Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. A phrase that most will be familiar with and describes this month excellently. All of our rehearsals have been in preparation for two equally important events although very different.
We are preparing for Holmfirth Own Choice Test Piece contest, where we will play Cry of the Mountain. A majestic piece of music depicting a mountain appearing in the distance with ice and glaciers before an avalanche with snow tumbling uncontrollably down the mountain.
The piece is intricate and is more importantly testing our ability to paint a picture for the audience and adjudicator; hopefully we can execute this on the stage November 5th.
The other event was a much more personal event as we performed at the wedding of our principle cornet player Laura Foster. Laura handpicked pieces including Share My Yoke and Fire in the Blood, which were played throughout the ceremony. We were so privileged to see Laura and Justin’s wedding let alone play at it, which was extra special for us. It was an amazing day and we would like to wish Laura and Justin a lifetime of happiness as Mr & Mrs Dreyer.
As normal for a monthly blog I have a final note. Recently we were contacted by someone to ask us about how we have developed youth in our band and attracted younger players. Obviously this is important to ensure that the band continues long into the future.
As a band we have done nothing spectacular although we have persistently advertised in schools and communities as well as to university students. This has proven successful, as we have had many players join while studying.
I feel that the key thing is to engage young people and we are fortunate to have a young core band that enjoy spending time together and mixing with all age groups, this in turn attracts other young musicians. It is a fantastic hobby and it is heartwarming that someone is trying to keep an ageing band young to ensure its longevity.
On a last note the Dunston Dragons take on the best of Yorkshire in the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Open Contest this Sunday in an own choice test piece contest. Find out next month how we got on!