Durham Association Contest Feb 1st

[michellegarbutt]

Does anyone know which bands have entered for the Durham Association contest at Spennymoor on Feb 1st. I'd especially like to know whos in the 3rd section

[imthemaddude]

yup was at the draw - wait and see :wink:

[michellegarbutt]

Come on Lynda. Please tell I don't want to know the draw just who's in our section. It's like getting blood out of a stone trying to find out any info from our secretary

[sudcornet]

Stape Silver are going. I'm cadging a lift on their bus, so, I'll see you in the bar. :guiness

Sud

[Bob Thompson]

Linda......tell her is playing ya g*t.......smiles,,,,,,,,,,,,it is public knowledge anyway, I just cant recall or I would tell myself

[imthemaddude]

I sat next to her secretary at the draw so I think Murton might be going?

........................................ any more offers?

[imthemaddude]

Ooooo michelle if u text me the night before when I'm not frantically trying to practice and find all the bands music and a copy of oceans then I might remember to return ur trainers I so gratefully had to borrow when i played for CIN!

[Naomi McFadyen]

there are 6 bands playing in the 3rd section...
I'll be there with Bearpark and Esh...

The draw was taken for all sections over the weekend...

[bigcol]

Competing bands:

Section A:

Broughtons
CLS Riverside
Felling (Think they've withdrawn)
Fishburn
Greggs
Peterlee
Kirkbymoorside
Langbaurgh

Section B:

Barnard Castle
BHK Horden
Cockerton (Withdrawn)
Easington
Ferryhill
Gateshead Brass
Houghton
Pride Valley
Spennymoor

Section C:

Bearpark & Esh
Hetton
Lanchester
Murton
Stape
Wansbeck Ashington

Section D:

Billingham
Durham Constab
Five Rivers
Lockwood
Stanhope

[Lauradoll]

Yey come on Horden!!!

[jambo]

Yey come on Horden!!!

Cheers Blondie,

Should be a good day in the bar (edited - Mod. PB).

I'm not gonna hold out for a result though. A pre-draw 2 weeks before and contesting band members on the committee, call me a synic ..but...

Not saying that it will be abused of course but i'm not a fan of the pre draw...whats the point, to save half an hour on the morning of a contest? If its a pre draw then adjudication may as well be open, then we can all shine our shoes and look pretty for the judges too.

[GrahamCatherall]

Yey come on Horden!!!


I'm not gonna hold out for a result though. A pre-draw 2 weeks before and contesting band members on the committee, call me a synic ..but...



The Durham league committee work really hard and I think that's an unfair comment. I take it that you will think they are marvellous if you win?

BTW I have nothing to do with the committee.

[GrahamCatherall]

And the winners could be:


Section A: Fishburn

Section B: BHK Horden

Section C: Wansbeck Ashington

Section D: Lockwood

[Bob Thompson]

Anyone know why Ever Ready arent playing?

[michellegarbutt]

Yey come on Horden!!!

Cheers Blondie,

Should be a good day in the bar (edited - Mod. PB).

I'm not gonna hold out for a result though. A pre-draw 2 weeks before and contesting band members on the committee, call me a synic ..but...

Not saying that it will be abused of course but i'm not a fan of the pre draw...whats the point, to save half an hour on the morning of a contest? If its a pre draw then adjudication may as well be open, then we can all shine our shoes and look pretty for the judges too.

I was at the meeting when it was decided to have a pre draw. It was done last year as there was building works going on at the leisure centre and storage space was short. It was felt it would be easier if bands knew what time they would be playing so they could get their equipment in and out. The feedback after the contest was good and most bands that were there said they preferred this system so we decided to continue it again this year. If you don't like the decisions that are being taken tell your band representative and make sure that representative is going to the next meeting. Quite frankly I spent 3 years as contest secretary of Sacriston and never missed a meeting unless I organised a dep to go for me. But most of the meetings I went to out of the 40+ bands that were registered with the association you were lucky if there were six representatives there. If your rep doesn't go then you can't expect to have a say in how the association or contest is run.

p.s. thanks Colin

[boneman0970]

I take it Horden mania has spread the country and why not they are are very good band,but I think your underestimating one band which has been in the Championship Section for sometime and may be the dark horses.
We will see on the day.....
COMMMMMMMMMMMME ON GATESHEAD!!!!!!!!!

[bigcol]

I'm not gonna hold out for a result though. A pre-draw 2 weeks before and contesting band members on the committee, call me a synic ..but...

It's spelt cynic, the contest has always been pre-drawn in recent years to make it easier for bands to prepare. There is only one person who knows who the adjudicator is, and he isn't affiliated with any band.

No point causing trouble - esp. when you are clear favourites to win anyway! Or are you getting your excuses in early :P

[bigcol]

If your rep doesn't go then you can't expect to have a say in how the association or contest is run.

p.s. thanks Colin

Horden have been represented both at the AGM and the draw this year, so the powers that be there must either not mind the pre-draw system, or have elected to support it at least for this contest.

Nice to see everyone singing off the same hymn sheet (!)

Anytime Michelle. Don't think your new secretary was quite with it at the draw :wink:

[Resurgam]

Firstly may I say that Jambos comments do not reflect the thoughts or beliefs of the members of the BHK Band. His post reflects his own personal opinion and views and in a free and democratic society he is entitled to do this.
As Band manager I represented the BHK Band at the AGM and the Meeting on Saturday 17th January, I supported the decision of the members present and I have no objections to this. I would also agree with michellegarbutt and add that attendances at Association meetings are essential for all member Bands if they wish to ensure the continued success of the Association, I think it is only fair to say that if your Band is not represented at meetings then you have to accept what decisions are made as these are made following full and comprehensive debate. As a former Secretary of the Association I can remember the time when we used to have 30 to 40 members present, we certainly have slipped over recent years.

With regard to favorites or forecasting the winners; well, I would rather leave this to the adjudicator who ever he or she may be, I am sure they will give what they feel is an honest and true decision. At the end of the day you just have to accept the adjudicators decision as final, if you are not in the frame then you just look forward to the next one.

With regard to Horden mania spreading the Country well what next, yes they were very successful during 2003 any Band winning two National Championships have got to be pleased with their progress and have a certain ammount of confidence. I must add however that all the other competing Band will be feeling the same way, I certainly do not think that they are all going for the ride and the booze!!! ( dont believe what Graham says he is going there to win) I have no doubt your own Band will be working very hard and feeling very confident, so they should, they were a Championship Band for many years and you would not be engaging a professional conductor if you thought otherwise. Indeed on your own website a member of the Band recently stated that you should win the contest by a 3 miles so that is confidence surely.

Good luck to all competing Bands.

[GrahamCatherall]

( dont believe what Graham says he is going there to win).

No way! I won it last year with Cockerton so I just want to enjoy the day and let someone else win.


Good luck to all competing Bands.

Totally agree with that. This contest has always had excellent adjudicators so the best band will win on the day.

[bigcol]

Indeed on your own website a member of the Band recently stated that you should win the contest by a 3 miles so that is confidence surely.

Lol - that comment is a bit like a mum telling her son he's going to win sport's day!

Anyway - (courting trouble) at least we've got a website. :P

We know that on most days that Horden should win the contest - we just hope to give you a good run. It'd be boring for you to walk it - and there's others out there than us that will have a pop. Musicially less difficult pieces are known to be good levellers.

[Resurgam]

Hi bigcol,

I congratulate you on your website you have done a great job - indeed I tried to get you involved with the Leagues website at the last meeting as I knew you had the ability to sought out their problems.

I sincerely trust you have taken this onboard.

Ray Hutchinson

(probablyyou might have to give me a few lessons on how to pull down the qoutes etc as I am still in the learnig stage.)

p.s Your record as a conductor in the N.E Graham is very good and I am sure you will continue to be successful - we go back a lot of years from your time at ER.

[rickcowens]

i fort horden are championship section? how come they are competing in section b?

[missflugel]

Its a local grading contest Rick so they have to be in that section regardless of national gradings. A bit like some of the Manchester ones we used to do

Jo x

[rickcowens]

o, ok thanxs jo :)

[GrahamCatherall]

(probablyyou might have to give me a few lessons on how to pull down the qoutes etc as I am still in the learnig stage.) .

HI Ray,
PM me if you want any help.


p.s Your record as a conductor in the N.E Graham is very good and I am sure you will continue to be successful - we go back a lot of years from your time at ER.

Thanks, Ray. I'll get the mutual back-slapping out of the way by saying (and meaning) that you are the best band manager I've come across.

[jambo]

The Durham league committee work really hard and I think that's an unfair comment. I take it that you will think they are marvellous if you win?

BTW I have nothing to do with the committee.[/quote]

No, sorry Graham its not about if we win or not, hopefully they will think we're marvellous anyway regardless of the result. I just do not and never have liked the idea of pre draws. If major contests such as the nationals etc can cope with the draw on the morning of the contest and still have the percussion etc sorted for each band, I can't see the problem for the durham league.

[GrahamCatherall]

I just do not and never have liked the idea of pre draws. If major contests such as the nationals etc can cope with the draw on the morning of the contest and still have the percussion etc sorted for each band, I can't see the problem for the durham league.

Hi Jambo,
We'll just have to agree to disagree on that one. I like pre-draws as they can really help sort out out any timing problems - shiftworkers etc. The Durham League is much more forward-thinking in that respect.

Now, if only they would announce the adjudicators in advance of the contest.

[Lauradoll]

[.

Now, if only they would announce the adjudicators in advance of the contest.


I thought it was common knowledge. I'd better not say anything then!!!!

[GrahamCatherall]

[.

Now, if only they would announce the adjudicators in advance of the contest.


I thought it was common knowledge. I'd better not say anything then!!!!

The Durham League have never announced the judges until the day of the contest. I have an inkling who they are but what use is that?

[Lauradoll]

[.

Now, if only they would announce the adjudicators in advance of the contest.


I thought it was common knowledge. I'd better not say anything then!!!!

The Durham League have never announced the judges until the day of the contest. I have an inkling who they are but what use is that?

Inkling? Apparently only one person knows according to bigcol. I'm sure that's not true but where has your inkling come from? A conspiracy!!!!!

[GrahamCatherall]

Apparently only one person knows according to bigcol. I'm sure that's not true

It will be true - the judge is usually only known to one of the officials, usually the chairman.




but where has your inkling come from? A conspiracy!!!!!

I'm a medium in my spare time.

[Resurgam]

I do not know what all the hassle is about - the League rule has always been that the Adjudicator is not made general knowledge until the day of the contest. I sincerely believe that only the Chairman, Geo Bramfitt and the adjudicator of course are the only ones who are aware of this.

At the meeting on the 17th January, this matter was raised and was deferred for further discussin to the AGM which is to be held in September. If member Bands feel so strong about this then attend the meetings with a directive from your Band and then it can be considered as an item agenda at some earlier meeting.

At this point in time I feel that the officers of the Association need our help and support not criticism. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to wish them every success for the weekend and sincerely trust it is a very enjoyable day for all who attend.

Ray Hutchinson

[bigcol]

Aye it's going to be a good-un. We've had our first practice tonight with our pro and it was great!

There are 2 people who know - George Bramfitt and the printer of the programmes :lol:

Roll on Sunday!

[GrahamCatherall]

There are 2 people who know - George Bramfitt and the printer of the programmes

In which case I hope somebody has told the judge.

Cheers,

[jambo]

I'm not gonna hold out for a result though. A pre-draw 2 weeks before and contesting band members on the committee, call me a synic ..but...

It's spelt cynic, the contest has always been pre-drawn in recent years to make it easier for bands to prepare. There is only one person who knows who the adjudicator is, and he isn't affiliated with any band.

No point causing trouble - esp. when you are clear favourites to win anyway! Or are you getting your excuses in early :P

Thanks

[Lauradoll]

Lol - that comment is a bit like a mum telling her son he's going to win sport's day!

Sports day.

[geordiecolin]

Is this a Durham League Topic or an English grammar/spelling class??


Anyway, best of luck to all at the Durham League. Wish I was there with a North East band :( Oh well, only another year and a half at uni!!

I don't believe there are any spelling mistakes in this post.....

[dave jake]

Good luck to all the bands competing on Sunday. my bands not there but I hope to be,I ll be cheeriing on Gateshead if I get out the bar :D :D

[bigcol]

Hawhey Dave - you've got to listen to one band - let is be us!!

[Wonky_Baton]

I do not know what all the hassle is about - the League rule has always been that the Adjudicator is not made general knowledge until the day of the contest. I sincerely believe that only the Chairman, Geo Bramfitt and the adjudicator of course are the only ones who are aware of this.

At the meeting on the 17th January, this matter was raised and was deferred for further discussin to the AGM which is to be held in September. If member Bands feel so strong about this then attend the meetings with a directive from your Band and then it can be considered as an item agenda at some earlier meeting.

At this point in time I feel that the officers of the Association need our help and support not criticism. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to wish them every success for the weekend and sincerely trust it is a very enjoyable day for all who attend.

I am with ray on this one. Contest is always well run and its easy to critisise without realising the unpaid time and sacrifice to run it. I haven't the time or inclination to give up so much of my own free time to help improve the contest. Its not perfect but nobody can express an opinion without putting the time in that this lot do for the benefit of everyone. Years and years of action as the present comittee have done is what is required to make your voice heard. They do it to the best of their ability and deserve praise for the job they do.

Doesn't matter in the judge is public knowledge or not. Sometimes if a certain judge is announced bands alter there performance to suit. keeping it secret to the day means that all bands are on a level playing field. Its a lottery in any case and as judges are impartial should make any differnce if band dont know who is ajudicating or if it a pre draw. Any system is open to fixing pre draw or not and swings and roundabouts if you win or lose. Contesting should be used to keep a band sharp and bands shouldn't take the result so serious. One mans opinion on variable musical parameters and depending if the band play an optimim performance. Hard work and ability is one thing but there is also an element of luck!!

[GrahamCatherall]

Doesn't matter in the judge is public knowledge or not.

For the first time the judge has provided notes on what he/she is looking for. This is actually far better than knowing who he/she is.

[neiltwist]

Contesting should be used to keep a band sharp and bands shouldn't take the result so serious. One mans opinion on variable musical parameters and depending if the band play an optimim performance. Hard work and ability is one thing but there is also an element of luck!!

there's also the money too!




i think the notes thing saying what the adjudicator is looking for is a very good idea, for example, i have seen judges pick apart performances note by note in their speech, but have also seen the same sort of performance praised because of the musicality shown, despite a few splits the occaisional messy entry.

sorry, back on topic, the league is a brill event!

come on easington!

[GrahamCatherall]

Hawhey Dave - you've got to listen to one band - let is be us!!

Yes but get back to the bar when we are on.

[BoozyBTrom]

Good luck to everyone taking part. We're not there this time. But i will pop along to cheer on a couple of bands.

Especially

Horden ( with my old ER muckers in it )
Pride Valley
Easington
and Gateshead ( to cheer on my mate Gav whos just joined )

Good luck folks

[bigcol]

and Gateshead ( to cheer on my mate Gav whos just joined )

Aye to hear what a proper bass trombone sounds like :o :twisted:

[GrahamCatherall]

Good luck to everyone taking part. We're not there this time. But i will pop along to cheer on a couple of bands.

Especially

Horden ( with my old ER muckers in it )
Pride Valley
Easington
and Gateshead ( to cheer on my mate Gav whos just joined )

Good luck folks

Hi Gareth (quietest bass trombone player in the world :D ),

Thanks for that - see you there.

[BoozyBTrom]

Aye to hear what a proper bass trombone sounds like :o :twisted:

But we're not going :P :P

Anyone else could be offended by that. Especially if they had never met you in person.

But Gav's a good lad and im sure he will do the band proud. Those lessons i gave him must have paid off for him :P :P

[BoozyBTrom]

Hi Gareth (quietest bass trombone player in the world :D ),

Thanks for that - see you there.

You definately will

[bigcol]

Anyone else could be offended by that.

Yes but I knew you wouldn't!

Gav is an asset to the band - he has a great sound and more to the point a wicked sense of humour.

So how come no ER at the contest? The fact that you are there means they haven't got owt else on.

[BoozyBTrom]

Yes but I knew you wouldn't!

Exactly




So how come no ER at the contest? The fact that you are there means They haven't got owt else on.

Its been a really busy begining to the year and last year was a nightmare too. So it was decided to sit this one out. Give the chops a bit of a rest.

But we are rehearsing on the night for a couple of big concerts coming up for the university. Heavy stuff! Like a second job at the moment

[boneman0970]

Well what can I say to the Daddy of Bass Trombone playing in the North East..
The cheque is in the post mate!!!!

[Lauradoll]

Good luck to everyone playing tomorrow.


COME ON HORDEN!!!!!!!


oooo ooooo monkey!!!!!!!!!!!!