Dalmellington Band are delighted to announce details of our annual ‘Land O’ Burns Invitation Contest’. Once again we are delighted to say that we are receiving continued support from South Ayrshire Council to bring you one of the finest Band Contests - in one of the finest venues - in the Brass Band calendar. Generous support from South Ayrshire Council enables us to offer superb Prize Money for this Contest:
1st Prize - £2500
2nd Prize - £1000
3rd Prize - £500
4th Prize - £400
Best 1st Section Band - £300
Best 2nd Section Band - £300
Best 3rd Section Band - £250
Best 4th Section Band - £250
Once more we are retaining the format of each Band playing a programme of entertainment items with an added twist. This year, as it is now widely known, marks one hundred years from the birth and forty years since the death of Gilbert Vinter. To pay tribute to this fine musician - and to bring to the fore some of his lesser performed works, each competing band this year must include one (or more if you wish) of the following Gilbert Vinter pieces in their programme:
Challenging Brass
Portuguese Party
Simon Called Peter
Centenary March (sometimes listed as TUC Centenary March)
The Dover Coach
We also request that each Band’s programme be no longer than 20 minutes playing time. THIS TIME LIMIT WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. However, to allow for tempo fluctuations on the day, there will be a one minute “safety barrier”, but for Bands who go beyond this, 2 points will be deducted for every 10 seconds (or part thereof) this limit is exceeded.
The closing date for entries is Saturday 20th June 2009. No entries will be accepted after this date. Due to the overwhelming demand for our Contest, we are limiting the Contest to 18 bands. Those places will be strictly on a first come, first served basis.
It should also be noted that requests for late draws will not be accepted. Requests for early draws may be considered under certain circumstances.
Further details regarding arrangements for the day, time of draw etc., will follow in due course and this Contest is subject to the normal SBBA rules and regulations, which allow Bands to play up to four guest players.
If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact contest organiser, Sandy McAughtrie at lob@dalmellingtonband.org.uk