Missed Brian T's band actually. My phone was buzzing away and I went out to take the call thinking it was important, but it was just some Indian chap trying to get me to change my internet package. I took the opportunity to stretch the old legs and 'make potty', so missed Wantage. For what it's worth I thought the first two bands were amazing, but may have been 'listening with my eyes' and the 4br prediction bias I suppose. The other thing is that because I don't play with anywhere near this standard of band the first time for a while I hear any Champ sect band they tend to sound amazing. Certainly after the first two they all sounded much of a muchness to me with varying degrees of chod until Friary came on and raised the bar again, but they may just have sounded strong because the (winning) band before them seemed all over the shop to be honest from bar one. I'll concede this may all be because my ears/ musicianship are dodgy, and I'm sure the chap in the box understood what was going on much better than me. To answer moonmins question - yes it was a good shock, all the bands got through what I assume is a rock hard piece without any major disasters as I recall.
Paddy's London & Southern Counties Area - 2013
- Thread starter Paddy Flower
- Start date
Lewis Chris
Member
I think a huge congratulations to the organising team should be mentioned. Everything just seemed to flow this year with little delay.
Not sure about the new layout of the venue, the venue staff didn't seem to know what to do. Trying to get out of the 4th section results ready to play in the Championship section took almost 25 mins, as they started sending people into the corridor by the theatre before letting people out of it causing a massive traffic jam.
I did like the hot food counter set up, that worked well (although as for the quality of food I didn't sample it as had been rather ill during the night, not beer induced sadly)
Congratulations to all the winners!
Not sure about the new layout of the venue, the venue staff didn't seem to know what to do. Trying to get out of the 4th section results ready to play in the Championship section took almost 25 mins, as they started sending people into the corridor by the theatre before letting people out of it causing a massive traffic jam.
I did like the hot food counter set up, that worked well (although as for the quality of food I didn't sample it as had been rather ill during the night, not beer induced sadly)
Congratulations to all the winners!
Martin
Member
So did a member of my own family.
Compared to the level you obviously play at they are amazing.
I am sure that any friends you have at Aveley, Wantage, Medway, 'Brian T's' band (to mention a few) really appreciate their playing being described 'chod'.
....and you can say this because of your vast experience and knowledge
Now you are contradicting yourself and trying to dig yourself out of the hole you have created.
I have some good friends in Friary and the other bands who I know would give me honest opinions. These people have played in the Championship Section for a long time. Their comments are based on experience and I value them. When they say that, whilst ours was not a flawless performance, it was a good one that was tight, with good dynamics and a warm sound and most of the technique was clear and, that we deserved to win, I believe them.
Regent Brass, whilst not the best band in the world, has been working damn hard over the last 4/5 years to be where they are. The players probably do more home practice in a week than you do in a month and they have a genius of a young conductor who has got them this far by encouraging and coaxing the raw material that was already in the band. WE don't buy in Super Stars.
The brass band movement is getting smaller all the time. All you have done here is to put a blanket smear on the Championship Section in the L&SC region. Any younger person reading this could easily ask themselves do they want to aspire to that level only to have [metaphoric] mud and stones thrown at them by 'Armchair Ajudicators' who, actually, know little more than they do. I would guess not.
This is supposed to be a 'sport' (of a kind). I'm not seeing much sportsmanship in your words!!!!!!!!
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HorniKaz
Supporting Member
There was a lot of bad sportsmanship on the day regarding our rehearsal room! No names but they know who they were!
I've also seen some unsporting comments on various Facebook pages!
However, my two pennies worth:
1) Of the three bands I heard in the top section (none of whom qualified), I thought they were in the right order, but people I respect have different opinions to me.
2) Many congratulations to Regent and Friary - I didn't hear you but did hear Redbridge, who were very good. If you were better than them, as Mr Berryman decided, then you deserved to qualify.
3) Organisation was fantastic - hats off.
4) One small gripe about the facilities - the food hall did not take plastic, which was pain and unusual in 2013.
Other than that, I am one relieved euphonium player to get that one out of the way!
However, my two pennies worth:
1) Of the three bands I heard in the top section (none of whom qualified), I thought they were in the right order, but people I respect have different opinions to me.
2) Many congratulations to Regent and Friary - I didn't hear you but did hear Redbridge, who were very good. If you were better than them, as Mr Berryman decided, then you deserved to qualify.
3) Organisation was fantastic - hats off.
4) One small gripe about the facilities - the food hall did not take plastic, which was pain and unusual in 2013.
Other than that, I am one relieved euphonium player to get that one out of the way!
Meaning?
Who does in this Area though? Everyone works hard too.
The Wherryman
Active Member
Warderloo, are you suggesting that players aren't bought in just for contests? I'm sure we could all name bands that do buy players in for that purpose, or have done, it. But those who do won't come on here and admit it, and those who don't wouldn't name names, because of the ill-feeling that would undoubtedly follow. It happens, it's not against the rules, so life moves on.
No I'm not saying that, I'm simply asking who in the Area brings in "superstars"? I know that most bands buy in players, in particular for the Areas. Some are paid and some not, though not playing week in week have links to one band. I would guess that most bands have a large majority just 'members' on stage at the Areas with a much smaller number bought in. I'm also saying that hard work isn't exclusive and most bands think they are putting in their time to keep their band going.
The Wherryman
Active Member
That depends on how "superstar" is defined. Someone who is a household 'name' in banding, or someone who is of a much higher standard than that usually to be found in any particular section, or a professional player perhaps? They are all to be found on the contest platform, but are often harder to spot playing in subsequent concerts with the band with whom they contested, particularly in the lower sections.
cornetcheese
Member
I can definitely say that we didn't have 1 player on stage who was a "dep" or brought/bought in for the contest. Every player on stage was a subscription-paying member of the band who comes to rehearsals week in, week out.
I'm pretty sure there are other bands in the champ section who are in the same position?
Yep...
QUOTE=cornetcheese;834887]I can definitely say that we didn't have 1 player on stage who was a "dep" or brought/bought in for the contest. Every player on stage was a subscription-paying member of the band who comes to rehearsals week in, week out.
I'm pretty sure there are other bands in the champ section who are in the same position?[/QUOTE]
QUOTE=cornetcheese;834887]I can definitely say that we didn't have 1 player on stage who was a "dep" or brought/bought in for the contest. Every player on stage was a subscription-paying member of the band who comes to rehearsals week in, week out.
I'm pretty sure there are other bands in the champ section who are in the same position?[/QUOTE]
Here is our perf, quite pleased with it really. I think they have improved every year that's the main thing!
http://m.soundcloud.com/phil-bailey/wantage-a-band-area-recording
http://m.soundcloud.com/phil-bailey/wantage-a-band-area-recording
Bob Sherunkle
Active Member
Perhaps you are correct tubafan.
I am not sure that would explain the results however.
Regards
Bob
I think it's quite refreshing that an adjudicator can see past the 'who is the best band' thing, and instead go for what he considered the best performance. Any idiot (even me) could hear the quality and strength of depth in two of the bands in particular, but perhaps that is why we employ a professional adjudicator - to see/hear things the average listener can't and reward it accordingly. Everyone in I spoke to seemed to have the first two bands along with Friary in the top 3, but perhaps that is why we were all just listening, and not in the box? The winners seemed to have a few glitches right from the horn opening which I assumed was tuning stuff, but might have actually been a written effect that others didn't bring off. To my lowly ears they may have sounded all over the place in the fast bits, but perhaps if I knew the score I would realise I was actually hearing extra layers of detail? I also thought they achieved a lovely sort of wobbly shimmering sound which was nice.
mikey.smithy
Member
Knob.
dizzystinker
Member
Tut tut, come on this is supposed to be a hobby.........
bumper-euph
Member
Does that make him a ....Hob-(by) - Knob......
Hear, hear! Same with ZOB Alan. In ten years no one player has been payed to play (*reaching to polish halo/adjust smug hat* I do it for free too.....I'm petty sure that ensures me a place is brass band heaven).
Wherryman, I trying to be positive about bands in the Area. I really can't think of anyone who brings in many "professionals" (I play trombone for a living and the buisness is small, Stevenage isn't a annual meeting place for mecenary, evil pros bent on ruining everyones fun) and certainly not "household names". No one can really afford constant expensive additions. I think all conductors would want a full band week in week out to grow and improve together. I know lots of great pros that don't find it enjoyable coming into a band at the last minute, to be paid a small fee to have the weight of expectation that you'll be perfect and when you're not, you let down a load of nice people who really care about what they do and have been rehearsing for months!
