The Players' Handbook
Issue 6 11th September 2023
Introduction: -
‘North Lakes Brass’ (NLB) is the result of a small group of experienced brass musicians; for many years involved in all aspects of the British Brass Banding Movement, coming together with a shared single common goal: to form a Cumbria based Brass Band competing at the highest level on the contest circuit, all year round.
NLB and how it is run is intentionally very different from the traditional brass band norm of players being managed and controlled by a small committee and mixing a heavy annual concert schedule against low contest participation.
Aside of the shared common goal it is NLB’s view that brass banding should be fun and enjoyable. Players will come together to make music, but in addition they will also have the opportunity to make new friends, provide support to each other and to be part of a friendly non-judgemental group of individuals.
In what follows you will discover what makes NLB different. Read on to find what makes the way we operate so unique.
Makeup of the Band: -
The band consists of approximately thirty signed-up playing active members at any one time; including a Musical Director (MD), Contest Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, Media/Communications Co-ordinator, and Band Manager/Sergeant.
Decision Making: -
This Band is run by the playing members committee (PMC) plus the MD, all collectively guiding the band to ensure smooth running and making sure all members enjoy their music making with NLB.
Other than the Northern Regionals; which requires mandatory participation all non-musical decisions relating to contest attendance, travel arrangements, overnight stays plus any other non-musical issues will be decided by the PMC.
The primary aim of your band is to compete, so we would expect to attend at least four or five contests per year.
If financial rewards were very favourable and organisational overheads minimal, NLB: as primarily a contest band, will consider, but limits itself to three/four concert performance a year.
Band members are currently fulfilling the roles of MD, Contest Secretary, Treasurer/Librarian, Media/Communications Co-ordinator and Band Manager/Sergeant. If at any time any new or existing member would like to carry out any of these roles, appointment will be confirmed by the PMC.
Music and Musically Direction: -
This is at the sole discretion of the MD. The MD determines the long-term musical strategy, issues relating to recruitment, the repertoire, who plays solos, who sits where and will strengthen sections to meet musical challenges as the band evolves and progresses.
The PMC/MD has the final decision on player recruitment.
Funding: -
All members are expected to contribute £10 per month paid directly into the band account to cover the cost of music, coach travel, rehearsal rooms fees, contest entry fees and any other costs associated with the band.
Other than the related cost of competing, no player will be asked to finance any other costs relating to NLB.
Additional funds or gifts appropriated via donations, prize money, or revenue from a concert will be used help to offset any ongoing support costs. Allocation of such monies will be made by the PMC.
Instruments and Accessories: -
All players are expected to either own or be in possession of their own instruments and mutes, apart from the larger percussion kit, which will be addressed on demand.
All players are expected to attend rehearsals with their own instrument, mutes, music stand and red hymn book.
Registration: -
All players will on joining NLB will need to provide to the contesting secretary an up to date passport photo and complete a registration form to comply with the requirements of the Brass Band Players (BBP) registry. This is required for all bands who want to take part in competitions. BBP have a GDPR Privacy notice which can be viewed on their website if required http://www.bbpregistry.com/gdpr-privacy-notice.html
Rehearsal location, Duration and Attendance: -
This band currently have their own dedicated rehearsal room in the Derwent Club located in the centre of Keswick.
Subject to the challenges and requirements demanded of specific contests a typical rehearsal schedule for a set test piece would require approximately sixteen hours of rehearsal time; split up into eight two-hour sessions. This would involve meeting for first rehearsal two months before contest, followed by one session a month later, with three rehearsals each week in the two weeks before the contest day. One of these sessions may include an additional ‘sectional’ practice.
A ‘March and Hymn Tune’ contest will potentially require one or two rehearsals One week before contest day.
These rehearsal commitments are an estimate only - sessions may be reduced or increased depending on band progress on an individual test piece.
All players participating in a contest will be sent their music, a full set of rehearsal dates and times approx. one month prior to commencement of the first rehearsal. All players committed to a contest are expected to attend all rehearsals, non-attendance really is not an option, however, in exceptional circumstances the MD can sanction non-attendance.
Uniform and Dress code: -
NLB ideals are to keep things simple, and this is reflected in the dress code.
All male players, on stage or in a contest venue, are expected to wear black smart shoes, black trousers and black open-necked long-sleeved collared shirts. Female players may wear the same, or dress in a black two-piece outfit or dress. All female players wearing coloured accessorises including shoes displayed on stage must be coloured similar.
All players will be expected to purchase a black zip up fleece type jacket which will display band name and logo. This jacket will be classed as a ‘walking out’ and will be removed prior to going on stage in an internal venue but will be used as a contest jacket during March and hymn tune / external contests.
Discipline: -
All playing members of NLB have played in numerous bands over many years and know band etiquette, the do’s and don’ts. The Band Manager/Sergeant is the first point of contact; should anyone player feel there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Allocation of Assets and Capital: -
In the event of the NLB ceasing to function but prior to disbanding all assets owed by the band and any accumulated capital held in the band bank account will be gifted to another brass band related organisation.
The organisation that receives this gift will be decided by PMC.
Communication: -
The opportunity for band members to have frequent, face-to-face communication is often limit due to players being located in many different parts of the county.
All players will be invited onto NLB Private Group (Facebook) giving them the opportunity to communicate to any or all of their fellow playing members. This private group will be maintained by the Media / Communications Co-ordinator and used to
inform members of upcoming contests, rehearsal dates and any other information relevant to NLB.
If any player wishes to discuss any issue but does not want to utilise the private group, they can contact any of the named members detailed below by e-mail or telephone in confidence.
Safeguarding and Child protection: -
NLB is serious about safeguarding and takes every opportunity to ensure that the Band provides a safe and enjoyable environment for all its members. NLB is committed to protecting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young people in its care. The Band aims to ensure that all children and young people are welcomed into a safe and caring environment, with a positive attitude to inclusion, learning and support. NLB has a member who is the designated safeguarding lead and policies in place that all members follow to ensure the protection of the young people within our organisation.
Named Key Band Members and Contact Details: -
Musical Director: - Gareth Sykes Tel 07414458985
E-mail [email protected]
Band Manager/Sergeant: - John Miller Tel 07739173798
E-mails [email protected] / [email protected]
Contest Secretary: - Kath Savage. Tel 07762740124
E-mail [email protected]
Treasurer/Librarian: - Deb Hoodless. Tel 07554723786
E-mail [email protected]
Media/Communications Co-ordinator: - John Redgate Tel 07789764434
E-mail [email protected]
Alison Richardson: - Tel 07702459449
E-mail [email protected]
Victoria Howarth: - Tel 07588885990
E-mail [email protected]
Tony Gagg. Tel 07791837309
E-mail [email protected]
Andy Cannon Tel 07714387727
E-mail [email protected]
Jon Sanderson Tel 07805211574
E-mail [email protected]
Introduction: -
‘North Lakes Brass’ (NLB) is the result of a small group of experienced brass musicians; for many years involved in all aspects of the British Brass Banding Movement, coming together with a shared single common goal: to form a Cumbria based Brass Band competing at the highest level on the contest circuit, all year round.
NLB and how it is run is intentionally very different from the traditional brass band norm of players being managed and controlled by a small committee and mixing a heavy annual concert schedule against low contest participation.
Aside of the shared common goal it is NLB’s view that brass banding should be fun and enjoyable. Players will come together to make music, but in addition they will also have the opportunity to make new friends, provide support to each other and to be part of a friendly non-judgemental group of individuals.
In what follows you will discover what makes NLB different. Read on to find what makes the way we operate so unique.
Makeup of the Band: -
The band consists of approximately thirty signed-up playing active members at any one time; including a Musical Director (MD), Contest Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, Media/Communications Co-ordinator, and Band Manager/Sergeant.
Decision Making: -
This Band is run by the playing members committee (PMC) plus the MD, all collectively guiding the band to ensure smooth running and making sure all members enjoy their music making with NLB.
Other than the Northern Regionals; which requires mandatory participation all non-musical decisions relating to contest attendance, travel arrangements, overnight stays plus any other non-musical issues will be decided by the PMC.
The primary aim of your band is to compete, so we would expect to attend at least four or five contests per year.
If financial rewards were very favourable and organisational overheads minimal, NLB: as primarily a contest band, will consider, but limits itself to three/four concert performance a year.
Band members are currently fulfilling the roles of MD, Contest Secretary, Treasurer/Librarian, Media/Communications Co-ordinator and Band Manager/Sergeant. If at any time any new or existing member would like to carry out any of these roles, appointment will be confirmed by the PMC.
Music and Musically Direction: -
This is at the sole discretion of the MD. The MD determines the long-term musical strategy, issues relating to recruitment, the repertoire, who plays solos, who sits where and will strengthen sections to meet musical challenges as the band evolves and progresses.
The PMC/MD has the final decision on player recruitment.
Funding: -
All members are expected to contribute £10 per month paid directly into the band account to cover the cost of music, coach travel, rehearsal rooms fees, contest entry fees and any other costs associated with the band.
Other than the related cost of competing, no player will be asked to finance any other costs relating to NLB.
Additional funds or gifts appropriated via donations, prize money, or revenue from a concert will be used help to offset any ongoing support costs. Allocation of such monies will be made by the PMC.
Instruments and Accessories: -
All players are expected to either own or be in possession of their own instruments and mutes, apart from the larger percussion kit, which will be addressed on demand.
All players are expected to attend rehearsals with their own instrument, mutes, music stand and red hymn book.
Registration: -
All players will on joining NLB will need to provide to the contesting secretary an up to date passport photo and complete a registration form to comply with the requirements of the Brass Band Players (BBP) registry. This is required for all bands who want to take part in competitions. BBP have a GDPR Privacy notice which can be viewed on their website if required http://www.bbpregistry.com/gdpr-privacy-notice.html
Rehearsal location, Duration and Attendance: -
This band currently have their own dedicated rehearsal room in the Derwent Club located in the centre of Keswick.
Subject to the challenges and requirements demanded of specific contests a typical rehearsal schedule for a set test piece would require approximately sixteen hours of rehearsal time; split up into eight two-hour sessions. This would involve meeting for first rehearsal two months before contest, followed by one session a month later, with three rehearsals each week in the two weeks before the contest day. One of these sessions may include an additional ‘sectional’ practice.
A ‘March and Hymn Tune’ contest will potentially require one or two rehearsals One week before contest day.
These rehearsal commitments are an estimate only - sessions may be reduced or increased depending on band progress on an individual test piece.
All players participating in a contest will be sent their music, a full set of rehearsal dates and times approx. one month prior to commencement of the first rehearsal. All players committed to a contest are expected to attend all rehearsals, non-attendance really is not an option, however, in exceptional circumstances the MD can sanction non-attendance.
Uniform and Dress code: -
NLB ideals are to keep things simple, and this is reflected in the dress code.
All male players, on stage or in a contest venue, are expected to wear black smart shoes, black trousers and black open-necked long-sleeved collared shirts. Female players may wear the same, or dress in a black two-piece outfit or dress. All female players wearing coloured accessorises including shoes displayed on stage must be coloured similar.
All players will be expected to purchase a black zip up fleece type jacket which will display band name and logo. This jacket will be classed as a ‘walking out’ and will be removed prior to going on stage in an internal venue but will be used as a contest jacket during March and hymn tune / external contests.
Discipline: -
All playing members of NLB have played in numerous bands over many years and know band etiquette, the do’s and don’ts. The Band Manager/Sergeant is the first point of contact; should anyone player feel there is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Allocation of Assets and Capital: -
In the event of the NLB ceasing to function but prior to disbanding all assets owed by the band and any accumulated capital held in the band bank account will be gifted to another brass band related organisation.
The organisation that receives this gift will be decided by PMC.
Communication: -
The opportunity for band members to have frequent, face-to-face communication is often limit due to players being located in many different parts of the county.
All players will be invited onto NLB Private Group (Facebook) giving them the opportunity to communicate to any or all of their fellow playing members. This private group will be maintained by the Media / Communications Co-ordinator and used to
inform members of upcoming contests, rehearsal dates and any other information relevant to NLB.
If any player wishes to discuss any issue but does not want to utilise the private group, they can contact any of the named members detailed below by e-mail or telephone in confidence.
Safeguarding and Child protection: -
NLB is serious about safeguarding and takes every opportunity to ensure that the Band provides a safe and enjoyable environment for all its members. NLB is committed to protecting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young people in its care. The Band aims to ensure that all children and young people are welcomed into a safe and caring environment, with a positive attitude to inclusion, learning and support. NLB has a member who is the designated safeguarding lead and policies in place that all members follow to ensure the protection of the young people within our organisation.
Named Key Band Members and Contact Details: -
Musical Director: - Gareth Sykes Tel 07414458985
E-mail [email protected]
Band Manager/Sergeant: - John Miller Tel 07739173798
E-mails [email protected] / [email protected]
Contest Secretary: - Kath Savage. Tel 07762740124
E-mail [email protected]
Treasurer/Librarian: - Deb Hoodless. Tel 07554723786
E-mail [email protected]
Media/Communications Co-ordinator: - John Redgate Tel 07789764434
E-mail [email protected]
Alison Richardson: - Tel 07702459449
E-mail [email protected]
Victoria Howarth: - Tel 07588885990
E-mail [email protected]
Tony Gagg. Tel 07791837309
E-mail [email protected]
Andy Cannon Tel 07714387727
E-mail [email protected]
Jon Sanderson Tel 07805211574
E-mail [email protected]