Contesting
Not all bands enter competitions and there are some which shun the contest stage, preferring to concentrate their efforts in providing music for local events. For most players, though, contesting has always been an important part of brass banding, the reason that they spend so many hours trying to perfect their art. It provides them with the opportunity to test their musical skills against others and, of course, to bring home that silverware.
This section includes brass band contests which have taken place in Cornwall. I doubt that all are here, and there are certainly some results missing, but, over time, it is hoped that it will become a comprehensive record of all Cornish Contests.
1903
St Keverne Agriculture Society
St Keverne
Either the 2nd or the 9th July 1903
Adjudicator: G Blight
Test piece: The Village Gala by A Blight
| Placed | Conductor | Points | |
| 1 | Mullion | T Downing | 71 |
| 2 | St Keverne | 59 | |
The Band Contest. The test piece was The Village Gala. There were only two entries, viz., Mullion Brass Band and St. Keverne Brass Band. The former band won by 11 points, and a silver cornet for the best soloist was awarded to Mr T Downing, a member of the Mullion band. Mr. G. Blight, Porthleven, was the judge. (Cornishman – Thursday 09 July 1903)
(Cornishman 30th July 1903 – courtesy Colin Roberts of Mullion)
Mullion Brass Band. Editor “Cornishman.” I wrote to you fortnight ago on the above subject had intention of entering into discussion with anyone, but seeing a letter in your paper of 30th ult., from Ruan Minor, which needs few corrections, I feel compelled to again seek the aid your columns. My object in writing was to point out the strides made by Mullion band in a comparatively short time, which demonstrates what can be accomplished when the members make to work in unity. I think, sir, Mullion something be proud over, in winning the first prize at St. Keverne show, even if they are of twenty or thirty years’ standing, considering they did not practice for the winter, and when they did, which was at the commencement this summer, they had raw recruits for training. Because Mullion band has been long established, it does not necessarily mean that the members have been musicians the whole of that time, any more than because St. Keverne have only been existence three four years, that the members are all young musicians. Your correspondent that the bandmaster stood out against entering the contest arena, until he knew that Ruan were not going, etc. Allow me, Sir, to inform your correspondent, that in this respect he is entirely in the wrong. True, Mullion band did stand out against going until nearly the last moment, and it is all the more their credit that they won the prize after that. The reason for thus standing out was consequence of misleading report respecting the training of St. Keverne band, but when the St. Keverne bandmaster informed Mullion that the report was without the least foundation, then to quote your correspondent’s own words, they buried their objections and went. Your correspondent throws out a challenge to Mullion band, but it is too late. If the Grade and Ruan Minor Brass Band are anxious to display their exceptional musical talents, let them take a trip to Mullion one nice evening and give a musical programme the village square, or some other prominent place, I am sure Mullion people would greatly appreciate such performance as, I understand, only Ruan can give. Another point Mullion band has got nothing to with the publication of these letters any shape or form. I simply mention this for fear your correspondent might think that Mullion band are elated by their performance, that they are blowing their own trumpet in an indirect manner. Finally your correspondent advises to sign my name like man. If I were to do so he would not be the wiser, and it is experience that great many people are far better known some other name than their baptismal ones, therefore I bid correspondent adieu, and again myself, yours, etc., EX-DRUMMER. North Cornwall, August 2nd, 1903. (Cornishman – Thursday 13 August 1903)
Compiled by Tony Mansell (Bardh Kernow)