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Some things never change...

The familiar concerns of today have also been the concerns of yesteryear...

1976
  That was the year that was...

The times they say are changing… or not as the case may be.

Take for instance these concerns.

"Such is the state of the world today that nostalgia brings welcome relief for many of us.

But we cannot always be looking over our shoulders. We must look forward with hope and vision — that is the only way for us and for our movement — the finest amateur music making movement in the world.

The greatest enemy we have in this movement is ourselves. We are far too apathetic…"

Demanding action

They are strong words that demanded action.

However, they were not written in the last few weeks, but in October 1976 by the then owner and General Editor of the British Bandsman newspaper, Robert Alexander, under the banner headline, 'YOU CAN CONTROL THE FUTURE'.

Three matters

He also pinpointed three matters which he felt needed to be dealt with in the following year.

The first was the British Federation of Brass Bands (the forerunner to Brass Bands England). He asked what it had achieved in the past eight years (it was set up in 1968), what could it do for the movement, and even, if it was needed.

He highlighted the recent 'reshuffle' in its ranks, but still wondered if it was as 'out-dated as yesterday's' news?'

The second was the question of trade unionism which arose at the time with the Musician Union's 'insistence' that all bandsmen appearing on television should have been union members.

The third concerned whether or not the brass banding movement was 'satisfied' with the time given to bands on radio and television, and whether or not anyone had any idea for better presentation and programming?

The greatest enemy we have in this movement is ourselves. We are far too apathetic…Robert Alexander

42 years later

Alexander was optimistic that people cared enough about the movement 'to do something about it'.

42 years later, and with perhaps the exception of the battle against the trades union 'closed shop', the same questions seem to remain as pertinent now as then.

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World of Brass

Make sure you pick up the latest releases at the Albert Hall

October 10 • The World of Brass trade stand will be packed with musical goodies — from the study score of 'Symphony in Two Movements' to the latest releases from Cory, Tredegar, Brett Baker and the ISB.


Edward Gregson

The composer's viewpoint

October 10 • Edward Gregson talks about 'Symphony in Two Movements' to Dr Robert Childs — as well as previewing it on Radio 3 before the contest day itself.


Swiss

What's your National knowledge like?

October 10 • The Swiss brass band website 'Brass Band News' is testing your knowledge of the winners of the National Championship title to see how many you can name in the right years since 1900.


4BR Preview

Review the 4BR Review — Episode 9

October 10 • You can enjoy the 4BR preview of the 2025 National Championships as well as the spotlight on the latest CD releases — all on repeat.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

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