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Re: Disappointments/contests.

David

I must agree with you on the quality of Salvation Army Band and Music.  I
was unaware that they had brass band championships, but was aware of
regional music festivals.  I guess they have changed over the years along
with everyone else!

Congradulation on your persistance in playing.  I would rather here two
music lovers playing that 32 misic prima dona's trying to out do each other.
Here in the states, I have tried to get some interest in small ensemble
work, but no one wants to spend the rehearsal time unless they are going to
make some money.

I play Euph and have just met a BBb tuba player who is retired and expressed
and interest in doing some small group work.  What instrumentation do you
use.  Where did you get you duet music and what kind of groups have you been
playing for?

I enjoy you posts, so keep them coming.

You mentioned you are an "old aged pensioner".  I retired from the US Army
seven years ago, and draw a pension, but I am a long way from being old.  In
fact, I work full time in my second career.  Just how old are you and your
playing partner.  I know that I play better today than I did thrity years
ago, and I do not play to stop for a good many years.

Please write directly to me to avoid cluttering up the list.

Ken Long
kenlong1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx


> 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.


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