Amateur Excellence

I've often been chastized by close friends and colleagues for being a perfectionist, and I've stopped referring to my musical experiences in the UK because they have caused resentment and responses along the lines of: "we're not good enough for you", or "of course the British are so much better than everyone else", or even "you really are mightier than thou." Serious Ouchness. (anyone who can claim to know me well knows how much this hurts).

So rather than share my stories and offer reasons why I like things to be done with our best possible efforts, I just do it. If the results are excellent, Great! If they're not, that's OK too. Yes, I compromise and justify it as 'survival' (!). It's also very interesting to witness so much trendy talk about 'excellence' without any backing commitment to it. I guess one needs to understand what excellence is before one can even attempt to achieve it!

So, I was pleased, VERY pleased to recently come across this article by Douglas Yeo, a US professional musician who witnessed first hand, the kind of musical environment I grew up in. His article has given me confidence and a little satisfaction that I'm OK - I'm alright. The things I worry about are worth worrying about, regardless of what friends & peers often say. Almost beaten to the ground, this article came at the right time to boost my spirits, and I truly look forward to maintaining the pursuit of excellence Douglas himself experienced.


This is one of the brass bands I played for in the UK, The Medway Band. At the back center is my dear friend Mark Andrew, and one of my ex-students, Richard Scarff is now playing for Aveley & Newham - another band I often played with. Good on ya, boys! Keep up the great playing...


I have often felt that the amateur brass band scene in the UK is one of the most intriguing outlets of self-expression that exists, and through it I learned much about dedication, hard work, loyalty, EXCELLENCE, team-work, reliability, presentation, my role amongst others, and society: although fierce enemies on the competition stage, players from different bands will drink beer and laugh together with players from many other bands (usually about conductors, I might add) but all are welcome! The real kick in the teeth? These players engage in these qualities by choice. For Free. At their own will. They're not paid, forced by gov't, or have nothing else to do. Remarkable, endearing, and very convincing.

It's ironic that as I make contacts in the USA brass band world, Doug's name came up as a potential resource! Timing is everything, and I am still convinced nothing is coincidental.

Go on, be a daredevil: don't settle for anything less from yourself. You can accomplish amazing things with the right guidance, so give up any self-centered-ness, and allow perfection to shine through you.