We can say we are officially halfway through a very musically intense summer season. We saw splendid coloured celebrations in the streets, very warm religious celebrations and even though I haven’t been part of it as I used too, I feel that many societies are investing in the youths, praising their volunteers and trying to give an extra push towards the band and its struggles. It is a very positive thing to see many youths giving a helping hand to media creation, live streaming, radio productions, and doing what they are good at for the sake of feasts. This is the way forward to bring in the youths to our clubs, show them they are valued, that their thoughts are worth investing in, and they will give you all of their time.
As regards to the band part, few changes are done, but still as important, even though I experienced some nail-biting moments when receiving news that band members remembered they had some other thing to do, till just 12hours before the band had to start playing. I also had the opportunity to testify that playing with a band of 47 players and playing for less than 3hrs, gives a much better result than 80 musicians playing for 3 hours. On the bright side, we have also seen some good quality concerts with some different music and arrangments, which is a breath of fresh air, both for those attending but especially the musicians.
We have also just received the news that a University Coarse will be available for all teachers and musical directors in our clubs and also that the National Youth band is now collaborating with Agenzija Zaghzagh. Two great news from Ghaqda Kazini tal-banda, that surely will be beneficial to all those willing to better their knowledge.
Quite a good mid-season, after all, let’s keep the momentum.
danielvellamusic.com 
Once again, well done for you initiative to your blog, Daniel. Without sounding generalizing, I believe the nail-biting scenarios you encountered, unfortunately is part and parcel of the Mediterranean culture. “U IVA…….IMBGHAD NARAW”. I’ve been abroad and played with British Brass Bands, Belgian Orchestras, and Belgian Ensembles, and never came across such behavior. I had the pleasure to be amongst those 47 band members playing, and yes Daniel to re confirm……..Quality not Quantity. I agree with you that some things improved. What I sometimes think about is the Sunday Morning March. So the health authorities are advising us the general public to protect ourselves from the UV 10-11 mark, and we’re out there, basking in the sun and …….playing….ouch! I believe that there should be some talk about it because we’re doing such things in not normal conditions. I know its tradition, but the world changed….actually we’re destroying our home….EARTH.
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