South West Brass Band Association Online Competition

he Inaugural Solo and Quartet Competition is being promoted by the South West Brass Band Association (SWBBA) this spring.

At this time of year, we are usually looking forward to our Winter Workshop at West Buckland which has sadly had to be cancelled, so this new venture is one which we hope will attract players from both member and non-member bands alike.

The event has been kindly sponsored by Trevada Music who have most generously donated prizes for the winners.

Renowned tuba soloist and conductor, Steve Sykes will be the adjudicator for all classes.

SWBBA Chairman Ray Kingdon said:

“On behalf of SWBBA Executive Committee I am delighted to announce the launch our inaugural Online Solo and Quartet Contest. The challenging times over the last 11 months have severely restricted band activity with online the main gateway to keeping in touch. We have been exploring the possibilities of re- establishing a SWBBA Solo & Quartet competition, as 25-30 years ago these were extremely popular and provided experience and opportunity to so many at all levels and at variety of locations throughout our region. Whilst we are not the first organisation to promote an online event, we see this as a progressive step to rebuilding our local brass band community activities in 2021.”

 
Of course this is not the first contest of its type. However for the South West region it is a new event that we see as a bridge into the times when the banding world can prepare for that long awaited return to playing together as a full band.

There will be under 18 and open classes in Solo, Air Varie, Duets and Quartets with the very optimistic inclusion of an ensemble class too !
See below for the key dates with a possible extension to that time frame for group classes if Lockdown has to be extended.

Key Dates

Entries to be received by 28th February 2021. Videos to be uploaded by 11th April 2021.

Winning performances will be showcased during the weekend 8th/9th May 2021

I have enclosed a copy of the Poster, Schedule and Entry form.

Full details available www.swbba.co.uk and our Facebook page

Or follow one of the links below: 

www.southwestbrassbandassociation.co.uk  https://en-gb.facebook.com/SWBBA

For more information, application form, schedule and rules, please contact: [email protected]