All Star Band of Scotland!

[dafyddapiago]

I have often considered forming an All Star Band of Scotland, which would consist of players living in Scotland; but as I have lost touch with who are the leading players around it would be very interesting to put it to the forum for nominations for all position.

It could possibly be used to do a 20 minute programme while the results are collated at the Scottish Championships and the Open.
Maybe do one or two concerts a year and invite great conductors from the orchestral world to come and conduct so they could appreciate the quality of banding and give the Scottish movement a higher profile.

Would it be a good idea?

Dafydd ap Iago

[pjaye]

Personally I think it would be a really good idea. I wouldnt mind watching something like that. Just to hear the differences etc.

[dafyddapiago]

Thank you Philippa.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

I was warned within 10 minutes of posting this thread by a very kind gentleman (Thank you) that this subject had proved very contentious in the past, and judging by the response there seems to be a great deal of truth in it.

I thought for 30 seconds it could be because I had proposed it, then I realized that was being paranoid. It could be run under the auspices of the SBBA and I have nothing to do with it.

Having given it a little more thought, I think it could be to do with peoples egos!
I am aware that to be a good if not great player you have to have an ego; but we are also born with a brain which can control our egotism and appreciate other fine players. It has been my privilege to have known some of the great brass players of our time, and invariably they were able to control their ego and appreciate others. I would cite many of the cornet players in the thread "Best principal cornet at Black Dyke"; not all, but many!

If this proves to be too contentious a thread I would ask the moderator to remove it

Excuse the rant but from 2 aspects I am disappointed.

Firstly I feel proud of the talent we have in Scotland and it could be a platform to show this off.
Secondly, are we too parochial to only appreciate the good players in our own band, and not admire the fine talents in others.

Dafydd ap Iago
An old fart!

[smaca]

Mr J, I think this would be a terrific idea and deserves some views and input fom others. Maybe my head has been in the sand or it,s because I am new to technology(like these forums), but I have never seen or heard this being discussed before in Scotland.I have seen peoples views on how in their own opinion their "best band in Scotland" would line up.
Would it be worth enquiring how the "Kings of Brass"(thinks that what they called it) was set up in the past.

With regards to ego's, does this mean getting people to accept where they would sit in the line up?Would that really be a problem? Or does the ego thing cover other areas?(Barriers are there to be broken)

I don't need to worry, I wouldn,t qualify for a place, but would gladly put up the stands if I could get a free ticket for the first concert!

[bruceg]

There isn't a snowflake's chance in hell that the moderator will be removing this thread I'm looking forward to some interesting suggestions for seats around the band.

If no one else wants to start then I'll make a few suggestions:

Soprano: Richard Pugh (spelling?) - KKB
Flugel: Jim Chamberlain - Whitburn
Euphonium: Richard Kidd - Whitburn
Trombone: Paul Kiernan (spelling?) - Scottish Co-op
EEb Bass: The brothers Fraser - Whitburn
BBb Bass: Willie Ralston - Campbeltown

There's a wee selection now let's get posting!

[bruceg]

Of course, if we include conductors who are known to be a bit useful with an instrument we could have a pitched battle for those EEb Bass seats involving Andy Duncan, Craig Anderson, Paul Drury and the aforementioned brothers Fraser

And I'm sure that folks like Mark Bell, Bruce Wallace and Mark Boyd might fancy a trombone seat.

As for cornets... so much choice! Callum Booth, Ealanor Ferguson, Lee Bathgate, Hazel Barr, Stewart Hepburn, Scott Walker, Scott Forrest... and those are only the names that come to mind immediately.

So many great players north of the border - pick a band people.

[smaca]

I would like to see as well an "older" set up of past and present palyers who have been stalwarts in the movement for years. Sorry if I have classed people as "old", no offence intended.But how about;

Conductor-----Mr J

Cornets-(in no positional order)Gavin Lindsay(sop) Chic Cullen, Alex Meville, Jim Smith, Alan Ramsay, Tony Clucas,Gavin Spowart, Les Woods,Brian Keachie,John Boax, Neil Smith, John Lawson,Archie Hutchison,

Horns---Flugel(Joe Hughes) Ian Fleming, Alan Wardrop, Alan Edmond,

Euphs- Ian Campbell, John Stark,

Baris- Jim Corrigan, Jim Ferguson,

Troms--Paul Kiernen, Willie McMullen, Andy Shaw,

Bass--- Raymond Tennant, Ronnie Tennant, Craig Anderson, Paul Drury, Andy Duncan,



I will have missed lots of great players(no offence intended) and was just thinking of names as I was typing.There are certain bands/regions I have been conected with, so maybe these regions could post their "star band of oldies". What a concert and quality of music these people would produce.

[smaca]

"There are certain bands/regions I have been conected with,"

Meant to read " There are certain bands/ regions I have not been connected with".

[dave]

Many years ago there was a National Band of Great Britain which featured the likes of Jim Shepherd, Ray Farr and many others - they made at least one recording - so it can be done. Even if it resulted in one great concert for charity I'm sure it would be a winner and well attended.

[dafyddapiago]

I believe "Kings of Brass" was formed by Les Beevers of Brighouse, with a few friends, and I think the front row was Jim Shepherd, Derek Garside, Philip McCann, Jimmy Scott, with Brian Evans on Sop, and other illustrious members throughout the band. They used to perform 3 or 4 concerts at Dobcross band club on Sunday nights; where they regularly have concerts, and most of the bands go and do a concert. I've done quite a few with different bands. It's a great venue as you get bands people from all over Lancashire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and further afield.
I don't think we have a venue like that in Scotland; if memory serves me correctly Broxburn has a band club, although I don't think they've held concerts there.
It would be good to have a National Band of Scotland; the Kiwi's have one! but I don't think they perform the Haka before a performance.

Dafydd ap Iago

[dafyddapiago]

Surprise, surprise!

This thread is proving less contentious than I believed, or are the 170 members keeping their own counsel, or do I smell fear in the soul; what from Scottish brass players!

I don't believe it!

Dafydd ap Iago
Him with the wooden spoon!!!!

[sc]

Some more suggestions for the All Star Band of Scotland

Cornets: Craig Robertson, Gordon McFarlane
Baritone: Jan Komorowski
Trombone: Gregor Stewart, Ian Boulter
Percussion: Kirk Richardson

[jamesbuch]

I can remember quite a few years ago some of the elder members of Kinneil discussing the formation of an "Old Codgers" band in Central Scotland. Had to be over fifty or had a hip or knee replacement to be eligible to join ;D. Was have been called Zimmer Brass and looked for sponsorship from a well known holiday firm catering for the not so young.

It was mentioned to acquaintances from other bands at a few contests and was met with some enthusiasm. Alas, we never did get more than ten or so names pencilled in, so like older bandsmen it just faded away.


Jim Buchanan

[dafyddapiago]

Good morning my friends!

I've given this some thought, and quite like the idea of Scottish Kings of Brass rather than an All Star Band of Scotland. The reason being that all the top stars will be extremely busy with their own bands, and I want this to be a fun thing which will give pleasure to players and listeners alike.

Firstly to test the water, would those players interested in being members of the band let me know by sending me an e mail. My e mail address is;

[e-mail]

If there is sufficient response we need to form a committee, as I don't believe in one man bands, and where would bands be without committees ;D

All of the players previously mentioned are invited if they are interested, they evoke some wonderful memories.

I repeat this is for pleasure, yours and mine, which is what music should be!

Dafydd ap Iago

[jjm]

David, if this project starts to really take off then send me a press release and I'll publicise it on the SBBA website for you. I'll also send to 4br and the bandsman if you're interested.