The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators made sure they started 2011 up and running, with an excellent turnout of members for their annual general meeting and test piece workshop at Cleckheaton Sports Centre in Yorkshire.

Following appropriate annual reports, the existing executive committee was unanimously by returned in post for another year.

Presentation

In the first presentation of a full day, Simone Rebello gave an enlightening presentation on the importance of post contest speaking and presentation — the transcript of which will be published on the ABBA website.

Joint workshop

Members were then joined for a hot lunch by a number of guests, which included officers from three Regional Committees, and Officers of No2 Area of the NABBC.

The afternoon session was taken up with the Regional Test Piece Workshop jointly hosted by the two Associations.

Over 100

Well in excess of one hundred interested conductors, players and enthusiasts joined the assembled ABBA members and guests, with representation from at least five regions of the UK.

The Drighlington Band under conductor Jim Davis was the well prepared and hard working ensemble employed for the event and covered the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Section Regional test pieces.

David Hirst presented the 2nd Section piece, whilst the other two were under the guidance of Philip Harper. On hand to offer advice on any percussion concerns was Simone Rebello.

To say that that the assembled audience became fully involved in the proceedings would be an understatement. Without doubt this was a most constructive and enjoyable eventPRO, Mal Brownbill

Constructive

ABBA PRO Officer Mal Brownbill told 4BR: "To say that that the assembled audience became fully involved in the proceedings would be an understatement. Without doubt this was a most constructive and enjoyable event."

In their vote of thanks both Chairmen highlighted the constructive and friendly atmosphere that was generated throughout the proceedings, as conductors, players and adjudicators joined together in the furtherance of improving musical standards.