Editorial ~ 2005 August

1-Aug-2005

This month we give our opinion on the brass band image as a whole. In today’s society we are all so busy and have so many choices that the humble community band needs to move with the times in order to stay alive.


There are bands growing and expanding; bands that are vibrant community organisations, yet on the other hand, there are bands struggling for membership and sadly even disbanding.

The brass band, as a community and voluntary organisation, really needs to offer something special for people to give up their time. There is so much to do: try looking at the ‘tuition' or ‘courses' part of your local newspaper. It's all so appealing. I've always had a hankering to learn how to tap dance, or maybe I could do an art course – whoops, no can't, band practice that night!

Young people have it even better. They play sport, go to Scouts, learn ballet, go to the skate park, do Karate, oh – and have those fantastic things called Nintendo or X-Box. So many choices, so much to do…how to choose??

Picture this scene: a teenager turns up to band practice for the first time – maybe she's been playing trumpet at school for a while. She sits up the back row next to a grumpy old guy who grunts at her, the band plays antiquated marches (in which she plays off-beats) and in the break she tries on an ill-fitting semi–military uniform in preparation for a march down the main street on Saturday; "What! Wear this in public? And play that music? No way! Imagine what me friends'll say!"

Yes, it's probably a bit over the top, but it could be closer to the truth than some of us think – but then, if you're reading this, at least you're moving with the times enough to know what a computer is. Sadly, it's most probable that many of the 'leaders' of banding haven't yet discovered the internet.

Image is really becoming important for brass bands. There is still (in parts of Australia) a stigma associated with brass bands, an idea that it's not real music, an image of ‘oompah' German beer bands, marching on ANZAC Day, and playing in the rotunda on a Sunday afternoon. And how often do we have to explain what a euphonium, tenor horn, or baritone is?

Bands have to start getting creative and become more public, in a positive and progressive manner. The public need to see vibrancy and something exciting; something that looks and sounds like it would be great to be a part of. Bands have to progressive and move with the times, because if they don't, it's inevitable that they will collapse.

And the brilliant examples to follow: check out Brisbane Brass with their enormous program of four bands; the awesome Gunnedah Shire Band; Boroondara Brass; Windsor Brass; K&N Youth; the Griffith University – there are so many more that could and should be listed.

The greatest Downunder examples can be found in New Zealand, where brass banding is not just taken seriously, but utterly respected. Not only do they have a fantastic National Band (who were successful recently in Kerkrade, but that's another story), but they have a National Youth Band that young players aspire to be part of, and a National Secondary Schools Brass Band. Yes, brass bands are not only accepted in education in New Zealand, they're encouraged.

Students from all around New Zealand are auditioned to take part in the National Secondary Schools Brass Band. There are many applicants to the course, which is seen as a potential stepping stone to the National Youth Brass Band, and for many of the players thinking long term, perhaps even to the National Band too.

This year the fifth Annual National Secondary Schools Brass Band course was held in Auckland. Sixty players took part, under the direction of Simon Kerwin, and a series of concerts were held in various secondary schools.

New Zealand also has a National Education Officer to assist with the education and training of all band members:

"The Director of Education is charged with coordinating the educational opportunities being provided for players with a view to raising the quality of that education and thus the quality of the players and musicians in the movement."

So what can we do to improve the image of bands and really move with the times? Does Australia need a National Education Officer? Can we have a State Youth Band in every State? Can we have a National Youth Band – a National Secondary Schools Band? Do we need to embark on an advertising campaign? These are certainly big questions to be asking of the Australian State Band Bodies, and at a National level.

But back to the basic level, how do bands improve their image and attract players? Look around. Listen to the Top 40. Check out the latest fashions – even school uniforms these days are a little progressive, or at least neutral. Ask people's opinions (as in, general public) about your band/music/uniform. Go to a successful band's rehearsal and observe/ask questions. Promote your band like a Coke ad!

Pause, reflect, be honest…ask yourselves some questions. Do we offer something that is appealing to youth? Do we offer something that is appealing to busy adults? Can we compete with all those other opportunities available for people? If not, why?

What do you think?
Send an email to: downunder@4barsrest.com


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