I'm not sure if this subject has already been covered so please point me in the right direction if it has. I want to know as much about contesting as possible, Why did bands start contesting? When was the first band contest? Why do we continue to contest? Should we continue to contest? Is contesting a good thing for brass bands? Will it continue for another 100 years? If there is any literature out there or websites that I can research please let me know. JP
Why did bands start contesting? To get better? When was the first band contest? NO idea-a long itme ago Why do we continue to contest? Because it's the most fun bit of banding? Should we continue to contest? ohhhhh, yes! (to quote the Churchill dog) Is contesting a good thing for brass bands? see previous answer Will it continue for another 100 years? Yes, if I have something to do with it! Well answered? I think so!
Elgar & Patrick Howarth: What A Performance! - The Brass Band Plays Arthur O. Taylor: Labour & Love - an Oral History of the Brass Band Movement ibid.: Brass Bands Trevor Herbert: The British Brass Band - A Musical and Social History All good references for brass band history, with interviews from leading figures of the last 50 years or so. Sorry, don't have ISBNs or publishers, although I think the Taylor books were published by Granada, and Herbert's might be OUP. Although the first 3 are probably out of print you should be able to get them on Interlibrary loan via your local library.
Hmm, do I detect a hint (albeit small) of sarcasm?! I'm sorry, but it is quite clearly 'oohhhhhh yes'. Listen next time it's ont'telly!
Jason, I have a copy of Labour & Love, and the British Bandsman centenary book - I can give them to Mr K for you if you're interested (yep I know how sad I am!). Rich's brother is doing something on contesting for uni so it might be worth picking his brains, he's Euph Chris on here.
