Wessex Area Contest 2002 The Lighthouse, Poole 7.12.2002 Purcell Variations, Kenneth Downie.
Why do we bother with contests?
Some bands just don’t. Others go the extra mile (or 50) with practices nightly for 3 weeks, importing “pro” players and shedding regulars to “get a result”. Some give up after seeing the test piece needs a trombone section that regularly heals the sick and walk on water! And some are just too bleeding good! Beggers.
“This is what it is really all about”
So why do Downton Band do it? It is a combination of the higher ideals: The pursuit of greater musical truth; the challenge of the struggle against formidable opponents; the temperant sacrifices required in daily practice. And the almost samuraic disciplines of self belief and motivation in achieving the final goal – and, ofcourse, above all, the brotherhood and camaraderie of bandsmen and women travelling the same musical highway arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder, clef to clef, lyre to lyre,….um etc. etc..
Yes all those reasons and…we like a good day at the bar…. Truth told.
“The distinct merits of Woodfalls and Downton are considered”
We do the best we can and then have a flipping good time!
Last Saturday we did ourselves justice playing a very hard test piece, settled down in the Lighthouse Arts Centre, quaffed some ale and shared the crack! Fantastic!
For some of the band it was a short contesting day – arrived, played and left. Probably VERY sensibly and their contribution to our result, which from impartial account was merited and fair, cannot be under estimated. Everyone played their part – with commitment and to the highest standard – so well done every one from top man to van driver!!
Of course at Downton a core element can’t help getting noticed! And a small minority who shall remain nameless until necessary did make extra commitment to the Areas this year. Most travelling together in a hot-wired mini bus, and constantly dismissing appropriate Highway Code restrictions, this troop of unstrung heroes achieved another pinnacle in traditional banding values. Hussar!
“Rachael finally selects Marcus & Danny as her page boys”
Naturally this high achievement is not accomplished without particular individual stories of unsurpassed individual achievement and notoriety. For example was Andy “Fred” Faulkner able to resist the seemingly unrefusable invitation “Would you s**g me?” from an overt and wanton hussy, through will power alone – or by pretending to be foreign (feigning the language barrier)? Don’t be naïve – his response was dictated by the fact that his fiancée, Rachael was not a meter from the strumpet! (And he was in shock!) Still at least others did benefit from Fred’s’ polite refusal. We have the photos lad – so a cheque to our band fund won’t hurt you, eh, “daddy”! She also got at least one phone number if he needs a blow on a baritone in a hurry…. Or did she want his horn part….
Many got to meet up with old friends, her old band snubbed Michelle as usual, and we caught up on the usual sordid gossip from around the region. Most of the talk was of where people were off to in the New Year, a trombone here a bass player there; samo samo. The party atmosphere was in full swing by the time the Champ Section had signed in, and we greeted friends old and new (Kirsty…!). As we had finished playing by 11am and been in the bar for most of the time since, we were well ahead in the happy to see you stakes.
Well, all good things must come to an end and the Lighthouse auditorium filled with expectant competitors and supporters and one sober member of the band to hear the results. It was a mixed affair – as ever. Special congratulations to Sandleheath winning Section 3, playing before the cock was up. On reading our notes we felt the adjudicator (Duncan A Beckley BA., QTS.,LTCL., FTCL.,ARCM.) got it spot on – apart from Andy, the sop player - denying he played a note wrong: a) “I never” then b) “It was someone else, near me” later c) “I wasn’t there, even” and finally d) “will you marry me, Charlotte” (exactly!).
We were placed 4th , out of the money but behind 2 very good bands. Congratulations to Michelmersh – and good luck next year.
“Steven prays for a good result this year (and that the room would stop spinning so)”
The shock and emotion of it all proved too much for Steven, again, at least he didn’t miss the bus this time. Still, time is on his side - his legend will grow.
No band can achieve much without support and we must express our gratitude to all those supporting us throughout the year – especially our families (even if they are made up…M?). So please accept our thanks. Special thanks to Colonel Sanders.
Naturally our biggest thank you goes to Roland Wright, our MD, who gets us through each event and trauma calmly and professionally.
“Roland continues in his search for the Fountain of Youth. No it won’t be found in there, sir!”