Comments ~ 2010: July

A small but opinionated trickle of post has reached us. Perhsp it's been the distraction of the World Cup...

Just a start

4BR reports that over 80% of the members of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators are now good enough to judge at any contest in the banding world.

We all know that is nonsense, but before the cynics start laughing, perhaps one or two of them would like to put their own names forward to try judging for themselves?

Perhaps then they may have a slightly different appreciation of the matter. ABBA is trying to make the process better – and this is just a start.

Kevin Lincoln

One small step

Has the brass band movement really taken one small step into the 21st century?

I hope so, but I won’t be holding my breath.

Reading Iwan Fox’s appraisal of the day, it seems that all that was decided was for other people to get together to hold another meeting.

Is that real progress?

Malcolm Watkins

A few observations about the Masters
 
For me the venue change was not an improvement. No warm up area for the bands (though there was plenty of space), still had to go outside the venue to get to the stage, registration behind the stage.

Hall a community theatre. Long walk to the town if you wanted out of the hall area.

Overall experience for me not a patch on Cambridge.
 
Having spotted one of the bands from mainland Europe playing 26 brass players I had a word with our band secretary and was told that there had been an increase in the number of brass players allowed.

I firmly believe we should be playing to British Band format i.e 25 brass players and that while the organisers may have had a reason for making this change, such a change is a mistake in moving forward!
 
James Corrigan
 
PS: Not wanting to be too picky with John Roberts but while its a long time since I played it I'm sure the ending of Spectrum involves a reprise of the opening...but perhaps for John it's like that second cup of tea...not quite as good as the first one!

The last word from the North East...

Good afternoon gents, loving your work as ever - keep up the good show!

Just a word or several for my literary critics, whom I'm coming to regard as 'closet fans' of mine:

Lets get cracking on Jon Evison (not literally):

Jon, rest assured this is in no way a personal attack, however it IS a personal view that I stand by 100%. The fact of the matter is that my comments, no matter how upsetting you may find them, are not without their support. If these opinions DO have support, then I would most definitely call them relevant.

Several bandsmen in this area, as well as some from outside, agree with my idea of limiting the bands in the Northern Area, only for Northern Area bands to compete in.It's just common sense, however you're bound to disagree. Not all of them would wish to comment of course, but I'm quite happy to act as an ambassador for light-hearted chit-chat on the subject.  

I will admit that while it can appear that I have a certain 'sting in the tale' when it comes to my sense of humour, calling me 'churlish' was a complete shock.....did someone write it down for you?

Now for Jim Owen:

Jim, I think it's time you sat down in a dark room, and maybe take some medication; I'm a little worried about you.

'Real Bands' are about people coming together to share their talent. Be it in the 4th section or Championship section - REGARDLESS OF LOCATION.

Any band that can turn out 12 players (or sometimes less) in freezing weather, to raise funds by playing carols, has equally, if not MORE of a right to call themselves a real band.

What does it really matter if 'the general public' don't know the name of my band? I'd be more happy if they'd enjoyed our playing!

Dear me Jim, after '50 years in banding' I really expect something a whole lot better than this! Bar 4 or 5 bands, you've succeeded in insulting every other band in the UK! Even I couldn't do that on my very best sarcastic form!!

So are you saying that if we're not playing in one of 'the big boys' such as Dyke, Grimey or Brighouse, (no offence to you lads - I wish I had half the required talent!) we're not playing for a real band?! So if this isn't a real band I'm in, what is it Jim? An imaginary one? Am I going to wake up, and it's all been a 22 year dream?! Are you not getting confused with 'Dallas' or 'The Matrix'?!

Finally, thanks to those who have given messages of support; I'm glad it's given some of you a laugh as well as something to think about. As for asking 4BR for my own sarcasm column (yes Iwan, it has actually been suggested!) I'm sure 4BR can do us proud on their own! But never say never!.......

Keith Irving
North East England

4BR Comment:
This topic is now closed.

What a load of tosh!

If you know who the judge is and you don't like or don't approve -don't go - life is "simples"  says the merekat.

Many of these guys have forgotten more knowledge than the new bees have acquired.
 
Kath Stokes
Holmfirth

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