NEMBBA currently runs two contests each year, our “association” contest each February, and our own-choice test piece contest in late autumn. These contests are open to any band, including those outside the geographic area of NEMBBA (Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire). We planning to run an a new entertainment contest and solo, duet and quartet contest next year.
February “Area Test Piece” Contest
Our area test piece contest (also known as our Association contest) is usually held two weeks before the Midland Regional contest and is open to all bands in the fourth to championship sections. Training bands (limited to twelve registered players) and unregistered bands are invited to perform a 15 minute entertainment programme.
Next year’s contest will be in on Saturday 21st February (third and second sections) and Sunday 22nd February (training and unregistered bands, fourth, first, and championship sections) at the Post Mill Centre, Market Street, South Normanton DE55 2EJ. Marika Gray will be adjudicating on the Saturday and Mark Walters on the Sunday.
Whilst a contest in its own right, it also provides bands with an opportunity for a trial run before their area contest and to gain feedback from an experienced adjudicator. The entrance fee for this contest also includes membership of NEMBBA.
The entry form can be downloaded here.
The rules can be downloaded here: registered band, training band, unregistered band.
Autumn “Own Choice” Test Piece Contest
Our autumn contest provides an opportunity for all bands in the fourth to championship sections to play a test piece of their choice, together with training bands (limited to twelve registered players) and unregistered bands who are invited to perform a 15 minute entertainment programme. Bands are not required to join NEMBBA to enter.
The date for next year’s contest has not been set: it will be at the end of October or early November. Bands that competed with us in February will receive a £10 discount on the entry fee.