I have been followng this discussion with interest, as I am the 'arranger' in question. I do support the principle of this discussion and I dont agree with certain remarks made by pantom. I spent 12 years working at comets and I still have an immense support for the band and their management team. This situation happened last year when there was 3 points in it for the title. We came 3rd, only 3 points behind the winners-Croydon!
I may be wrong but I thought last year it was under 25's? Yes there was a descrepancy regarding Eclipse's players and complaints were lodged then. I have moved on now with my own band, which incidently, I was running years ago before I took over at comets. My reason's for moving are of no consequence to this discussion as this is about the kids!
To the best of my knowledge, the majority of players I had are still members of comets, and David and I worked together on some pieces so I have no doubts that the band is still at the same standard. I gather a meeting has been arranged between all bands concerned with this and BAS. This is when this problem should be discussed and bringing other immaterial issues into it is not helpful to the kids, bands or BAS.
Kind regards to all concerned!!
Jason
Panash Steel Orchestra-UK
Well said.
I am a member of the Comets youth steel orchestra.
I have been playing in this band for 2 years now and even though we've had a change of arranger, our band is still as strong as it once was. There was only a small period of time last year when we were down because our old arranger, Jason Butcher left due to questionable circumstances.
Since then we have built up the strength of our band and have grown stronger with our new arranger, David Wellcomme, who was thrown into the position because of the sudden loss of Jason. Our bands moral wasn't dented at the time, and most definately not at/during Jr.Panorama.
Also, Yes, Ebony not 'registering in time' is a poor excuse but rules are rules, they should ALL be followed. Would other bands in the BAS be allowed to not register for a competition then turn up? I think not! Furthermore, how comes the other bands weren't notified that Ebony were coming? We certainly wasn't. I have nothing against Ebony, but i'm just making the point that rules are made to be followed, and if you can't follow rules, don't enter. I always thought that people like councillors, mayors and mayoresses would be honest good people, but it seems I am wrong, I can't believe that the mayoress either changed her scores on her score sheets or allowed someone else to do it for her! I would like to know what is going to be done about all this, because you adults are supposed to set an example to us youngsters.
Although the last comment was probably meant well, it doesn't sit very well with me.
This whole discussion has descended into a slanging match which totally demeans the purpose of the thread. Lets leave personal differences out of this and get back to the point in question, which was......... WAS JUNIOR PANORAMA CONDUCTED FAIRLY OR NOT.
If any of you have a personal axe to grind, go grind it where someone is interested, and thats not here.
I don't think you are being fair to loud and proud panasonic it sounds like they are trying to stick up for the person who is doing the comets stuff now and they have just tried to make it clear what happened cos the old arranger when he left did'nt tell the kids. loud and proud is saying about ebony cheatin so you got that wrong . maybe the kids in the band are feeling bad about being cheated and all the adults should get it sorted out by tellin the poeple that run it what they think.