Editorial ~ 2009: April

This month we give our opinions on Regional reform, Conflicts of interest and in praise of good old grit and determination.

Regional reform:

Now that the dust has finally settled on the 2009 Regional Championships, the overwhelming feeling remains: The whole business is in need of reform.

A combination of institutionalised stagnation and short term thinking is continuing to lead the lifeblood contests of the brass band movement in the UK into terminal decline.

The fall in competing band numbers comes as no surprise given the lack of real desire to change a system that is now no longer fit for purpose.  It is now nearly 65 years old and no longer reflects the actuality of the banding movement in the country today.

The reasons are many and varied.

Too many Championship graded bands, a First Section without purpose, a Fourth Section that is on the edge of collapse. Antiquated playing and registration rules, an aged strata of helpers and organisers, misguided choices of test pieces – the list goes on and on.

What is most apparent however is the complete lack of realistic leadership from a body that can represent the views and opinions of the competing bands themselves to the event owners, Kapitol Promotions. 

Kapitol know only too well that they are custodians of a contest that is in desperate need of revitalisation. Their desire to encourage increased banding participation is balanced by the inherent conservative nature of those organising committees who help them run the eight regional events.

If they can be persuaded that a new approach is needed, and needed fast, then the next few years will possibly see the Regionals once again provide the contesting life force the movement requires for its long term survival.

Perhaps some sort of Brass Banding Summit is required to discuss ways in which the problem can be addressed. Promoters, organisers, adjudicators, band representatives, the press even, could get together and try and sort this increasing mess out before it becomes too late.

If not, them don’t be surprised if we see the first regional contesting casualties appear in the next couple of years, as first sections and then whole regions lack the number of competing bands to remain viable.   

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

Conflicts of interest  

Adjudicators have been here before.

Remember the fuss over Steven Mead at the English Nationals? David Horsfield too. James Gourlay at Bradford, Nigel Boddice at the Europeans. It’s a list that grows by the year.

When it comes to a potential conflict of interest in having to accept an adjudication job, only one option remains viable: If in doubt, get out. 

For instance, to have situations whereby it is seen to be appropriate that conductors of top section bands are asked to adjudicate in contests in which they themselves have a direct interest (such as the Regional Championships), cannot be justifiable.

So too, those people with long term associations with bands in a non direct musical capacity – such as those responsible for picking the test pieces to be played, or those with direct family connections to competing bands.  

Professional integrity demands that any adjudicator informs the contest organisers of a potential conflict of interest, be it by direct or indirect association, in the immediate past, the present or foreseeable future. 

The person must then accept that the organisers may feel it their duty to ask them to be moved to judge another section or to be excused for adjudicating all together.

The vast majority of potential adjudicators do this at all time, but some do not, whilst organisers themselves are also guilty of not undertaking proactive action on occasions. 

The buck stops though with the man or woman in the box, and they desire to be seen to act in a wholly professional manner, before, during and after their appointment.

If a potential judge cannot see that is the right thing to do, then they shouldn’t be anywhere near an adjudication box in the first place. 

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

In praise of grit and determination  

There are times when all that is left in playing a brass band test piece is sheer grit and determination – none more so than was apparent the length and breadth of the UK this year in the Fourth Section.

Much has been said about the suitability of ‘The Talisman’ as a test piece at this level – as a whole it proved to be a disastrous choice by the Music Panel (although to be fair, last year they picked a cracker).

What it did show in those bands that were able to make the decision to compete however, was the amazing amount of sheer deep seated desire there was to ensure that they produced a performance to be proud of on the contesting stage.

Time and time again, almost insurmountable musical and technical obstacles were approached with a steely grit and determination that was palpable to the neutral observer, heartfelt to the supporter.

Many failed, some overcame - all gave it 100% to the cause of trying to get to Harrogate. It was strangely both depressing and exhilarating to witness from Blackpool to Stevenage, Torquay to Dundee.

And it proved without doubt that given the proper musical environment to flourish Fourth Section banding remains the inspiration for all others to match.    

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

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