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 Site © 1999-2008 Rothwell Temperance Band and All Rights Reserved. |
18th September 2005 - British OpenAdjudicators: Nigel Boddice, William Relton & Derek Broadbent For our second year in the British Open there was just the one set test piece, The Night To Sing, instead of the choice of three that we had last year. We were hopeful that this choice would lead to a much more sensible result, as last year we though we had played really well, but we still came 15th. This left us in danger of relegation. 
Normally, two bands are relegated from the Open each year back into the Grand Shield. These two bands are those with the highest number after their placing over the last two years has been added together. Bands newly promoted from the Grand Shield are excluded from this, and they are guaranteed two years at the contest. The DUT Yorkshire Imperial Band, who came 17th in 2005, asked for and were granted a bye from this year’s contest. This was due to the date of the 2005 Open being moved in late 2004, and the band having already organised a prestigious concert on the new date. After complaints from other bands who were in danger of relegation from the contest, the organisers decided to demote only one band back to the Grand Shield this year, and demote three in 2006. This reduced the chances of us being demoted, but with Imps withdrawing Rothwell were highest but one on points, with only Tredegar having more. This left the band in a precarious position, meaning they needed to do well and beat Tredegar to stay in the contest. The test piece was a nightmare for percussion, featuring every instrument we had and then some more. It required a ‘large rainstick’ and a marimba. There are very few bands in the country with a marimba, and we were forced to practice the part on vibes: the one instrument we didn’t need. The part also called for three triangles to be played simultaneously and, after many a head-scratching moment, a special triangle stand was designed and produced in wood especially for the part. Lacking a full complement of drummers (especially with Kenny Argyle’s other half due to give birth imminently), Lucy Beeson was drafted in. There were four large percussion parts, and after trying to get someone to play the forth part locally, we were forced to fly in Stefan Kurzo (a professional timpanist with the Bern Symphony Orchestra) to help out. Les McCormack had met Stefan whilst they were both tutoring on the Swiss Youth Band course. Rehearsals were intense leading up to the contest, with only a Thursday night off the week before, and then rehearsals every night the week of the contest. Most of this time was spent out of the rugby club playing in various local venues, and this proved a pain for setting up the percussion equipment. It is a credit to the band that they all helped move the percussion gear, even during the last week. The piece seemed to be going well, with everything going in as it should. The day before the contest, the band set off down to Birmingham mid-afternoon. On arrival, there was just time to grab some fast food before heading off for a rehearsal. Things seemed to be going to plan, and the rehearsal was very good, but the acoustics in the practice room were very dull compared with the reverb we would expect in the hall. The band then had time for real food and liquid refreshment before turning in for the night. On the day of the contest, most of the band were up bright and early to have breakfast, before a 9am rehearsal. The rehearsal went well, and most people then decamped to a local coffee shop to wait for the draw. Dai Hale was most upset that they would not sell him ice cream before 11am! When the draw finally came through it was excellent. We were following on the two lowest-ranked bands in the contest, and were then followed by Dyke and YBS. The band then went their separate ways ready to meet back at 1pm for another rehearsal. 
Final rehearsal completed, and the gear back on the bus, the band left for the hall. The walk to the hall from the rehearsal room took about five minutes, but the bus ride there took about ten, owing to the lovely road system in Birmingham. We had to drive past the hall and then go around a roundabout and come back on ourselves. We unloaded the coach and set up the equipment ready to go on and play. Thankfully, the percussion equipment was in vaguely the right place so we did not have too much trouble setting up. The band started well and things went to plan. Lucy Beeson had, however, forgotten that she needed a tambourine and so had to wander across the back of the stage mid-piece to find one! The performance was very good. There was an odd split or two, but the band sound shone through. We were pleased with it, but after last year, when we had come nowhere off a performance just as good, we were still apprehensive. The equipment was then returned to its cases and stowed safely back in the bus before the band headed for the bar for a well-earned drink. When the results were announced, many of the band weren’t in the hall, as there were no bandsman’s tickets. Those that were found themselves astounded with the fifth place we were given. This is the best result the band has ever had in its 125 year history. The result was even more remarkable given that the band that followed us on stage were the eventually winners of the contest. The full results of the contest were: 1. Black Dyke – Dr Nicholas Childs (13) 7. Brighouse & Rastrick – James Gourlay (6) The bus driver allowed the band an hour to celebrate before they headed back up the motorway in very good spirits. The band would like to thank:
We would also like to send our best wishes to Andy White, our principal trombone. This was his last contest with the band, as Will returns from America to reclaim his seat. We wish Andy all the best for the future. Tim Sawyer |