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RE: pro's

To: "'brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx'" <brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RE: pro's
From: Gordon Simpson <gas@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 1999 23:10:16 +0100
Priority: low
Reply-to: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

> I don't necessarily think there is a problem in bands bringing pro's in 
for
> a contest.  I'm sure the bands would much rather have a full band and not
> have to buy someone in, but they have no choice sometimes.  Do they bring 
in
> a pro and play at the contest, or do they withdraw because they have 1 
empty
> seat?  I've never really come across a pro being brought in to replace
> someone who is a regular player, except for CWS Glasgow I suppose.  I 
don't
> agree with it, and wouldn't like it done to me.
>
I don't think this is quite correct re the situation at CWS.  Roger Webster 
and Steven Mead ARE the regular players and have played at all contests for 
the last five or six years.  It would be difficult to argue against this 
policy as the band have been hugely successful during this time (they did 
though win the National BEFORE the 'stars' arrived).

The real problem with this policy is that Webster and Mead do not attend 
every rehearsal throughout the year (nothing like it in fact) and play in 
very few concerts, broadcasts, etc.  CWS are then forced to bring in guest 
players, e.g. Evelyn Bradley on euph from Whitburn, when the 'stars' are 
absent.  It's actually a well-known fact in Scotland that CWS are almost a 
'session' band - yes, they often play brilliantly in contests under Howard 
Snell but in between times the standard is known to drop alarmingly low.

Overall though, the 'stars' arrival has been very positive for Scottish 
bands in general and has certainly contributed to a raising in standards of 
their chief rivals, Whitburn and Kirkintilloch.


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