Returned from the Royal Albert Hall................

[10ClarionSt]

.........You might say it was sweet and sour! It was fantastic to see and hear so many top bands; Black Dyke, Fodens, Fairey Engineering, Cory etc, etc. I managed to pick out the first three, but not in the right order, as Eric Morecambe would say. Having spoken to various people who know more about this than me, it seems that the whole thing is a closed shop for just a few bands. Sure enough the best bands are always at the top, but because of the element of the ancient society of stonecutters, only a few will prevail. That's a shame and annoying because some people are just taking the pi$$ out of the efforts of all the others. And is the main reason why so many young people don't carry on with their playing as they improve. What an indictment of the Brass Band world. I must admit I've often come away from contests wondering how certain bands had managed to win, but now I know. For the record, the contest was won by Black Dyke, with Fodens 2nd and Cory Band 3rd. My daughters' band, Hepworth finished 13th out of 20 which is hardly surprising as their conductor isn't a stonecutter either. I know it's not a question, but people asked me to let them know.

[tonyav]

Sorry to hear you daughters band didn't finish in a higher position.

[Sqad]

Clarion....give her my regards....be proud of her and try to keep her playing in the brass band.

[pericat]

Ah well - well done to your daughter for making it as far as she did and Im glad you enjoyed the night 10Cl

[Sachs]

Hi 10,
How did your daughter feel about the competition? I hope she's not too disillusioned? I would just be over the moon watching one of my own play in a brass band 10, it has a really warm sound!