NEWSLETTER
of the
SOUTH WEST BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION
Issue 37 August 2008
62nd Annual Championships, Saturday 15th November 2008. – Schedules and Entry Forms have been sent to all member bands and this is a reminder that entries close on 20th September.
Herewith two important notices which are deemed to be addendums to the Schedule:
i) 2nd Section – Following notification from the publishers SP&S, the Executive Committee confirms that the new revised version of the test-piece “Variations on Laudate Dominum” by Edward Gregson, will be used at the Championships – this version is in the Judd Street Collection stock number 29906 and is the only version now available from the publishers and their suppliers; ii) Junior/Training Section – paragraph 7 now reads – “This section is for Association bands only, with players not competing in the Youth Sections; there will be …….”
Would your band like to advertise in the programme? If so, advertising space is being sold at £50 full page, £30 half page, black and white, A5 size. Confirmation and copy must be received by the Secretary by no later than 30th September.
Exmouth Brass Band Festival, Saturday 6th September 2008 – The maximum entries of 15 bands have been received and once again it looks like being another excellent day of music making. If your band has not entered (why not?), please encourage your members to come along to Exmouth to support their colleagues and enjoy a sunshine filled day on the waterfront.
Stewarding – Do you know of anybody who would like to volunteer as a steward at both or either the Exmouth Festival or Annual Championships, thereby observing and learning at first hand how a contest/festival is organised and operated? If so, please let the Secretary know as soon as possible. Any volunteers can be assured of a friendly welcome.
“Train the Traininer” Workshop, Saturday 18th October 2008 – Reminder that applications to attend this Workshop must be received by the Chairman, Ray Kingdon by no later than 4th October. This is a must for anybody involved in training or is thinking of doing so.
Mid-Winter Brass Workshop, 14th and 15th February 2009 – Advanced notice that the Workshop will be held at the West Buckland School, near Barnstaple, Devon – this change in venue has been forced upon us by the ever increasing hiring costs imposed by Devon County Council. We know you will be impressed by the facilities at West Buckland. The tutors for the weekend will be Chris Davis (RM), Jim Davies and John Winterflood. Full details later in the year.
Membership – Welcome to the following bands who have joined the Association this year. Weymouth Concert Brass and Widewell Brass (Youth). We look forward to them partaking in the Association’s many activities.
Congratulations to the Mount Charles Band in coming fourth at the recent English National Championships, a wonderful achievement in giving the “big boys” a real scare and showing the country that banding in the south-west must never be taken for granted.
Best Wishes to our member bands representing the south-west at the Finals of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, namely Mount Charles; Helston Town; Bristol East & Kingswood; Verwood Concert Brass; Wincanton Silver; and Totnes.
Arthur Bedwell Memorial Trust set up in 1983 in memory of Arthur Bedwell, late chairman of the Association. The aim of the Trust is to assist any conductor or member of a band in membership of the Association by granting, on application, a financial contribution to enable attendance at approved courses of musical instruction, or by receiving some special tuition. Application must be in writing, supported by the individual’s band and addressed to the Secretary of the Trust, Brian Elliott.
Communications – Does your chairman, musical director, band committee and your band members know what is happening within the South West Brass Band Association? The Executive Committee who work tirelessly and without reward, sometimes wonder but nevertheless carry on organising events and activities for the benefit of all member bands and their members (see page 1 for current listings). Please, can we ask secretaries to make sure all Association communications are read out to your members and then affixed to the notice board for future reference.
Good Banding to all member bands this Summer season (if it ever stops raining)!!! See you all at Exmouth and Torquay.
Secretary: Brian Elliott, 1 Woodland Court, Woodland Road, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 9HG Tel 01752 892056 brian@swbba.fsnet.co.uk
email: www.southwestbrassbandassociation.co.uk
