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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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John Wallace

National treasure honoured by RPS

August 26 • John Wallace CBE has joined a very exclusive list of Honorary Members of the Royal Philharmonic Society.


New PR link to freshen National Championship strategy

August 24 • Kapitol Promotions enters into new partnership with PR Marketing agency Mobius Industries as they also add to their board of directors.


Brass in Concert

Major changes at Brass in Concert Championship

August 24 • Details are released of a strengthening in the governance and running of the Brass in Concert Championship with Brass Bands England.


mUSIC

Mixed news for music provision following exam results

August 24 • The numbers studying GCSE Music shows an encouraging rise, but those taking A Level exams falls.


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Uckfield Concert Brass - Eastbourne Bandstand 1812 Concert

Wednesday 27 August • Eastbourne Bandstand, Lower Grand Parade, Eastbourne. BN21 3AD


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 29 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Dobcross Silver Band - Yorkshire Imperial Band

Sunday 31 August • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND would love players to join us at our next rehearsal on Monday 1st at 11am in our own bandroom.. It's just an extra chance for a friendly blow with cake,coffee and good company.. Does not affect allegiance to your main band


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

August 24 • Principal Cornet. Due to planned retirement. Own band room (no shifting gear between rehearsals), S75 3RF, less than 5 mins fromJ37 M1. Yamaha Zeno cornet for your use. Regular 20+ every rehearsal. Monday & Thursdays 1930-2130. MD GEOF BENSON. .


wantage silver band

August 22 • Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm (both times flexible depending on person).


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

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