Hopefully we are now all back on track!
This newsletter should be out on time and a totally spurious air of efficiency prevails!  It won’t last, so make the most of it!

Darlington

It’s getting ever closer.  On the day the bus will, as usual, leave from Dorothy’s (probably about 10.00 but time to be finalised).  There will be possible alternative pick-up points at Broughton Rise, Swinton and Slingsby.  If you would like to be picked up at any of these, please let Dorothy know, so we don’t wait around for someone whose joining us later or leave without anyone!  There are a few places on the coach for extra supporters.  Can you let Dorothy know details of numbers by half-term please.  She will assume all players are travelling on the coach unless told otherwise, so please let her know if you are going independently or want to bring someone.

Appearances matter!

Do remember that the band is on show to a critical audience at a contest – as well as sounding good, we want to look good! Even if the adjudicator is shut in a box, the audience isn’t!

If you are going to clean your instrument out before the Contest, do it NOW! It needs time to settle down again after a full clean-out.  Be sure your instrument is clean and polished on the day!  Likewise shoes!  Please be sure you have a clean, pressed white shirt with a proper collar and really black trousers and socks. 

Also make sure that your jacket fits reasonably well – if this is a problem talk to Dorothy NOW!

A.G.M.- 10^th April at 7.30. p.m.

This is when we decide how the band is going to be run this year and the Officers and Committee are elected for the oncoming year.  It is important that you attend and have your say in your band.  It is on a band night so there is no excuse for not being there!

This year we need a new Vice Chairman to replace Stewart.  So start thinking about this!  If you think someone is suitable ask them if they would be prepared to stand and then find someone to second this.  A sheet will be going up soon for nominations.
If you are over 16 and would like to be considered for the Committee, please let Dorothy know so that your name can be added to the list for voting.

If there are matters you would like raised at the A.G.M. please let Dorothy know so that they can be put on the agenda.

Attention all learners!

As you can see by looking at the dates in this newsletter, April is going to be busy for the band.  In fact, with three concerts and a Band Dinner all on Saturday evenings we have a problem!
After a lot of thought Steve and I would like to  move the learners’ session FOR APRIL ONLY to Sunday afternoons from 2.30 to 3.30.  We will not have the group sessions – it will be lessons only.  If this time is really inconvenient please let us know and we’ll see what we can arrange.

Easingwold Marching Contest.

This contest is on 24^th June this year and if you’ve never been, do consider going.  It is like a smaller version of the famous Whit-Friday contests – a cheerful mixture of bands and beer! Participating bands play two marches one on the move and one on the stand and are judged on music and deportment.  It’s a good night out and a chance to catch up with friends in other bands as well!

50 years of YHBBA

As well as being our 70^th anniversary this year is the 50^th for Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association.  To celebrate this there will be a special concert of a newly-commissioned work at Ripon Cathedral on 15^th July.  Tickets will be £10 and are likely to be in short supply so if you are interested in going talk to Dorothy.

Spring Cleaning

As you can see the windows are now in, and the Bandroom stands revealed in its full squalor – it hasn’t been properly cleaned for two years!  The committee has agreed that we need to re-decorate.  But before that can happen the place needs a really good clean and wash-down.  So on Sunday 5^th Feb. get down to the Bandroom and lend a hand.  We are starting at 9.30 and will work till done (either us or the Bandroom!)  Lunch at the Blacksmith’s Arms will probably feature at some point!  If you can help, please let Dorothy know.  If you feel like turning up on the day, though, we won’t turn you away!

See you there!  At least we don’t need to clean the windows!

Birthdays!   
Ha ha – There is no escape from standing on your chair!  Happy Birthday to:



1^st Feb.  Ian 
10^th Feb. Maggie
12^th Feb. Catherine
17^th Feb. Edward
                                            
If I have missed you out, I'm really sorry and I hope you all enjoy(ed) your Birthdays.

Sectional Practices

There will be sectionals though the dates aren’t yet arranged.  If you have dates when you definitely can’t do one, let Phil know!  Better still try and sort out suitable dates within your section to suggest to Phil!

Holiday List

The list has gone up on the noticeboard!  Please fill in dates when you will be away as soon as you know them so that Dorothy has time to arrange cover.  Don’t leave it till the last minute!  PLEASE!!

Parking in Swinton

It’s a perennial problem and we do have to be careful.  Please do not leave your car with a tyre on the grass or obstructing a junction or giving any resident any possible cause for complaint!

Please leave a notice in your car saying that you are a band member.  If you don’t have one, talk to Kath – she has plenty!

Band Dinner

This will be at The Lodge Hotel in Malton on 8^th April. You should, by now, all have received a Band Dinner form from Steve.  If, for some reason, you haven’t got one, please let him know!  Otherwise, please return your form with the money to Steve or Dorothy as soon as possible, or you might miss out on what should be a really good evening!

Welcome

It’s really good to welcome Jane to the euphonium section.  Jane has helped Swinton out for many years while playing with Kirkby and other top section bands.  We’re really glad to have her as a member!

Money Matters!

If you have a full Smartie tube please let Anna have it back – she may be able to give you a new one, though sadly Rowntrees are stopping putting Smarties in tubes - BOO!

Never mind, Hedley is busy designing special collecting boxes to take their place so all is not lost!

The Fifty-plus Club is always keen to welcome new members – if you or a friend or family member want to be involved talk to Brian! The more members there are, the higher the profit for Band!

Use of Band Instruments outside Band

This issue was raised at the last Committee meeting and I have been asked to remind the Band in the nicest possible way of what is stated in the Constitution:

11.  INSTRUMENTS 
The Band instruments and any property of the society shall be used only for Band engagements and practice unless the Bandmaster or Secretary's permission is first obtained.

What this means is that if you want to use the instrument Band has lent you for non-band purposes you need to ask Dorothy first.  The most common reason is for use in school and this will normally be absolutely fine.  The problem of course comes where use for Band and use for school come into conflict e.g. when you have a school concert at the same time as a Band engagement (or even Band practice).  In this case, the Band engagement has to have priority!  If you have to be at some other function when the band has an engagement it may be necessary for the Band to have your instrument for someone else to play in your place.  When the Band is booked for a job we enter into a contract to supply a service – which means a full band!

So at the first indication that there is an occasion where you would like to use a Band instrument outside Band, ask Dorothy.  Give plenty of notice so that she can arrange cover for you and  (hopefully) the instrument.  But if the Band does need the instrument, then I’m afraid Band does have to come first.  We’d hope, of course that the Band engagement would come first for you too – after all every member of the band is part of a team and we depend on each other.  But if you really HAVE to miss an engagement let Dorothy know in time to get a deputy in and sort out an instrument for them!  Last minute cancellations, except for health or similar emergencies really do let everybody down. Please plan ahead!

Here endeth the nag!!

Incidentally, if you don’t have a copy of the Constitution, ask Dorothy for one – every member should have one! Or it is available on the website.  Read it!