Band events

Monday saw my first rehearsal of the new year. The band is now gearing up for the regionals contest in March, competing in the 2nd section for the first time in years (this will be the first time I've competed in the 2nd section) after being promoted following our dazzling 2nd place in the 3rd section last year.

The test piece is a suite from Images of the Millennium, by Howard Snell. It's been cut down from its original form which was considerably longer and was arranged for 2 full brass bands. I'd love to hear it! The result is, in my opinion, a good test piece - certainly a stern challenge, but with a wealth of interest for the players. Of course, this view is built entirely on a only a few rehearsals: whether it keeps my interest for the next 2 months is another question. The piece is certainly difficult, and will require some really good playing, and I think it will really improve the band while we work on it, which should be the point. There have been grumblings about it being too difficult for the 2nd section, so it should sort the brass from the, um, lesser brass.

Last year, I found the Gallimaufry Suite and, to a lesser extent, Tam O'Shanter's ride (the 3rd section nationals and regionals pieces), to be a bit disappointing in terms of providing a test to my personal playing. There was some interest in melding my part into the whole, but little to challenge me technically. The same definitely can't be said of Images of the Millenium... The top Eb bass part is particularly tricky, with some very very high notes (I've never even seen a top D in a band part before...), some tricky fingering, and some unusual intervals, particularly in the upper register. There are a few fun passages with little duets beween the Eb bass and, variously, the soprano cornet, flugel, and solo horn in the Scherzo. I've not really looked at the other 2 movements, but they look a bit lower and less technically difficult. I definitely need to work at it!

Also, it's kind of been decided now (in a show of typical ill grace by the other Eb player) that I'm the lead Eb bass. That'll hopefully reduce some of the tension and stress that accompanies rehearsals, although it will increase due to the responsibility of being #1!

Wish me luck!