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last update 13th May 2008 |
Brass Band Competitions
What are contests?
For many brass bands contesting is an integral part of their engagement calendar.
This is where bands compete against one another to achieve the best performances
of "Test Pieces". In the early years these were arrangements from
the opera or classical repertoires, but since the 1930s it is quite common for
newly commissioned music to be selected. As in football, bands belong to a section
("league") with others of a similar standard. To move up through the
sections they must perform consistently well in contests. The top bands belong
in the "premiership", the Championship section. Our band is currently
graded in the 2nd Section.
Contests happen in public and each band's performance is graded by one or two adjudicators, who sit isolated from sight within a high sided enclosure to ensure their impartiality. They do not know the identity of the band they are listening to, only the band's draw number. The tension on these occasions can be electric; however the musicianship is often very impressive.
Why do we contest?
Contesting can put a considerable drain on band resources. It takes many hours
of rehearsal to produce that musical performance. Nevertheless this investment
is worthwhile in the end. Test pieces are designed to provide a musical challenge
for every player, and this helps to drive up musical standards. In turn this
should then translate into higher quality concert performances and increased
satisfaction for everyone involved.
"When we enter a contest winning is not the imperative, it is the band doing themselves the justice of producing a memorable performance. At the end of the day though, we compete because we enjoy it and wish to be part of a musical community. For the good health of a band, it is vital that this is not forgotten"
When do we compete?
We currently regularly compete in regional contests organized by Southern Counties
Amateur Band Association. These are "own choice" contests, where the
choice of test piece is entirely left to the competing band, and take place
in the spring and autumn.
National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain: The regional final for London & Home Counties is held in March each year. This is the only grading competition in the year and determines our position in our section, if we are promoted or demoted.
