Editorial ~ 2009: May

This month we give our opinions on European reform, musical mercenaries and in praise of Rothwell Temperance.

Euro reform:

Much as the European Championships has become one of the most enjoyable events in the banding calendar, the current model which is being used is still in need of reform.

Ostend gave us many memorable moments to enjoy – from the overall excellence of the championship contest and the encouraging signs of progress in the B Section to the organisation and welcome of the Belgian organisers. 

With concerns over the events ever increasing costs at a time when bands in all European member countries are having to come to terms with the harsh financial realities of life, perhaps now is the time for EBBA to consider the priorities of its expenditure.

The ‘add on’ events such as the Composers Competition (and the annual European Youth Band) this year are becoming something of an anomaly. With the possible exception of the Solo Competition the need for the regularity of these events is more than just financially questionable. 

This year’s winner of the Composer’s Competition had in fact won the award 11 years previously, whilst another of the finalists was the winner three years ago. And what was the end result? Music that will most probably never been played again?

In addition, the prize money awarded for an event, which attracted just 13 entries from around Europe seemed overtly generous – 2,500 Euro for the winner when the Champion Band of Europe picked up just 500 Euro more and a freebie instrument that was of no use to the band.

If EBBA is to find new countries willing to invest money in the event, it must remember that its success depends on the quality as well as the quantity of leading bands it can attract to its premier competition – the European Championship.

A little prudence in its generosity and more focus towards helping those competing bands may well ensure that in years to come, the European contest will not just be the repetitive preserve of individuals and bands with generous sponsors and backers.  

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

Mercenaries or missionaries? 

There was much debate at the European Championships about the inclusion of so called ‘musical mercenaries’ in nearly all the competing bands at the contest – star players drafted in to boost resources and chances of possible victory through their ‘missionary’ help.

In fact it was hard to think of a band that didn’t utilize the current rules, which EBBA has done little to change over the years.  

Being members of the European Union means that there is little that can be done to stop ‘professional players’ playing for whoever they want. The Swiss don’t allow ‘foreigners’ to play in their National Championships we were told, but then again the Swiss are not members of the EU.

Try bringing in that rule in the UK, or the rest of Europe for that matter and you will soon find yourselves in a courtroom with a very flimsy case to support. A player in the UK can play with one band at the Regionals and another at the Finals, so what makes the European so different?   

The actual problem lies with the registration of players, both in the UK and the rest of Europe. An antiquated system that is no longer fit for purpose is unravelling by the year as we see more contests relaxing rules to enable bands to compete. 

Bands in the UK cannot complain about what happens abroad when very nearly every contest here allows players to be ‘signed’ for the day just so a band can make it to the stage.

A bit like the current debate on MPs expenses, the problem is not the questionable interpretation of the rules by individuals, but the rules themselves.

Change these, and the question of whether it is mercenary or missionary work will end.

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

In praise of Rothwell: 

The victory of Rothwell Temperance Band at both the Yorkshire Regional Championships and the Grand Shield has given a huge boost not just for the band and its loyal supporters, but for the vast majority of hard working, public subscription bands everywhere in the country.

The proud tradition of public subscription is invariably one that is forgotten about at the very highest levels of competitive banding – a level which has been dominated over the last 30 years or so in particular by those with generous financial ‘assistance’.

Players paying their way, conductors doing it for love not money, bands having to support local causes and events in order to gain small donations and offers of individual financial support that never quite meet the expense of competing at the vast number of contests bands feel obliged to enter.

Rothwell (and others it must be said) have shown what can be done when a group of like minded, hard working people get together and play because they want to enjoy the experience with friends and colleagues.

Success is sometimes more fleeting for those bands, especially at the highest level, but when it comes, such as Rothwell’s in recent times it is a cause for a real celebration – and not just by its own supporters. Long may it continue.

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

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