Brian Bowen
Active Member
May I commend to those who really care about brass banding and take a serious interest in it, the May issue of Brass Band World. It opens its debate on the future of contesting (affecting banding in general) with opinions from such personalities as David King, Ray Farr, Frank Renton, Alan Morrison, Richard Evans, Roger Webster, Edward Gregson, Chris Wormald, Gordon Simpson and Markus Bach under the guidance of Alan Jenkins.
There appears to be a surge of opinion in favour of contests, such as the National Finals and the Open, to be more in line with the European format of set work and own-choice combination. But a one-day event with far fewer bands participating at the top level. The need for original works rather than arrangements is stressed, and different methods of adjudicating are discussed.
Such a change, it is thought, would have more musical value while being entertaining and encourage larger audiences to attend -- and stay in their seats.
There’s a lot of good sense spoken and it's well worth the read.
There appears to be a surge of opinion in favour of contests, such as the National Finals and the Open, to be more in line with the European format of set work and own-choice combination. But a one-day event with far fewer bands participating at the top level. The need for original works rather than arrangements is stressed, and different methods of adjudicating are discussed.
Such a change, it is thought, would have more musical value while being entertaining and encourage larger audiences to attend -- and stay in their seats.
There’s a lot of good sense spoken and it's well worth the read.