Firstly I would like to congratulate the youth band on receiving the High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear award with experienced members Ava (Baritone) and William (Principle Cornet) representing the band with William performing a solo of Blaydon Races and Havana at the event. It is great to have such young enthusiastic members, in school years 6 and 9 respectively, be rewarded for their talent, progress and commitment; long may it continue.
Already this year we are edging towards spring, I know the weather doesn’t particularly look springy but we are definitely into march or as brass band players know it as “Regionals month” with our North of England brass band championships taking place on the 17th March at Durham’s Gala theatre. We have been preparing hard for it with sectionals and a busy few weeks ahead. Our conductor Aidan has picked out key parts similar to most pieces its always won and lost in the slow movements. This is where the intricacies are really highlighted, in our case the lyrical Euphonium solo being a particular highlight something that the whole band has spent a lot of time on in recent weeks.
The structure of test pieces all seem similar with new pieces changing the textures of what we can hear to maintain interest and it is a particularly traditional way of doing things so I ask what will brass banding look like in 50 years time, or at least what do I think it could look like…
Contests
So in 50 years time the music will change drastically with more modern pieces as well as music being more complicated as the standard of playing increases further. Could there be inclusions of technology in contests like inclusion of video competitions competing internationally in an almost “Champions league” esque competition across Europe’s top leagues with shorter pieces. Further to this the competitions could include new features like new instruments included or even synth’s as some kind of percussion.
Performance
In future the way we perform could be even more interactive with bands being able to play in a way that immerses the audience rather than only in front of an audience. The sound and lighting really adding to the experience like an almost cirque du soleil experience moving away from tradition.
Learning
Practicing and learning have changed even with devices allowing silent practice to stop noise restraints and with the inclusion of youtube and other video learning devices helping inspire and teach people could this be further improved with a new guide that is holographic allowing a physical interaction with videos through virtual reality.
These are just three possibilities in the way that brass banding could change and are only speculation. For me brass banding needs to combine the progress music makes and incorperate technology in a tasteful way but must ensure that traditions are upheld as it might change too much.
There are definitely ways in which it can benefit both bands and players but it is an issue that will need sensitivity to appease players of all generations. We would love to hear any ways that you think banding might change over the next 50 years so let us know!