Editorial ~ 2008 January

As the New Year clicks over we had time to discuss with some of our band buddies what they would wish for in 2008, and a brief reflection on the 4BRDU 2007 Band of the Year.

2008 Wishlist

During the Festive Season, 4BRDU were fortunate enough to share significant time with a quite a large number of 'bandies' from downunder.  As well as sharing lots of special time, we were also able to share lots of ideas.  These have been compiled into a 'wishlist' for 2008.

So here it is the things we would like to see happen during the year. Some are achievable, whilst others - we can only wish.  Here they are...

∙  An absence of apathy.  Too often so many are very quick to criticise, and provide little support nor positive contribution to the movement.  This stifles progress and sustainability of the very thing that brings us so much happiness.

∙  A vaccination for the 'tall poppy' syndrome.  Closely linked to apathetic attitude - this horrible, destructive syndrome is still rampant downunder.  Those who suffer the syndrome are usually those who want success (or simply take pleasure in putting down others), and the targets are most commonly those who have succeeded.

∙  No marching

∙  An Australian Youth Brass Band

∙  An Australian National Brass Band

∙  Split proof instruments

∙  The accommodation and contest venues to be within a 1km radius for all competing bands

∙  The National contests to be held in the same city each year with implementation of a travel equalisation system so expenses for all bands are equal

∙  More teaching of the youth by experts within the field

∙  Regular EEG monitoring for administrators

∙  No marching

∙  Prize money - some would be a good start

∙  More financial encouragement for Youth

∙  That the music selected as test music for championships actually be available

∙  A panel of conferring adjudicators for all major contests

∙  Instruments with inbuilt automatic intonation calibration

∙  No marching

∙  One set of enforcable contesting rules for Australasia

∙  That bands play by the rules and not push the boundaries

∙  or....no rules????

∙  More bands take the opportunities available to them to change the system - not just complain about it.

∙  Greater effort to increase the public appeal of bands

∙  ...and....NO MARCHING

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

Why we didn't make it

Representatives groups, teams or bands will always be selected with apparent contenious choices. We should remember that it is only an opinion of one or a selection committee, which does not necessarily represent everyone else who has an opinion in these matters.

If we look at representative sporting teams there will always be comments such as 'why was he/she chosen'; or 'what has he/she done in the last 12 months'; or 'he was only picked because he was in the previous band'; or 'why wasn't x chosen because he won a particular event'?

History shows that as with sporting teams, two or three representative bands could be chosen all of which could do an equally great job.  Whilst the discussions about certain individuals not making the 2007 4BRDU Band of Year have been ardent to say the least, they can also be unfruitful and have an even worse effect on individuals who feel aggrieved by their omittence.

The 4BRDU crew have attended all major contests this year in both Australia and New Zealand and have been fortunate enough to hear members of the 4BRDU 2007 Band of the Year play.  Of course, there are many other fine players we have not been fortunate enough to hear.  Those who feel the need to criticise the selection should, of course, be sure that they have also heard players under the same conditions as us.

Any players omission is certainly not a slur on his or her ability as a player.

Good luck next time to those of us who missed out.

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

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