the "less-fancied" bands performing to a reduced audience, then yes, I suppose we are all guilty of prioritising in deciding when to take a break: there are certain bands I would not like to miss, either because of past reputation or because of personal interest, and then there is the order of the draw to consider, particularly if we are likely to miss two bands in a row. There is always the chance of missing a prize-winning performance, but that is the risk we take!

When it comes to the choice of test piece itself, I am not convinced that it makes a great deal of difference, certainly at the British Open or the Nationals Finals - those who wish to prop up the bar will do so whether the bands are playing Judith Bingham or Percy Fletcher. Regarding the empty hall for the results, people's lives these days tend to be very busy, and many groups seem to get away soon after their band has played. I think, also, that the whole results' ceremony could be streamlined and condensed, to avoid so much time being wasted.

In particular, there is always a delay while the bands' representatives assemble: they should specify that each band must have a representative on the stage within ten minutes of the last band finishing its performance (you wouldn't turn up late for the draw, so why be late for the results?). Equally, any other thanks - and they could be cut down as well - could be given while the adjudication is being verified.

Peter Bale

Gala Concert Review?

Is there going to be a 4BR review of the Gala Concert............???

Gareth Green

4BR Reply:
No we are afraid! Due to the circumstances of the result of the Nationals themselves our critic was a little worse for wear due to celebrations and therefore had to call off his assignment. He woke up with a very bad hangover the next day!

There is still a "Point" to it all

I would like to reply on a personal level to the comments by Val Hughes regarding the Point of Ayr Band still being ranked in the top fifty despite actually participating in a contest.

I think the reason that the band are still there speaks volumes for the hours, days, weeks, months and years of hard work and effort that the band displayed in the previous contests and the results that we had in that time before we succumbed to financial ruin. Because the band sadly does not compete now does not strike from the record books all the positive results that we achieved!

A bone of contention it might be to some is still pride in my eyes of the work that was done on a 'shoestring'. Many players invested heavily in the band, some financial and others just pure blood sweat and tears and I think most people in the banding fraternity were disheartened to hear of the bands' demise. If we lived in a more stable and fruitful financial climate perhaps we would still be competing and giving the so called 'big-boys' a run for their money!

Long live the memory of the Point of Ayr Band and thanks to 4barsrest for still recognising that we were a truly successful and well thought of band, well by some anyway! Who can forget our winning performance of 'Blitz' in
the area? Breathtaking!

Mike Jones (Former principal cornet).

Shabby Old Men!

The remark in your November editorial about 'the vagrancy's of the draw' conjured up a strange image of shabby old men hanging around contest halls. No doubt you meant to say 'vagaries'. I know bandsmen like a pint but I have yet to see a bottle of meths on the optics rack!

Alec Gallagher

4BR Reply:
Oops! Hicccupp!

Fancy a Tuba Xmas in Francais?

I'm a tuba player living in France and I've been asked by the guy who runs our "Tubas de Noël" (two annual concerts - 20th and 21st december in which several hundred tuba players get together to play christmas music in the open air - if it's fine - dressed in father christmas hats...) to invite
English tuba players to join in the fun.

It's been going for the past twelve years - it takes place in the north of France; this year in Dunkirk and then Hazebrouck - and quite a few English tuba players take part already.

Keith Braithwaite

Is God a Brass Player - or Bass player?

Prompted by John Wallace' newsletter at the RSAMD I would like to pass on the following thought ......

JW writes -
"Meanwhile, a letter from the Independent newspaper of a couple of weeks back confirms a long-held suspicion of mine:

From: Stuart Naeme of Faversham, Kent:

Sir, The discovery that the Universe's lowest note, a black hole vibrating to a frequency 57 octaves below middle C, is a B-flat comes as no surprise to true musicians. We always knew God was a brass player."

Tony Swainson

Rankings, Rankings, bleeding Rankings!

Where would we be without Andy Wyatt? His band makes a move up the table for once and he wants even more!

Minor contest points are calculated using the date of the contest and are dependant on the quality of the leading bands taking part. If two minor contests take place on the same weekend, the points available for the second one could, in theory, be affected by the result of the first. In practice, it doesn't happen too often as it requires the highest ranked band in the second contest to have moved from one category to another as a result of the first. This is because the position of the highest ranked band determines the category of the contest and the category thresholds are 1-10, 11-20, 21-50, 51-100, 101-150, 151-200 and above 200.

For example, if the highest ranked band in Sunday's contest was ranked 21st on Friday, but wins a contest on Saturday which takes them to 19th, the overall ranking of Sunday's contest will be higher as it then has a top 20 band in it. But if, however, that band wins Sunday's contest but there are no other top 50 bands in it, the points available for second and other places will remain unchanged. Simple. In the case of Wychavon, it didn't make any difference.

I hope that explains everything.

John Casey

"Czardas" or "Char - darsh" or whatever?

Colin - I'm reliably informed by my Hungarian PA that the correct pronunciation is "CHAR-DARSH" so you're not far off. Hope this helps – now all you've got to do is play it!

David Cooper

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