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2011 Welsh Regional Championship — Swansea preview

You may have to rub you eyes in disbelief in Swansea — as there may be something of an illusion going on...

BrangIf you ever want to find out exactly t why the Welsh cling to romantic notions about their position in the greater scheme of things, then you need to read a book called ‘The Welsh Illusion’ by a long dead political commentator, Patrick Hannan.

Myth

His sharp eye shed a caustic gaze at what he believed made those who inhabit the Principality persist in believing the myth of their own making – from the political struggles over devolution to the almost comic surrealism of the running of the old British Steel Corporation – or ‘Monty Finniston’s Flying Circus’ as it was known in the valleys.

Before he died, he should have taken the time to write about the state of Welsh banding: because that’s an illusion if ever there was one.

Shrunk

It is one that has produced 14 top six finishers in a row at the Royal Albert Hall, six national champions at First and Second Section level in the past four years, two podium finishers in the last three in the Third, and five in the last six in the Fourth.

All that from a region that despite the success has shrunk from being able to field 58 bands in 1999, to 40 this year.

That’s some illusion in anyone’s book.

Combination of factors

Through a combination of factors, Welsh banding has succeeded in producing champions at all levels, despite its playing base shrinking at an alarming rate.

Quality not quantity the supporters will chirp in the bars of the Brangwyn Hall: Accident rather than design the same drinking naysayers will say in reply.

Illusion or not, Wales will send three bands to Kensington in October once more, and last year came back from Harrogate with a fourth successive Second Section champion, podium finishes in the First and Third, and a top six finisher in the Fourth.

All that and Cwmaman, Point of Ayr, Ebbw Vale, Royal Oakeley, Pontypool, Rhyl and Upper Rhondda are missing from 12 months ago, whilst former National champions of 21st century vintage in  Newbridge and Ammanford are longer term absentees.

Good news


The good news is that there is a warm welcome back for Severn Tunnel, Treherbert, Cwmbran and Ystradgynlais, but the Fourth Section still only has 5 bands and even the top section, which will see a battle royal on Sunday, has only seven contenders.

Dichotomies


Welsh banding is an illusion of dichotomies: Plenty of well run events such as the Welsh area itself, and bands winning titles right, left and centre.

The trouble is that there are less and less of them each year doing it.

Iwan Fox



The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Mereside Brass

July 17 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

July 17 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials. Players of all ages & sections are welcome to visit or join us


Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band

July 16 • Could you be our new solo euphonium player? We are a friendly 2nd section band who rehearse weekly on Thursdays in Lewes, East Sussex. Our rehearsals are 8pm - 10pm. Join us on our journey with our newly appointed MD!


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

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