Steven Mead has written a startling article, entitled 'Time for Change' on his website following the British Open which openly questions what he believes is, ‘…the appalling level of consistency of adjudication that besets our movement’.

Article

The written remarks come after Steven directed Whitburn at the contest on Saturday and came 17th narrowly missing relegation to the Grand Shield.

In it he states: "My beef lies with the fact, proven over the last few years that many of our aging adjudicators have no powers of recall after the obvious contenders."

My beef lies with the fact, proven over the last few years that many of our aging adjudicators have no powers of recall after the obvious contendersSteven Mead

Appearance

His remarks follow his appearance on the stage at Symphony Hall after the announcement of the results on Saturday evening, when he was witnessed making his opinions felt to contest organiser Martin Mortimer.

A clearly unhappy Steven Mead left the Symphony Hall auditorium soon after, following Martin Mortimer’s diplomatic appreciation of the situation.

Top 6 or 7

In the article he writes further: "My own band Whitburn today came 17th at the British Open with a performance that most observers had in the top 6 or 7."

He also adds: "With the greatest respect the results on the minor placings at today's British Open were nothing short of incompetent…"

Controversial

He goes on to write: "I know this is controversial and will provoke debate, but it is time, in my opinion, to air my opinion. Easier to keep silent of course and let these travesties of adjudication to continue for years to come as the dwindling number of top bands and players vacating the movement continues."

Too important

He ends by saying: "The future of brass bands in the UK and around the world is too important to keep silent. I hear changes are afoot and not before time."

The full article can be read at: http://www.euphonium.net/home.php