Contesting and it's ramifications.

[Bream Team]

I know that a lot of the band are youngsters and I was wondering if it might be a good idea to explain all the ramifications to the band regarding us entering the various contests?

It's not just a collective effort that wins through but an individual effort too. Some might even say that the individual effort may be of more significance than the ensuing collective performance. Chicken & egg??

Regardless of that arguement, it stands to reason that musicians all need to practice harder and expend more effort when contesting time comes around. After all, an M.D can't be held accountable for a poor result when some of his players haven't tried to get their individual parts up to speed.

As far as the actual test pieces are concerned, I'm of the opinion that they're chosen for the way they encompass the whole of the band - exposing for instance, the 3rd cornet or 2nd horn who, in other peices may be able to 'coast' as they are, to some extent, hidden. I've even heard some players in other bands suggest that their particular part isn't important. In test peices, all the parts are important and, when played well, should come together to form the basis for a winning performance. We may not like them but we do have play them!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For these reasons and, in regard to our band, I think it might be a good idea to have a long and open discussion in order to explain how we all need to approach contesting - especially to the younger and less experienced in our ranks.

I'd be interested to hear other peoples views on this subject because, although January seems a long time off, contests have a habit of sneaking up on you. --- Regards, Nige

[Admin(Terry)]

Some very interesting and valid points raised by Nige. I think contesting is all part of the traditions of brass bands and reminds you that you are not isolated as a band but there are plenty of others in the country all trying to raise their standards. I personally am not too keen on contests as I used to be. I do prefer concerts but having said that, it is a way for bands to hone their skills and as Nige says it does expose every corner of the band. This should be the standard for every concert though and I never understand why so much time and effort is taken up for a piece of music that will last 10 minutes at most in a single performance whereas we often seem to skim the surface on concert pieces which we will play over a season to a wider audience.
I do agree wholeheartedly that players should practice, practice, practice!!

Terry

[Paul]

I agree also with what has been said re contests, I personally do not want to get to the "all contest mode", as Terry pointed out, preparing for a contest does get 'the band' to strech and improve their skills. I have said and I will put it on record that I would like to do 3 maybe 4 if the band want, but no more. 1 Butlins 2 NEMBBA 3 Area's and 4 possibly an entertainment.

I have set ideas on how much rehearsal is needed in the bandroom and how much individual practice required by individual players(the most important). I can only shape in the bandroom what you the player brings along to rehearsal......so if it is the playing that lets us down....your fault....iif it is the interpretation, then it's my fault. I am looking to make Welbeck a reasonably competant, (keep it) friendly band that people want to play with, have fun in and enjoy a night out playing. Let's have some happy banding and not some playing.

By the way it is starting this week.....first one to point it out gets a prize. Nige 'the I've never played this before' is out of it thank goodness.

Paul