I've just been reading some of the background stuff on 4barsrest prior to the British Open on Saturday. It is clear that in the past conductors did not think of it as unusual to conduct more than one band in a major competition - for example, Alex Owen took 10 bands in 1898, and William Halliwell had 5 out of the top 6 in 1909, plus one that came further down!
Also, reading the Eric Ball article in Brass Band World, he had his 4 bands drawn consecutively on one occasion.
These days, although conductors will often get a couple of bands through the Regionals, it seems very rare for them also to take them in the final itself. What do people think of this, and do you think it is their choice not to double up, or is it more likely to be down to the bands concerned?
Also, reading the Eric Ball article in Brass Band World, he had his 4 bands drawn consecutively on one occasion.
These days, although conductors will often get a couple of bands through the Regionals, it seems very rare for them also to take them in the final itself. What do people think of this, and do you think it is their choice not to double up, or is it more likely to be down to the bands concerned?