Random thought. I don't think I'd want to play in a non-contesting #BrassBand. Whilst I find contesting stressful at times, I like that it challenges me. It pushes me to really work on my playing.

Concerts are OK, usually enjoyable, but it's easy to become complacent about my ability with most concert pieces

I am probably the weakest player in my band, I spend most of my time thinking I should probably be in a band 2 sections lower than I am. But then I wouldn't improve & wouldn't learn techniques needed in the upper sections.

Almost every test piece, I convince myself I'm never gonna be able to play it. "It goes higher than my range"."It's too fast." "My breath control is horrendous." But every time I work at it & on contest day, I nail it.

I thought this time it really was beyond me, but somehow I've managed to get where I need to be (for the most part) & there's still over a month to go.

#BrassBandContest #ChallengeYourself #Musician