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Disappointments/contests.

To: <brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Disappointments/contests.
From: "David Williams" <JDW@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 17:28:29 -0000
Priority: low
Reply-to: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Here is a tricky question.!  Has anyone got the results of the latest
Salvation Army Regional  brass band championships.?    Yes...they do have
some damn fine bands don't they.?   And their music is wonderful and can be
pretty difficult too.!    In regard to contests...again.sorry..but,there
just seems to be more than ever before....and less and less concerts.  Ref.
fees for a concert, for the  charity event mentioned local bands would only
have to travel 3 or 4 miles and would have the opportunity to play to maybe
thousands (given a fine day)...and yes they have a few thousands grant each
year from the same local authority organising the event...and have had new
instruments from the lottery grants.   It just seems a shame to me that
"jobs" like this are lost to a pop group. My pal and I have been invited to
take part...but just imagine two old guys all alone on a huge stage playing
La Paloma !!!   And tell me how much does a
band get paid to go to a contest ?   Nothing, of course and it probably
costs a helluva lot of time and funds.    I suppose I'm hellishly old
fashioned but I'll bet  folk would rather bands entertaining them than
playing for their own followers in competitions.   I would go so far as
saying that if a band has had thousands of pounds of public money from the
lottery or other grants to pursue their hobby then it is their moral duty to
give some of their time in return.  I have my own ideas of how a band should
help its own community....and become more popular....if anyone is
interested.  Please don't tell me to join a band !   A couple of years ago a
guy tried to revive our local band as a "youth band"....and foolishly one
day I offered to give him a hand.....only to be told he "did,nt want
old aged pensioners..."   After being refused a 50,000 lottery grant his
band has gone...and the instruments too ...(some stolen).    So, if you are
wondering , that's why I and a pal.....another " old age pensioner"
started playing again (duets unaccompanied) and I bet have given more
"concerts" (of a kind) (16 in the last 12 months) than local bands.......and
I'm sure if we tried to get a couple of instruments from the lottery folk,
we would be told where to go.....as we have no "constitution" and no
"accounts"..(.as we don't get paid.)    Any band got any of those nice
"spotted" instruments they don't want ?     Back now to the Wright & Round
tutor again folks, and please don't SHOUT at me if I have made you angry.
Cheers.   David.


--

Follow-Ups:
- The Joy Of Contests
  - From: John Hughes
- Re: Disappointments/contests.
  - From: Kenneth A.Long
- Re: Disappointments/contests.
  - From: Kenneth A.Long

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