Editorial ~ 2006 January
3-Jan-2006“The Brass Band Family” – a broad description really; encompassing not just the families within banding, but also the strong ‘sense of family’ that we have as members of brass bands.
The tragic accident recently involving the Lawrence Family of Brisbane certainly highlights the importance of family, not just in the blood sense, but also within the banding family. Bandies have rallied in sympathy, with a clear awareness of the heart-wrenching circumstances for family and friends, and the band family has been contributing to a fund for the Lawrence Family. My condolences to the Lawrences: we frequently travel long distances as a family (of five), often to band events, and this tragedy truly hits a nerve.
This is not the only circumstance to spark support from the Band Family. There are many other situations: here in Adelaide Gary Bishop received enormous support from band friends and a fund was set up when he suffered a stroke a few years ago; support went out to Bert Bowden (Vic) as he struggled with cancer, and his funeral in 2005 had hundreds of band people present. There are so many more examples, but what really stands out is that the relationships and alliances we form in banding are life-long and go so much further than the actual instrument playing.
Not only do bandies tend to rally in support during a crisis, but they are absolutely ‘there' for the good times too. Think about all the band weddings with brass players for the ceremony, and the band babies that have their ‘heads wetted'; and I'm sure if we all think back to our last party or celebration, a fair percentage of the friends who attended would have been bandies! And when our young players become successful musicians, perhaps traveling overseas to perform at an even higher level, we all not only give much encouragement and show our support, but have an enormous sense of pride – family pride.
Something else that has always given me the ‘warm n fuzzies' is the way that bands tend to give support and assistance to, and even perhaps rescue, some of societies ‘misfits'. Every band has someone like this, in varying degrees. They are often people who have trouble fitting in when it comes to ‘normal' situations, but there is always a spot for them in the band. Band people are welcoming and inclusive. It has always amazed me just how well a group of people from so many differing social/economic/educational backgrounds can get along – the Brass Band is the leveler and everyone is equal (well except perhaps the MD and the Principal Cornet!).
Of course there are the ‘real' band families too. Band romances are rampant and inevitably there are marriages and children; then the children play too, and on and on it goes. You know the old cliché: "the family that plays together, stays together"! But even partners who are not brass players have often been enticed take up an instrument; I think the cliché for that is "if you can't beat em' join em'"! Hmmm…I think there are occasional band ‘affairs' too, but hey, there's nothing like a bit of band scandal.
But on the whole, the banding environment is terrific for family. Children are welcomed, fostered and encouraged, and given guidance during the teenage years (mostly in the right direction!). It's a hobby (or obsession) that the whole family can be involved in – and when the children are too young to play, there are usually plenty of babysitters on hand.
The Brass Band Family is huge. Everywhere you go there's someone you know; and even if you don't know them, you know that you'll be welcome anyway. When you become part of the Family, you always can be assured of friendship, and along with the friendship is all the support, encouragement, assistance and camaraderie you will ever need. Sadly, as is often the case, it's not until there is a tragic situation that we realise how much we value our Banding Family.
So to my big Family out there – I wish you a terrific 2006 and hope you achieve all that you set out to. Thanks for your support and friendship over the years and I hope that I can provide the same for you in the future. I look forward to seeing you all at the comps during the year, and if not, please keep in touch with your news stories and comments by sending them through to downunder@4barsrest.com
Veronica Bowman
