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The musical
ability of bands is again another much maligned and misunderstood aspect
of bands, which when given deeper examination in fact becomes a positive
one. it must be remembered that most band members have no formal musical
education and are either self-taught or have learned their chosen
instrument with the assistance of fellow band members, all of which is
done on a voluntary basis. But everyone must start somewhere and to
properly learn to drum, flute or play the accordion takes time, patience
and dedication.
It has been
claimed that the Ulster Scots are one of the most gifted musical
communities in the world. While this is impossible to certify, it is
certainly very difficult to dismiss. The potential for development is
limitedless and we need only be reminded that Sir James Galway was once a
member of a Marching Band before moving on to world stardom.
Throughout the
past century the Marching Band community can lay claim to numerous bands
that are viewed as Ulster, British and world champions. While many of
these bands have moved into a more competition-oriented arena, there are
many which continue to parade on a regular basis. One thing however will
always be certain and that is that they began their life as Marching
Bands. The Marching Band of today plays a vast range of diverse music.
Tunes can include traditional Orange music, television and film themes,
military marches, pipe band jigs and pop or chart music.
With the exception
of the bands that read from sheet music (but not always), few bands play
the same tunes in the same way. Unlike the more rigid musical tradition of
competition, Marching Bands have developed their own styles and
techniques. Their music is very individual and every band wants to stand
out from the rest. The music style of many Marching Bands particularly
that of the Blood & Thunder category is not to everyone's taste, however
neither is jazz, opera or country music. But it is vibrant and popular,
with its idiosyncratic characters and personalities. It has a character
that is unique and for this very reason parades continue to be well
supported by the general public.
About half of all
band parades are competitions. These are judged either by members of the
host band or independent judges, brought in especially for that purpose.
The usual categories at a band competition include best for blood and
thunder, accordion, drum corps, bass drummer, drum major (junior and
senior, style and appearance and best overall. A debate on the pros and
cons of competition parades continues to range in the band fraternity,
with one view believing that they encourage bands to enhance their
standards, while others believe that such encouragement is no longer
required and that competitions cause divisions amongst bands.
Either way or for
whatever reason the musical quality and marching deportment of bands over
the past thirty years has increased enormously.
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