Issue 31 - Spring 1999
NatBrass goes down under!
NatBrass has now gone international! David Carter has recently received a letter from a BB Band in Christchurch, New Zealand, and their Musical Director, Glen Hayman has since sent us this article. Perhaps we may see them at a future contest!
Firstly hello from New Zealand - the land where sheep and cows out number the notes in flight of the bumblebee multiplied by the population of New Zealand.
It is only in recent months that I have made contact with your Secretary of BB UK Brass Band Association and discovered that banding is alive and well within the Brigade in the UK. Here in New Zealand we are not as large and in fact I know of only two Brigade Brass Bands in existence. I am the Musical Director of one of them, we are the Stedfast Silver Brass Band based in Christchurch. We are part of the Canterbury West Coast Battalion and have a playing force of 30 at full strength, made up of both Boys’ and Girl's Brigade. Our annual programme consists of various engagements, from providing relief for residents in Resthomes to Annual Charity Concerts. Our youngest player is 8 and our eldest is 63.
Knowing that there are others who share in the same passion as we do has provided a level of enthusiasm within the Band to keep going in the face of many hurdles. Even to the point where some players are keen to travel to the UK to take part in the National Contest just to see if we measure up to the right standard.
Can I take this opportunity to invite anyone who would like to make contact with us to do so through the following addresses.
G Hayman, Stedfast Silver Brass Band, PO Box 13 73 0, Christchurch, New Zealand or e-mail: bb_canty@ihug.co.nz. We would enjoy the chance to chat and swap ideas, thoughts and support.
Best Wishes and Musical Harmony
GP Hayman.
Editorial
Welcome to the 31st edition of NatBrass News, and I, Lee Barrass am the new editor. Ian Caldwell, who has slaved away for the last 15 years has now decided to stand down, but in return he is now the Vice Chairman of the Association!
Even now, only part way through putting together my first issue I can see what a struggle Ian has had. As I start to write this, it is Boxing Day. The turkey has settled, the band events over for the year, and I am busy typing up the articles to put together this issue. However, what I would have expected to have been a bulging file containing piles of articles of what bands have been up to in the last six months and the like, it is practically bare. A big thank you to those who have sent articles; and to the others – this is your newsletter – I am here merely to edit the articles and put it together. It would be nice to see at least one article from each band once a year.
Association AGM and get together
Last year’s Association AGM and get together was held at Mackworth United Reformed Church in Derby on October 24. Here are a few of the main points from the minutes.
It was noted that in the Association we have 14 bands, and 25 associate members.
Videos are available still of the 1998 contest from Maxmark Productions, 76 Field Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 3JR at the price of £10 including postage.
The Brigade Secretary has commented that it would be good to see all members taking part in the massed bands at the end of the contest. Bandmasters were asked to encourage players to play and it was agreed that uniform was not compulsory for this part of the event.
Alf Morley’s second book of 36 Mission Praise arrangements is now available at £25 per set. These can be ordered through the Secretary
It is likely that the 2000 Contest will be in Glasgow. Glasgow are investigating the possibility of a massed band event on the day following the Contest.
Calling all writers!
As you will have read in my editorial, I am appealing for your articles. They can be jokes, tips on playing or reports on any band events you may have been to recently - in fact anything.
By the time the next issue goes to press, Summer will be over and the winter nights drawing in. What better way to remind yourself of the hot summer days (hopefully) of the music festival in Denmark? I am sure that I will be sent a number of reviews, but how about a ‘What Our Officers Got Up To’ article? If you wish, names do not have to be published. It would also be nice to hear how various bands and band members raised funds to go.
Through the wonders of modern technology, you can email articles - just think of all the savings on paper, envelope, stamp and shoe leather to the post box (no offence meant to readers from the thriftier parts of the country!).
Norma Watson
It is with sad regret that, soon after the Get-together
Weekend, we heard of the death, after a long illness, of Norma Watson, wife of Brian
Watson, Bandmaster of the 32nd Nottingham Band.
We extend our condolences to Brian and family at their time of bereavement.