And another thing

By John Barber / Cartoon by Nezzy

Across the first two weeks of August, along with many other sofa Olympians, I have watched in awe as men and women from around the globe have aspired to the ‘faster… higher… stronger’ ideals of the Rio de Janerio Games. From Adam Peaty’s Breast Stroking to the Judo chap who got upset after being disqualified for trying to break his opponent’s wrist, the Games have inspired many, myself included, to rethink aspects and approaches to certain life routines.

When the Brazilian carnival finally drew to a close, the brass band contesting season again fired up with, for many, the British Open and National Finals waving at us from across the horizon. As a hobby, passion, occupation or pastime, the process of being judged to play music in a brass band contest has, and always will, draw many comparisons with sport although, from my experience, it is the broader arena of the contesting day where I feel there is an interesting spectrum of events to be considered and played out. These challenges often present themselves just before a performance, or during the period of relaxation as you come off stage and contemplate what has just unfolded over the previous 20 minutes….

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