Some of the contents of the pages on this site are Copyright © 2016 NJH Music | [Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] Re: Masters of Space and Time
David Lancaster asked if working months on contest pieces is typical of bands in the US. I think your answer will very fairly widely, because groups here have very few contesting opportunities, and the amount of time they spend preparing is related to how important the contest is to them. I have attended NABBA for the last 3 years, and in each case the winning band in the Championship section was pretty obvious before the judges decisions were announced. That was Illinois Brass Band in 98 & 00 and Brass Band of Columbus in 99. I think you would find that they are two of the bands that work longest and hardest on each contest piece. I'm wondering if the short lead time this year will serve as an equalizer between bands, as IBB has won 4 out of the last 5 years. Our band, Cuyahoga Valley Brass Band, might read through a contest piece as early as October, but we have concerts throughout fall and winter to prepare for, and we won't start really serious work till this January. I think we need more time than you UK bands, because we typically only rehease together once a week, and most of our members are involved in other musical groups besides CVBB, some are even out 2 or 3 nights a week with local symphonies, quintets etc, which makes individual preparation mor difficult. In addition, there is a skill to putting pieces together quickly that we are just learning. Actually, Keith W. is beating it into us, but that's another matter ;o) Because we contest only once a year, we are still picking it up. Remember we have only been a group for about 3 years now, and most of us have not grown up in brass bands as you all have. I get the feeling that our band is continuing to develop, and I bet most US bands would say the same thing. Until we have the history some of you UK bands have, and the frequency of opportunities to compete, we will probably need a little more time with a contest piece to reach an appropriate standard. Mary Ellen Lathrop 2nd horn Cuyahoga Valley Brass Band --
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