*
banner

Mead blazes at Open decision making

Steven Mead has vented his anger following the British Open in Birmingham — where his band ended up in 17th place.

Mead
 

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

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd