Editorial ~ 2007 July
10-Jul-2007The NZ Championships has prompted thought on the Band of the Year event, the length of the sessions, and post-contest fatigue syndrome.
Post-contest Fatigue Syndrome
My esteemed 4BR colleague this month wrote about Contest Fatigue Syndrome which prompted some thought on its apparent existence downunder.
Over the course of the NZ Nationals, we spoke with at least half a dozen key players in a variety of bands who have intentions of either retiring from brass bands or taking an extended break. The reason was commonly - "we've had enough".
Now comparatively, the number of major contests downunder pales into insignificance in comparison to the UK and Europe. So what's our problem? Are we too soft or is it just a matter of what we get used to?
Kew Band Melbourne have contested four NZ and Australian Championships in the last 2 years - a huge drain on financial and human resources. Similarly, Brisbane Excelsior have contested 3 National Championships and the UK Masters, all in the last 2 years.
Band burnout is a real issue.
The challenge is to find the balance between quality and sustainability. Organisations, Musical Directors, and players need to work selflessly together to prevent the loss of players to the cause, yet at the same time, strive for the best possible musical outcomes.
What do you think?
Send an email to: du.comments@4barsrest.com
Band of the Year
With sincerely no disrespect intended to any of the bands who played at this years NZ Band of the Year - this event needs a serious reveiw.
The standard of performance has been steadily declining in recent years.
Many of the players who took to the stage on Sunday afternoon were obviously still suffering the effects from the night before.
Generally speaking, the thought and preparation put into the programming and presentation was under-cooked - in some bands more than others though.
It would seem:
- the players and MD's are tired by Sunday
- bands struggle to find enough time to prepare for the test music. Add in a concert program and things suffer.
- An extra nights accommodation and associated expenses for a band to stay on to play in the Band of the Year is difficult to justify - even if it does happen to win.
- Very few bands actually stay to support the event and unfortunately don't hold the event in the highest regard.
- It is a chance for the public to be entertained by brass bands and it raises significant funds for the contest committee I hear you say. Maybe, but the public are not seeing the bands at their best and we are effectively doing ourselves and the movement as a whole a dis-service.
Solution? One idea is to hold a separate competition at another time of the year - similar to the Brass in Concert concept in the UK.
What do you think?
Send an email to: du.comments@4barsrest.com
Timing
The change overtime between bands at the NZ contest was, at times, ridiculously long. This is not a new problem. This change over time as well as the inclusion of the sacred item are the major contributors to some very lengthly sessions, bored audiences, and extremely tired adjudicators (not to mention all the ramifications of having extremely tired adjudicators!)
This year in Auckland, some fine quality percussion gear was generously provided by the contest organisers. Yet, so many bands still chose to use their own.
If the quality of the provided equipment is high, which it was, should it be compulsory for bands to use this gear, thereby shortening the session length?
As for the inclusion of the sacred item...
What do you think?
Send an email to: du.comments@4barsrest.com
