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Coloured shirts and uniforms at contests

Sorry Kirsty McCafferty/Colin Randle.  WRONG!!!!!

I think the fact that bands do not wear 'proper' uniforms at contests, it 
looks disorganised, messy and very unprofessional.  I went to the 
national finals at Harrogate last year for the lower sections.  I cannot 
recall the test piece, but one band walked on stage with jackets on, sat 
down and then proceeded to take off their jackets and put them on the 
backs of their seats!!!!!  It looked  awful!!!  

I do not wish to comment on why First City do this.  I did hear  reasons 
why they have done this from a former member of the band, but 
cannot recall.  As I remember it was seemed plausable.  Maybe Mr 
Wise could shed more light on it.  However, I do accept there are 
instances where jackets/uniforms should not be used.  Ie: An 
entertainment contest.  For example, playing Acid Brass.  Why not 
dress bandspeople in acid clothing, baseball caps etc....That serves a 
purpose, entertainment.  

Personally, watching a brass band at a contest, whether it be at 
Saltwell Park, Gateshead or the National Finals at the RAH looks 
excellent.  It looks professional.  When the likes of Fodens, in bright 
red, Brighouse in their familiar purples etc....There is a big buzz round 
the hall.  Audiences recognise this.  If bands went on stage wearing 
their 501s and multicoloured shirts or whatever, that atmosphere 
would be lost.  It presents IMHO a disorganised, unprofessional 
'oompah band' that should be playing, "Oh I do like to play beside the 
seaside".  Putting on your dress uniform should give you a buzz.  It 
certainly does for me.  I find personally I play better when i've got my 
reds on than when I play in casuals!!!

If bands went down the road of non uniforms, it would wreck the brass 
band world.  Obviously SABBA think that way too.  We want to 
increase the profile of brass bands.  Although it is a 'hobby'/'amateur' 
pastime, we should be thinking/acting more professionally.  Another 
possible outcome could be that sponsorship may be jeopardised.  IE:  
If your band is looking for a high profile sponsor.  You invite the 
managing director from a company to watch the band.  They may not 
have seen a brass band before.  They see a 28 people on stage 
wearing jeans, different jackets, shirts etc...  Next day they see a band 
all in uniform.  I am damned sure I know which band they would wish 
to sponsor to promote their company.  

In conclusion, I may be a little controversial, but people who know me 
in person or from previous postings all I am saying is lets discuss 
these issues rationally!!!!!!!

But Kirsty/Colin, don't talk rubbish about multicoloured shirts etc!!!

Love to all.  

Dave McKay - Ever Ready Eb Bass Extraordinaire


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