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Re: Alec Gallagher & 'futile' contests.

To: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Alec Gallagher & 'futile' contests.
From: Marc Crompton <crompton@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 10:55:02 -0700
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Reply-to: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sorry that I haven't jumped in earlier but I tend to side with Alec 
on this.  Although I don't think that it is the contests themselves 
that create problems, it the way people approach them.  In Vancouver, 
we don't have brass band contests but there are plenty of wind band 
festivals around.  It used to be that they were all competitive, but 
things have changed in the last 10-15 years.  It was found that 
people were more concerned with "beating" each other and winning 
contests rather than playing music.  It seems that this is a 
prevalent attitude in this arena as well.  I often read about people 
trying to second guess the judges or trying to figure our point 
systems rather than concentrating on giving their personal, most 
honest interpretations of the repertoire.  Of course, the best groups 
are probably those that perform from the heart and prepare themselves 
thoroughly to give that honest interpretation and we envy them 
because they do it so well.  The emphasis must remain on the music, 
not the competition.

Having said that, there has been something missing since our music 
festivals have gone non-competitive.  The competitive element does 
help to set a standard that less experienced groups can strive for 
and helps to keep us motivated in times of discouragement.

If we can all realize the purpose and limitations of the contest 
format and work within them, not only will we all benefit much more 
from them, we will all make much better music.

Just my opinion, cheers,

Marc Crompton

>Sorry Alec, looks like you are definitely in the minority, IE only you!!!!
>Take my advice and stay out of brass bands, it's obvious that you
>cannot be a musician!!!.
>
>
>Dave McKay (Ever Ready Eb Bass Extraordinaire).
>
>
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References:
- Alec Gallagher & 'futile' contests.
  - From: DMcKay Bassman

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