WMC Kerkrade is unlike any contest that I've played before. The test piece (Stonehenge) was played along with our own-choice music of: In memoriam from Royal Parks, Dance Sequence, and the finale being the challenging Paganini Variations. Contesting bands from the brass band division of WMC played on different days. So, we didn't hear anyone else play. The band that was on-stage before us were a terrific wind band from The Netherlands - we weren't competing with them! The hall was full. They seemed to enjoy what we delivered here. Dutch TV were interviewing players and conductors before/ after our performance (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FOn10wtw3QE.html ). We did find out later on this day that we had won the division, but the prize giving was a week later well after we had repatriated to England. Good experience all round.
blottit FYI: for brassbands they have changed the format for at least 2 WMCs where you have one evening with the competing bands playing the test piece and the next day playing a concert with own choice music with results being announced that evening. Usually one or two top level bands are also invited (before the competition) to perform a gala concert on the Monday after the competition.
