What about the Rules?

Brass Band competitions are governed by a complex set of rules. Some competitions run under slightly different local rules. Players must be registered with the band to play on the stage. Once registered with a band players are given a Brass Band registration card (sort of like a passport). This allows them to contest with that band and play as a guest player for certain competitions with other bands of the same (or higher section) grading. A band can register up to 40 players but can only play the standard band formation of 25 brass players (plus percussionists as required) at any one contest. There are a couple of rules that are specific just to the Regional (and National Competitons). At some contests bands can have up to 3/4 guest players (players that are registered with other bands) to make up the 25 players but at the Regional Competition NO guest players are allowed. Players must be registered with the band they are playing for at the contest.


Who adjudicates the contest?

The person who adjudicates or judges the bands' performances are chosen by consultation of the North West Brass Band Committee with the National Federation of Brass Bands. The Regional competition is closed adjudication. This means the bands draw a number at random which gives them the order that they will play. The draw normally takes place on the day of the contest an hour or so before the first band needs to take the stage. The adjudicator sits in a 'closed box' so he/she can only hear and not see the bands performing. Each performance is given a score out of 200 and these points determine the placing of the bands. Alan Hope is adjudicating this year for the 2nd Section NorthWest Competition. Alan Hope is a Conductor, Teacher and Adjudicator. He has adjudicated at many brass band contests including the Regionals, Pontins and Mineworkers Championships.


Who is conducting Flixton Band at the Contest?

Flixton Band have been lucky enough to secure the services of Peter Lockett for this years Area Contest. Peter conducted the band during the late 90's where the band progressed from the 4th to the 1st Section.

In 1998 the band qualified for the National Finals with Alan Hope in the box.

Flixton Band would like to wish all competing bands good luck at this years Regional Competition. The Band are looking forward to the challenge and has throughly enjoyed working with Peter in preparation for the contest.

Information used in this article was sourced from www.4barsrest.com themouthpiece.com www.brassbandworld.com.

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