It was indeed a magnificent day in Birmingham at the 158th British Open Band Band Championships. All the bands acquitted themsleves well on Peter Graham's highly popular On The Shoulders of Giants. Indeed there was stunning playing to be heard from the beginning (Cory, drawn No.1) to the end, with legendary maestro Howard Snell making a welcome return with Fodens (drawn No.17). The atmosphere was good too, with a real buzz to be felt, enhanced no doubt by the enjoyment the audience had for the test piece.

I listened to all 17 bands in the judging experiment and along with many others, used the criteria judging system I've devised. It's proved quite a talking point and thus far the response has been very positive.

On the friday morning, the day before the contest, Iwan Fox from 4barsrest, suggested we record an video interview to explain more about how the system works, and how it could have benefits for bands and audiences, and even make the job of the judges themselves easier...with transparency being the key for all parties. If you havent seen the video yet please click here to view it.

There was a round table disciussion with 4barsrest rest, Kenny Crookston from the British Bandsman, conductor Jeremy Wise (who also tried the system, listening to all 17 bands)and myself, which is now  a 50 minute recorded podcast that will be available to listen to in the next day (monday 6th Sept) or so...I will give a link as soon as I have it, or keep checking www.4barsrest.com

But now we need YOUR feedback.

Where you there? Did you try the system ? Did you find it too complicated or interesting and rewarding? Is it something you think could benefit bands? What kind of changes would you like to see made to the system? What about a 3 jury panel testing it at the Royal Albert Hall in October?

Please write either to me at stevemead@compuserve.com  , or iwan.fox@4barsrest.com  and/or info@britishbandsman.com and/or leave a message on the guestbook of this site.

Please, get involved, there are massive potential benefits here to bands everywhere and contests can become more engaging for the general public, but for it to go forward  we need dialogue and hopefully consensus, then believe me, things can change.

Here is one letter I received the morning after the contest:

"Steven - there will be a full report coming to you via e-mail later on today when Keith dictates his findings on what he has said was the most enjoyable, worthwhile, interesting and productive contest he has EVER been to, and considering that his first one was in 1957, he's heard a few! He loved the piece but the most valuable part of his day was the focus your system gave on aspects of the performances he had never considered before - and for the first time ever, he stayed in for every band. He's thrilled to have been able to take part in this process and looks forward to positive outcomes!! Well done Steven and thanks for all your hard work."

Thanks for your support and comments.