Following the success of the 2008 Regional championships 4BR has been exclusively informed that from 2009 the antiquated system of the age old process of the draw is to be scrapped – with the new experiment starting at the National Finals this year.

New and exciting

"It’s a new and exciting development in contesting,” 4BR was told. “We have looked at a number of ways of improving the contests as well as the chances of the very best bands making it to the finals and winning the major titles. We are fed up of complaints from bands, conductors and players that have lost, blaming the draw, so we are implementing a new procedure."

It’s like Formula 1 – only backwards, and with no cars, no prize money, less accidents and no excitement, if you see what I mean…”Spokesperson

Rankings

That new procedure will see bands drawn according to their World of Brass/4BR Ranking with the lowest ranked bands taking to the stage first and with the highest ranked band playing last.

“We see this as the fairest way. Everyone wants to hear the best bands, so now they can wait until the second half of the contest and not miss any of the favourites. It should also make it easier for the judges too. It’s like Formula 1 – only backwards, and with no cars, no prize money, less accidents and no excitement, if you see what I mean. No one wants to see an unpredictable brass band contest…”

History

History it seems has suggested that the overhaul was well overdue – with it now being well over 50 years since a band has won the national finals from a number 1 draw.

Best bands

"Everyone knows that being drawn early means you can write your chances off, so we have helped the bands out,” the spokesperson continued. “At Harrogate and London this year it will mean the bands who know they haven’t got a chance can play early and then sit and listen to the better bands beat them."

It's a winner

They concluded: "The audience will be able to buy at ticket for the second half of the contest only and we will only have to employ the judges for half of the contest. It’s a great formula and the highest ranked bands have already given their support. It’s a winner. Nobody will be able to complain that the best bands haven’t won now!"