Playing or supporting?

[ukdrummerboy]

I was just wondering, do you prefer to go as a supporter with a band to a contest, or as a member and play at the contest? I've played in literally dozens of contests (as i'm sure many of you have) but only ever been to a contest as a supporter once (with Oughtibridge band to the National Finals 2002 in Torquay) and must say i loved it, no pressure and could relax all weekend (except for the 14 mins of the performance, i'm sure i was more nervous for the players than some of them were!)

So only been as a supporter to a contest once, compared to the dozens we've all played in...which do you prefer?

 

[Seedhouse]

Hmm, bit of both really playing and supporting.
However I prefer playing as if the band does well then it's nice to feel as if i've contributed to that success. Obviously if the band doesn't do well then I'll feel a bit down about it! :roll:

 

[shedophone]

i enjoy both.
Nothing beats the buzz of playing in fron tof a big audience, especially if you do well in the results.
But it is good just to be able to hang around aimlessly, listen to bands, drink, etc etc.

 

[Vickitorious]

I used to support my old youth band because I wasn't allowed to play in the registered contests. But with my new band, I play! yay!

I enjoy playing best though, if you've got a good crowd supporting you it's really good. I support my brothers band and be really loud which is fun!

 

[The Cornet King]

I dont think you can beat that buzz of going onto stage and actually playing...even if it is sometimes to one man and his dog!

Listening is good every once in a while...no pressure, chance to enjoy it, have a few beers :guiness

If i had to choose...i'd have to go as a player. Their is a real thrill taking to the stage as a team and listening to weeks/months work on a test piece pay off. Great fun!

:wink:

 

[drummergurl]

if its pontins, deffo supporter, i had so much fun last year when i didnt have to worry about playing, but otherwise i think id rather play

 

[Dawnys_flug]

Hmm having never been a supporter, i would have to go with playing.
However being a supporter must be nice. You just get to enjoy it, relax and make a complete fool out yourself by shouting, dancing and dressing up!! What, no-one elses supporters do that??
We have the bakewell babes which consist of parents and gf/wives of the band and we also have a bakewell bloke!! Fantastic!! They were great when we went to Dundee and while i was pooing my pants at having to go on stage etc., they were all larking about and having their picture taken for the bandsman!! So i think they get the better deal!!! :wink:

Although i get in a state (nerves wise :roll: ) before going on stage, and would gladly swap with the bakewell babes/bloke at that particular moment in time, nothing can compare to the feeling when you come of stage knowing you've played well and achieved something!!
I love it!!!!

 

[Naomi McFadyen]

Both

 

[VenusTromster]

I'll go as a player or supporter, as long as there is beer!!! :guiness :guiness :guiness :guiness

 

[Sam Atherton]

Definitely prefer playing. I've only been to contests as a supporter a couple of times - I enjoyed it but couldn't quite shake the feeling that I'd forgotten my cornet and uniform!

 

[jambo]

Playing!
I just love that feeling of going on stage, scanning the auditorium and then putting one down!
Its the challenge to perform that I love about contests. After that I can socialise and listen if I want.
The exception was of course at preston the other week whe I went supporting B.T. They drew very late on so had little time for drinkies after. Afraid to say I'd listened to a handfull of bands and was trollied. Great day on the razz! :wink:

 

[Lauradoll]

Playing!
I just love that feeling of going on stage, scanning the auditorium and then putting one down!
Its the challenge to perform that I love about contests. After that I can socialise and listen if I want.
The exception was of course at preston the other week whe I went supporting B.T. They drew very late on so had little time for drinkies after. Afraid to say I'd listened to a handfull of bands and was trollied. Great day on the razz! :wink:

What about the Wigan March contest?? I'm sure you had to be supported all the way home Mr Chisholm!!! :shock:

 

[johnflugel]

I enjoy playing in contests but as someone who loves listen to music in general, I would have to say that I prefer to attend to listen to bands. I am one of the minority who actually go to a contest to hear the bands...amazing I know :wink:

Combining the two is ok, if you get the right draw. After our 'Prague' last year, I got to hear the eventual winners and Stockbridge's 'shock' 2nd placing. It's nice to sit back and relax and listen after the stresses of the days leading up to the contest.

John

 

[sparkling_quavers]

I enjoy both too.... many I am just a band geek :twisted: but I like going to contests for a listen and a catch up with old friends. I have been along as a supporter to quite alot of contests with a few different bands especially pontins. Pontins is definately the place not to play but listen/socialise. If you are not playing you can go straight in the queen vic upon arriving then stumble into the back of the laundrette ( :shock: ) to listen to the rehearsal obviously! Then all weekend to have a listen/drink/chat... no pressure but you get to take part in the celebrating after sounds to good to be true...

 

[flugelgal]

One year I didn't play with Clydebank at the Scottish Championships as I couldn't attend the band for a while due to work committments. I felt awful sitting and listening when I should have been up on the stage so I definitely prefer to be part of the band!

Kirsty

 

[Big Twigge]

I felt awful sitting and listening when I should have been up on the stage so I definitely prefer to be part of the band!
Kirsty

I know what you mean! my first year at uni, I went to watch Wem at the areas and wasn't playing....it was the most painful experience of my life (concerning band anyway, although there was the bus ride back after Torquay...but thats a whole other story), I just wanted to be playing :cry: when they won I tried to celebrate as if I had been playing!

 

[Hilary Mateer]

I've played in literally dozens of contests (as i'm sure many of you have) but only ever been to a contest as a supporter once (with Oughtibridge band to the National Finals 2002 in Torquay) and must say i loved it, no pressure and could relax all weekend (except for the 14 mins of the performance, i'm sure i was more nervous for the players than some of them were!) ?

It was 19 minutes long Gavin. :wink:

I usually enjoy playing most but I went to listen to Stocksbridge at the Finals in the Albert Hall last year and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The lack of pressure is good, as is having more time to listen to other bands, meet old friends etc. but I did miss the adrenalin high you get from playing.

Just at the moment I am dreading the areas this year, but will probably feel great after I have played - unless I mess up in a big way