Ahem. Dont even get me started!!
Apart from anything else, i like being a shed builder! but shed builders are an essential part of a brass band, of course!!!
If we couldnt be in the band we'd just have to be 'groupies' and that would just not be as much fun!
On a more serious note (ting/bash, whatever), percussion provides colour and effects (and of course musicality) that should not be missed out!
At my band, we're treated with the greatest respect, and the conductor is always great, its so nice to have a conductor that actually listens to the percussion and always comments (whether good or bad) on our playing. It makes us feel wanted!
In some bands i've played in the percussionists have been left to get on with it... speaking for myself here- i get so bored when we're ignored i start putting extra bits in, generally messing around and not putting anywhere near as much effort in as i would when i know people will be listening!
Its like in a contest, when you play your heart out and dont even get a mention.... :cry:
One of the best feelings ive had was at the seniors cup last year when, after playing paganini (we had a great section...

), the conductor of the band i was in at the time stood us up first on stage. was great to be appreciated!