Originally Posted by
Simes
Ok guys! I only interpret on what I see! The days of really top class British brass band soloists over 40 are gone. The likes of Trevor Groom, John Clough, Lyndon Baglin et al, playing into their late sixties at the highest level is gone. I stress this is only brass band, which I have a great interest in. Morgan Griffiths doesn’t play at a high level any more. David Thornton does more conducting than playing as far as I can tell. David Welsh has vanished, Stephen Singleton I haven’t heard of for years, Michael Dodd doesn’t play at a top band any more. Bob and Nick Child’s didn’t go far last forty before the lure of conducting took over. There are lots more, but I’ve selected the best known.
Steven Mead has done brilliantly. He’s a great ambassador for the euphonium. I deeply admire his longevity and his enthusiasm for all aspects of playing. However that does not make him immune to criticism. It is perceived in this country - UK - that he’s only in it for the money. Releasing mouthpiece model after model after model, along with “silly gimmicks” like the plates, don’t dispel this perception. I don’t use SM mouthpieces because they’re crap, not because I dislike Steve Mead.
I think I might just wind my neck in 😂