*
banner

Kapitol Music Panel responds to percussion questions

The Music Panel of the National Championships of Great Britain has give its official response to the questions asked about percussion requirements for test pieces.

National s
  Percussion requirements can vary a great deal with test pieces

The Music Panel of the National Championships of Great Britain has officially responded to an open letter that raised questions about the percussion requirements that were considered when selecting test-pieces for the regional and national championships.

The letter from percussionist Tim Parris was supported by 337 signatories and asked three questions.

Response

A detailed response has now been provided on behalf of the Music Panel by Dr Robert Childs following its latest quarterly meeting on 30th October.

In thanking Tim Parris for his correspondence, Dr Childs stated that the panel understood the "frustrations regarding the varying requirements for percussionists and the inconsistent
demands of percussion parts across selected test pieces for regional and national competitions."

Dr Childs also addressed percussion demands of works from earlier banding eras as well as those that now come through more contemporary compositions.

He wrote: "...percussion's role in band competitions has evolved rapidly since its introduction in the late 1960s and early 70s, with changes in both instrumentation and part complexity."

Three questions

In response to the question of whether percussion factors into test-piece selection, Dr Childs stated that it was given "a primary consideration"and "when evaluating scores, both new and classic, percussion is one of the first elements we review".

In addressing whether a Music Panel member specifically advises on percussion, or could there be, Dr Childs stated: "Our panel, comprising Sandy Smith, Brian Buckley, Duncan Beckley, John Maines, and myself, brings significant experience in analysing and conducting brass band scores, often at elite competitive levels.

I also assess both graduate and post-graduate percussion students at the Royal Welsh
College of Music and Drama and have access to expert percussionists for advice as needed."

As to whether adjustments to the selection process could improve all band members' experiences, he stated: "While we welcome feedback from individuals and groups like yours, as outlined, the selection process is complex.

However, if you and your colleagues would like to propose a list of test-pieces that suit both
percussion and brass while aligning with your points, we would be very interested in evaluating them for use in a three-year cycle."

when evaluating scores, both new and classic, percussion is one of the first elements we reviewDr Robert Childs on behalf of The Music Panel

Attached form

An attached form was provided to gives the opportunity to suggest pieces for each section in regional and national competition for three years, including publisher and approximate costs, within a duration constraint of 12-15 mins for Championship Section and 9-12 mins for other sections.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Composers

Talented young trio claim NYBBGB Composer Competition awards

April 9 • The new works for the medium by Samuel Thackray, Nina Martin and Will Everitt will be performed by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain later this year.


The awards

Dunfermline quintet presented with SBBA Life Membership

April 9 • Five players who have given over 270 years of outstanding commitment and dedication to the Scottish brass banding movement have been honoured with Life Membership awards.


Jeff Hutcherson

Welsh bands gain essential Safeguarding training

April 8 • 20 bands have updated their Safeguarding knowledge with a specialised training seminar supported by the South East Wales Brass Band Association.


The Sounding Board

BBE develops new Sounding Board

April 8 • If you are interested in shaping the future of brass banding then Brass Bands England wants to hear from you and your opinions.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Mereside Brass

April 8 • 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.


Mereside Brass

April 8 • 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.


Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass

April 7 • Merseyside/Wirral based. We are a friendly 4th section band with regular jobs and socials throughout the year! Looking for a Principal Cornet, Cornets(position negotiable), and Trombone. All Players welcome! Instruments available to use!


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd