It has been confirmed that Grimethorpe Colliery and Virtuosi GUS Bands have withdrawn from this year's Brass in Concert Championship.

Hammonds has been added to make up the 11 band line-up, which takes place at Sage Gateshead on Sunday November 18th.

Extremely disappointed

Speaking to 4BR, Brass in Concert Chairman John Woods commented: "We were extremely disappointed to receive notification of these withdrawals during the past ten days. Regrettably, the trustees of Grimethorpe Colliery have confirmed that the band will not appear at this year's event, citing elements of the conditions of entry in relation to recording as the reason for their decision."

He added: "Virtuosi GUS Band has unfortunately encountered some insurmountable personnel problems and found it necessary to withdraw.

While we hope to be able to welcome both bands back to the event in future years, we are indebted to Hammonds for stepping in at the 11th hour and would like to thank the band and Musical Director Morgan Griffiths for making this outstanding commitment at such a late stage."

Grimethorpe interests

In explaining the reasons behind their decision, Grimethorpe spokesperson Andrew Coe told 4BR: "It is with regret that we have declined to submit our programme entry to this year's event. Having taken part in the very first event in 1977 and having been uniquely successful in winning 16 titles since then, we have not taken this decision lightly.

Like many we are appreciative of what Brass in Concert has done since its inception to encourage innovation in brass band entertainment. As a band which has always had a culture of creativity and entertainment at its heart, we wish the Brass in Concert Championship every success for the future."

He added: "However, we now believe that the requirements for entry to the Championship, specifically in regard to the assignment of commercial rights from our performance, do not currently serve the artistic and commercial interests of our band.

We are of the view that the recording and broadcasting of brass band performances via digital media, whilst desirable as a means of extending the appeal of brass bands, requires more thought and consideration by the community.

Grimethorpe Colliery Band has some exciting plans for the future which, having consulted with our stakeholders and members will benefit from being the subject of our focus for the foreseeable future."

Brass in Concert position

Clarifying Brass in Concert's position on the specific issue, John Woods told 4BR: "Our organisation aims to present the finest and most entertaining brass band contest in the world.

In doing so we provide a generous prize fund that rewards every band in at least some respect such as travelling allowances and the complete absence of any entry fees, all in an outstanding venue and before a large and enthusiastic audience.

We are fortunate to enjoy the support of Yamaha, Banks Group, British Bandsman and our Principal Partner, World of Brass, to make this all possible.

We firmly believe that the involvement of each of these organisations, all of which share our vision of a progressive event aimed at presenting the very best brass bands have to offer, enhances the experience for everyone attending Brass in Concert, including performers, audience members and organisers."

Bands informed

He added: "Any worthwhile partnership provides benefits for both parties and our arrangement with World of Brass allows its recording team to project live multimedia into the auditorium and produce an audio recording and DVD highlights of the event, which we consider also to be valuable tools for the promotion of Brass in Concert and brass bands in general.

In recent years, to ensure compliance with copyright law, we have insisted that bands performing at Brass in Concert do so only with documented permission from composers and arrangers when performing unpublished music.

This year we have extended this to include permission to record each piece and all of the participating bands have been in possession of this information since June."

We are of the view that the recording and broadcasting of brass band performances via digital media, whilst desirable as a means of extending the appeal of brass bands, requires more thought and consideration by the communityGrimethorpe Colliery Band

Youth band withdrawal

In a separate issue, John also confirmed that the Scottish Borders Youth Band will not attend the inaugural Youth Brass in Concert Championship, having been unable to secure in time the necessary safeguarding documentation as required by the local authority and Brass in Concert.

He added: "Five of the finest youth brass bands in the country will now attend our inaugural event on Saturday 17th November.

The problems encountered by Scottish Borders Youth, however, are a reminder to all that the administration of safeguarding issues affecting young people now needs very high priority and we are very disappointed for the young musicians who will miss out on what would undoubtedly have been a memorable experience."

Tickets:

Youth Brass in Concert on Saturday 17th November: £10.00 and £5.00 (concessions).

World of Brass in Concert featuring Foden's and Matt Ford: £27.00, £18.00 and £10.00.

Brass in Concert Championship on Sunday 18th November: £30.00, £22.00 and £12.00.

Booking fees will apply.

Sage Gateshead Ticket Office on 0191 443 4661 or online at www.sagegateshead.com