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4BR in numbers

With Christmas fast approaching – here are a few festive numbers – some true – some that could be true, to ponder over as you start your Christmas packing of prezzies…

4BR
 

415 – the number of telephone calls Band Managers will have made over the festive period trying to get bandsmen out doing a bit of fund raising carolling.

413 — the number of different excuses made by bandsman trying to get out of doing it.

236 – the number of unreturned band jackets from guest players to bands after they have ‘helped out’ after concerts.

1 – the number picked out of the hat at the draw for the National Finals by Grimethorpe’s and Black Dyke at the British Open this year.

3758 – the number of times the word schardenfreude was used to describe the feelings of the players from other bands on hearing the news.

17658 – the number of extra quick Nurofen tablets taken by bandsmen and women on the Sunday morning at Pontins.

26 – the number of fancy dress costumes already booked by bands as part of their ‘comedy’ routines for the forthcoming Butlins Mineworkers Contest.

17658 – the number of extra quick Nurofen tablets taken by bandsmen and women on the Sunday morning at Pontins4BR

87 – the number of MDs who wished their former bands ‘the very best in the future’ after getting the sack this year.

87 – the number of MDs who genuinely meant it.

127 – the number of players from outside the UK who will be signed to play for top section contenders at major contests, only to return to their original bands within 24 hours of actually playing on stage.

15 – the number of conductors who will request that they be addressed as either Professor, Doctor, His Lordship, Archbishop or His Excellency Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas and the Last King of Scotland, in contest programmes during 2009.

63 – the number of ‘2012 Cultural Olympic’ initiatives that will be found to have no mention of brass bands in them during the next 12 months.

18799 – the number of spelling mistakes highlighted on 4BR during the past 12 months.

3 – the number of truly excellent performances of ‘Pentacle’ to be heard at the Regional Championships next year.

210 – the number of times ‘Le Corsair’ will be played as an overture by Black Dyke at a concert in 2009.

0 – hopefully the number of brass bands that will go out of business during 2009 – last year saw at least 5 championship bands and many more further down the contesting tree.

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Albert Hall

Albert Hall qualification reversed

August 6 • The top four bands at this year's Championship Section National Final will gain an automatic invitation to the 2026 contest.


mANGER

King leads conducting trio at Manger

August 5 • Prof David King, Magnus Brandseth and Tormod Flaten will mastermind the musical challenges of the Norwegian National Champion.


Angus

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Tredegar

Tredegar join the Rath pack

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The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

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Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 8 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham GL51 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 15 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL52 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 22 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Elland Silver Band

August 5 • Are seeking a SOLO CORNET player and a 3rd CORNET player to complete our line up for our exciting autumn / winter season of concerts & contests. Rehearsals are Monday & Thursday evenings 8 -10pm at our bandroom in Elland HX5 9AZ.


wantage silver band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have a vacancy for a BASS PLAYER, Eb or Bb. The band are ideally looking for an experienced player but are committed to giving younger players opportunities. There are always openings to teach and conduct at WSB too.


Petworth Town Band

August 4 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for BASS TROMBONE, CORNET and TUBA. We are an active band with a full calendar of engagements. We would welcome new players to join us and our happy band of players.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

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