2005 - Christmas Concert (11 images)

Results: 2012 Gunnedah Eisteddfod

Success for Gunnedah Shire Junior Band and Moree District Band at the Gunnedah Eisteddfod.

All five bands of the New England Region in New South Wales; Gunnedah Shire Band, Tamworth RSL Brass, Narrabri Shire Band, Moree District Band, and Armidale City Band made the trip to Gunnedah to compete at the 60th Gunnedah Eisteddfod on Sunday 20 May.

This was the first time in 20 years that all five bands competed at their local regional contest.

Celebration

The day was one of celebration and socialisation with the local band, Gunnedah Shire Band, hosting a BBQ during the lunchbreak for all the participants.

The contest was divided into two sections; the first a hymn and test selection, won convincingly by the champion Gunnedah Shire Junior Band, and the second an entertainment contest won by a very well prepared (and entertaining) Moree District Band.

Results:

Hymn & Test Selection:

1. Gunnedah Shire Junior Band, 95
2. Armidale City Band, 88
3. Moree District Band, 85
4. Tamworth RSL Brass, 81
4. Narrabri Shire Band, 81
6. Gunnedah Shire Wednesday Band, 79

Entertainment Section:

1. Moree District Band,91
2. Gunnedah Shire Junior Band, 88
3. Gunnedah Shire Wednesday Band, 84
4. Armidale City Band, 83
5. Tamworth RSL Brass, 81
5. Narrabri Shire Band, 81

Adjudicator: Karen Newton

Comrades in arms for Lanner at Weston

Lanner and District Silver Band win award at Weston Super Mare Own Choice Contest at first attempt.

The Lanner & District Band recently made the long trek to Weston Super Mare to take part the SWBBA own choice contest for the first time in their history.

The band competed in the Open Section for Championship and First Section bands and was delighted to come away with second for their performance of Gareth Woods’ 'Salome' - narrowly beaten by Championship Section Jackfield (Elcock Reisen).

Tribute

After hearing the results announced MD Stuart Chappell paid tribute to his bands performance. He told 4BR: "I heard several of the bands we were competing against today and was impressed with the standard of playing. I'm absolutely delighted that we were placed second with the standards as high as they were today."

Comrades

He added: "We have developed a great comradeship in the band and this was evident in the way the players approached the music. The adjudicator Dr. Chris Davis OBE said we enjoyed 'a good day at the office' - a sentiment I agree with completely."

Band Chairman Lee Rouse added: "It's not often that we get a chance to test ourselves against bands as far afield as the Midlands, Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire, but the result shows how capable we have become."

Full results:

Full results can be found at:
www.4barsrest.com/­news/­detail.asp?id=15200

Results: 2012 scaba Entertainment Contest

Haverhill lead the way at Crawley to take scaba entertainment title.

There was a full day of high quality entertainment to enjoy at the recent scaba entertainment contest at Crawley.

Dr Robert Childs adjudicated the 15 performances in what turned out to be a very good contesting day.

Haverhill Silver directed by Mark Ager took the top section honours ahead of London & Southern Counties rivals Regent Brass with West of England challengers Otterbourne Brass in third.

In the B Section, LGB Brass conducted by Ian Stewart claimed first prize ahead of rivals Crystal Palace, with Epsom & Ewell in third.

Results:

A Section:
Adjudicator: Dr Robert Childs

1. Haverhill Silver (Mark Ager)
2. Regent Brass (Alan Duguid)
3. Otterbourne Brass (Gareth Pritchard)
4. Yiewsley & West Drayton (Chris Cole)
5. Tilbury (Andrew Austin)
6. Chichester City (Ross Hunt)

Special Awards:
Highest Unplaced First Section Band: Yiewsley & West Drayton
Best Soloist: Tetsuro Okamura – Trombone (Regent Brass)
Best Performed March: Otterbourne Brass


B Section:
Adjudicator: Dr Robert Childs

1. LGB Brass (Ian Stewart)
2. Crystal Palace (Michael Gray)
3. Epsom & Ewell (Jack Smith)
4. St Sebastian Wokingham (Lee Woodward)
5. Denmead Brass (Estelle Flood)
6. Epping Forest (Denis Desmond)
7. Berkshire County Youth (John Watts)
8. Cobham (Robin Langdon)
9. Lingfield Silver (Roy T Fuller)

Special Awards:
Highest Unplaced Youth/3rd Section Band: Berkshire County Youth
Highest placed Youth Band: Berkshire County Youth
Best Soloist: Andy Hill – Trombone (Denmead Brass)
Best Trombone Section: Epsom & Ewell
Best Compere Conductor: Robin Langdon (Cobham)

Thanks to Sally Coleman, scaba Media

Report & Results: 2012 SWBBA Weston Super Mare

Jackfield, Lympstone, Bream and Severn Tunnel head the honours board at Weston.

Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) conducted by Simon Platford claimed the top section honours and the £200 top prize at the recent Weston Super Mare contest, with a sparkling performance of Martin Ellerby's ‘Chivalry’.

Closely fought

In addition to picking up the Town Mayor’s Cup, the band’s principal cornet James Roberts was awarded the Bill Buzza Memorial Trophy as ‘Best Solo Cornet’ by adjudicator, Dr Chris Davis OBE.

In a closely fought contest Lanner & District Silver directed by Stuart Chappell, who performed ‘Salome’ by Gareth Wood, ended just a point behind, with Chalford conducted by Steve Tubb in third with their rendition of Bramwell Tovey’s ‘Coventry Variations’.

Twelve bands provided a wide range of music for the audience to enjoy in the Prince Concert auditorium which was filled almost to capacity throughout the day.

Resume

In a succinct resume, Chris Davis stressed the importance of MDs choosing challenging but relevant test piece applicable to their bands, pointing out that the technical demands and how well these had been executed was a key factor in the results.

A successful day’s competition, managed splendidly by John Woods and Brian Elliott of SWBBA, with stewarding from Weston Brass, saw 30 bands travelling substantial distances to enjoy the Winter Gardens facilities and those of the nearby refurbished Grand Pier.

Full day

John Woods told 4BR: "The original field of 35 bands was depleted with a small number of withdrawals in the Third Section citing player shortages and illness as the underlying cause. Nevertheless we had a very full day of contesting with bands playing to a full and appreciative audience."

Second Section:

West of England area champion Lympstone South West Telecom led by Charles Fleming carried on their good 2012 form with a clear two point victory in the Second Section to claim the Bailey Trophy and £150 first prize.

Pendennis Brass directed by Steve Thomas was second just ahead of Welsh visitors Blaenavon Town conducted by Andrew Protherough–Jones. Their euphonium player Lynn Davies took the ‘Best Euphonium’ prize.

Third Section:

There was another victory to be enjoyed by West of England Area champion Bream Silver in the Third Section as they picked up the Sun Life Stanshawe Award and £100.

Conducted by Bryn James, they repelled the strong cross border challenge of Welsh area champion Pontypool Brass conducted by Owen Farr and Ynyshir directed by Dean Evans, thanks in part to their formidable prize winning contribution of their ‘Best Basses’.


Fourth Section:

Earlier, the day had started with eight Fourth Section bands impressing adjudicator Philip Harper with what he called, ‘a very high standard with six extremely well delivered performances by probably the best Fourth Section bands I had heard in a long while.’

Philip also took the opportunity of reminding bands of the importance in preparation and delivery of tuning, listening and tempo in his remarks.

There was a Welsh celebration to enjoy for Area champion Severn Tunnel led by young conductor Joshua Ruck, as they beat off the strong challenge of Bratton Silver under Simon Carr and South Molton directed by Gil Taylor to take the West super Mare Trophy and the £100 first prize.

Stephen Smith of Bratton Silver took the ‘Best Soloist’ Award.
Prizes were presented by SWBBA Chairman, Ray Kingdon, and his daughter Susan Oldfield.

In their closing speeches John Woods and Ray Kingdom both paid tribute to Colin Rossiter who until retirement in 2011 had organised this popular West Country seaside event.

Results:

Championship/First Section:
Adjudicator: Dr Chris Davies OBE

1. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (Simon Platford) - 191pts
2. Lanner & District Silver (Stuart Chappell) - 190pts
3. Chalford (Steve Tubb) - 189pts
4. Portishead Town (Kevin White) - 187pts
5. Verwood Concert Brass (Kevin Smith) - 186pts
6. Yeovil Town (Kevin Robbins) - 185pts
7. Hyde (Helen Kinder) - 184pts
8. Michelmersh Silver (Melvin White) - 183pts
9. Leicestershire Co-op (Graham Jacklin) - 182pts
10. Kidlington Concert Brass (Nigel Howard) - 181pts
11. Rogerstone (James Jones) - 180pts
12. MK Brass (Craig Patterson) - 179pts

Best Solo Cornet: James Roberts – Jackfield (Elcock Reisen)


Second Section:
Adjudicator: Dr Chris Davies OBE

1. Lympstone South West Telecoms (Charles Fleming) - 185pts
2. Pendennis Brass (Steve Thomas) - 183pts
3. Blaenavon Town (Andrew Protherough-Jones) - 181pts
4. AvonBank (Evesham) Brass (Nick Smith) - 180pts

Best Euphonium: Lynn Davies – Blaenavon Town


Third Section:
Adjudicator: Philip Harper

1. Bream Silver (Bryn James) - 183pts
2. Pontypool Brass (Owen Farr) - 182pts
4. Ynyshir (Dean Evans) - 180pts
5. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor) - 178pts

Best Basses: Bream Silver


Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: Philip Harper

1. Severn Tunnel (Joshua Ruck) - 187pts
2. Bratton Silver (Simon Carr) - 186pts
3. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor) - 185pts
4. Launceston Town (Dave Dobson) - 184pts
5. Abertillery District & Youth (Dean Evans) - 182pts
6. Ebbw Valley Brass (Gareth Ritter) - 181pts
7. Malvern Hills District Brass (Christopher Small) - 178pts
8. Wellington Silver (Gordon Francis) - 177pts

Best Soloist: Stephen Smith – Bratton Silver

Thanks to Brian Elliott, SWBBA

Band wanted for Durham Day

There is £1200 up for grabs for a Durham Miners Gala performance on Saturday 14th July.

In recent years Cockerton Prize Silver Band have put together a scratch band to march behind the Wingate Colliery Banner on ‘Durham Day’ which this year is on Saturday July 14th.

Up for grabs

However, due to significant absences, Cockerton are unable to turn out this year, and so the £1,200 fee offered by the Wingate Colliery Banner Society is up for grabs.

A band must march through the former pit village of Wingate (8.00am start) and then travel to Durham City (transport provided) where they will march and play a piece outside the Royal County Hotel where dignitaries assemble on the balcony.

This is followed by a march to ‘The Racecourse’ where the bands retreat from the Racecourse by the same route from about 2.30pm.

Interested parties should contact Yvonne Gargett on 07825 585188 as soon as possible.

Bath time for Brass the Baton

Bath Spa Band ready to play their part in baton relay.

Bath Spa Band will be taking an active part in 'Brass the Baton' in the next few days at their local Royal Victoria Park in the city.

The band will be passing the baton on by open top bus as a nod to the film 'Brassed Off', courtesy of Bath Bus Company.

The band will depart from their rehearsal venue at Elim Pentecostal Church on Charlotte Street at 1.15pm, travel around Queen Square and arrive at Royal Victoria Park Bandstand at approximately 1.45pm.

The band is receiving the baton from Abergavenny Borough Band from Wales before passing it back over the River Severn and onto the Ynyshir Band.

Exciting project

Rachel Potter Publicity Officer told 4BR: "Brass the Baton has been an exciting project for us to get involved with. We can't wait to to play on the top of our open-top bus as it's going to be very special."

She added: "We hope that it will be entertaining for the locals and many visitors in Bath! It's also a great honour to be playing Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Going the Distance', as it's such a great piece!"

SPJ set to march with Wellington

Wellington (Telford) Brass Band has engaged Steve Pritchard-Jones to conduct the band at this year's Whit Friday Marches.

There has been a change of plans for Steve Pritchard-Jones after he had been booked to adjudicate at the Whit Friday contest at Stalybridge Labour Club for a third consecutive year.

Steve recently worked with members of Wellington (Telford) Band and representatives from other brass bands from Shropshire including Jackfield, Shrewsbury, Newport and Wem forming a massed band of Shropshire for a whole day rehearsal and an evening concert.

From that he will now conduct Wellington (Telford) at the Whit Friday march contests.

The event raised funds for the popular Ironbridge Brass Band Festival held in July each year.

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Perth to host Australian Nationals in 2013

For the first time in nearly half a century, the Australian National Championships will be held in Perth in 2013.

In 2013, and for the first time in nearly 50 years, the Australian National Brass Band Championships will take place in Perth in Western Australia.

Proud

Organising Secretary Wiebe Wilbers told 4BR: "The Western Australian Band Association (WABA) is proud to have been awarded the Yamaha National Band Championships for 2013.

On behalf of the organising committee I warmly invite everyone to join us as Perth hosts this prestigious event for the first time in almost half a century."

Help

4BR understands that the organisation of the event is well under way, with the event’s travel partner Motive Tours, already assisting bands and supporters in finding great flight deals and accommodation.

4BR coverage

With 4BR Director Anthony Banwell, and former Scottish Brass Band Association Development Officer Alan Edmond now living in Perth, 4BR will be making the trip to enjoy the event and catch up with friends.

Anthony added: "It’s a wonderful opportunity for 4BR to cover the Australian National Championships and enjoy what Perth has to offer too. Everyone in the banding community here is excited by the event."

Further information

The Perth website now live, and can be reached at: http:/­/­nationalbands2013.com/

The Facebook site is also now active, and available at: http:/­/­www.facebook.com/­nationalbands2013

Blue Baton heads to Lincolnshire

The Blue Relay Team of Brass the Baton makes a long journey from Holmfirth to Lincolnshire this weekend.

The Scissett Youth Band recently performed the premier of the ‘Blue Baton Relay’ last as part of their ‘Brass the Baton’ commitment.

Great success

Band secretary Mel Armstrong told 4BR: "The evening was a great success, with Going the Distance providing a strong focal point in the final double act. The church was full and everyone enjoyED the concert."

71 mile trip

This Saturday MD Nigel Armstrong will carry the Blue Baton to the next band in the Blue Relay, to the Silver Sounds Band based in Lincolnshire, by cycling all the way from his home in Holmfirth to Dunston – a 71 mile trip!

Nigel can be seen on route on the A631, A634 and A57 as he takes the opportunity to raise funds for the Scissett Youth Band.

Land O' Burns on the look out

Bands wishing to try and get their hands on the £6,000 prize pot at the Land O' Burns contest better be quick.

The popular Land O' Burns ‘Brass in Concert' contest will take place on August 25th.

Generous

It will be the 19th running of the event, which attracts bands from all over Scotland as well as England, thanks to a very generous prize fund of over £6,000 and a wonderful competitive atmosphere at Troon Concert Hall.

Presented by Dalmellington Band and supported by South Ayrshire Council, the event is open to bands of Championship, First and Second Section status, who will have to try and catch the ear of adjudicator Richard Evans.

Programmes

All bands have to perform an own choice 20 minute concert programme, although it must include one stand-up soloist.

Reigning champion Kingdom Brass (above) will be out to defend its title against a strong field of contenders.

Full information

For full information, a schedule, and to request an invitation form, please contact;

Band President:
Mr Bert Ritchie on 01292550250
07816121334 (mob)


Band Secretary: Mrs Jan Murray; on 01292264194
07751480152

Olympic theme for youth

The youth bands of Wigan, Bolton and Astley recently celebrated their musical links with an Olympic theme.

The Royal Northern College of Music recently resounded to the sound of brass, when more than 100 young musicians from Wigan, Bolton and Astley Youth Bands took to the stage to perform in a special Olympic themed gala concert.

Links

Since 2002, David Little, Helen Minshall and Toby Hobson have organised a successful joint annual concert which promotes on-going links between their bands.

Thanks to funding of £1214 from Wigan Council’s Cultural Partnership, this year’s event was a great success.

Once in a lifetime

Gill David, Interim Chairperson of the Cultural Partnership told 4BR: "This is about encouraging, promoting and enjoying what will be a once in a lifetime event. We want communities across the borough to come up with as many fantastic and fun ways they can think of to enjoy the spirit of London 2012."

Enjoyed

This was certainly achieved with the event, with an outstanding performance which was thoroughly enjoyed by players and audience alike.

Traditionally each band performs a 20 minute programme, and there is always a massed band finale of 3 items.

Tribute

This year the bands paid tribute to Roy Newsome, with a moving performance of ‘There is a Green Hill Far Away’ in the presence of VIP guests Murial Newsome, and son, Neil.

Last chance to make music in Bandstand Marathon

Make a concert appearance and get £350 in the process to help the Olympics go with a musical bang.

Making Music and Superact! are inviting brass bands across the UK to get involved in the 2012 Bandstand Marathon and earn up to £350 for their group.

Two weeks left

Bands have two weeks left to register to perform on and run a bandstand as part of the biggest closing event of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on Sunday 9 September.

Applications close on Thursday May 31st.

Encouraged

All bands are encouraged to consider leading their local bandstand event as both performers and event programmers. Bands are encouraged to also join together with other community groups for the event, while all the hard work of securing the bandstands and marketing the events has already been undertaken by Superact!

Expenses of up to £350 are available at most bandstands, and training/induction workshops on event programming and management are also provided.

Full details

Full details of how to apply can be found at:
http:/­/­www.makingmusic.org.uk/­our-work/­projects-and-programmes/­bandstand-marathon-2012

Radio: Listen to the Band

Frank teams up with Mark Herman to talk about Brassed Off!

Listen to the Band:
27th June:

Frank Renton meets writer & director Mark Herman as Grimethorpe Colliery Band perform on the 15th anniversary ‘Brassed Off!’ tour.

Recorded in Birmingham Town Hall (which doubled as the Royal Albert Hall in the film) the programme relives some classic moments as the band play the march ‘Death or Glory’, ‘Danny Boy’, the Adagio from ‘Concerto de and the finale to the ‘William Tell’ Overture.

Mark Herman recalls how using a brass band in the film was something of an afterthought and talks about how he went about casting from conductor to soloists to the band itself.

Lawrence set for Cannes debut

Composer Phil Lawrence hopes to be rubbing shoulders with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Cannes...

Composer Phil Lawrence will soon be rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most famous film stars and producers at the Cannes Film Festival.

Magnificent Eleven

Phil has written the score to a film called ‘The Magnificent Eleven’, which will be shown at the world famous event, where it is hoped that it will be taken up for worldwide release.

Inspired by the iconic 1960 film 'The Magnificent Seven', the brand new 21st century ‘urban’ version comes with a twist – although it does feature the great American actor Robert Vaughn, who starred in the original.

Also in the cast are actors Sean Pertwee, Keith Allen and Paul Barber, whilst the film is directed by Irvine Welsh, the author of the novel ‘Trainspotting’.

Story

The story centres on an amateur football team, well past their sell-by date, who help their local Indian curry house battle against extortion racketeers, led by Vaughn in the role of the dastardly ‘American Bob’.

Add in the obligatory love interest, plenty of action and lots of laughs and hopefully a new British classic will be seen in the multiplex cinema near you soon.

Blast

Phil told 4BR: "As we couldn’t use music from the original film I decided to give it a Bollywood-Bangrah treatment, dictated by the great camera work. It’s a bit of a Ennio Moricone, Tex-Mex, Kill Bill, Mariachi blast!"

He added: "There’s plenty for everyone in terms of style and genre with sax & trombone, tumpets and vocals, which are sung by Shahin Badar, who did all the backing vocals on 'Smack ma bitch up' by The Prodigy!

It’s been an amazing experience – a real hard working 10 week blast, but the end result is a brilliant film which I’m very proud to have been a part off. Now comes the nice bit and a great week in Cannes!”

To see more go to:

www.youtube.com/­watch?v=bFE0P77FruE

SBBA looking for Development Officers

The Scottish Brass Band Association is looking for a number of part time Regional Development Officers.

The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has announced that they are now looking for a number of part-time Regional Development Officers to work throughout Scotland, assisting their Youth Development Programme.

Details

Further details can be obtained from the Association website at www.sbba.org.uk

The closing date for applications is 30th May.

Results: 2012 East Anglian Brass Band Association

Cawston top the honours board to be declared East Anglian champions.

The East Anglian Brass Band Association Spring Festival contest took place recently, where the Cawston Band conducted by Leigh Sharpe headed the honours board.

Champions

The band took the entertainment and hymn tune awards, along with individual awards for best euphonium and horn as they were crowned 2012 Champion Band of East Anglia.

In the Class A event, the honours went to Harwich RBL conducted by M. Abbott.

Championship Class:
Adjudicator: Peter Bassano

Entertainment:
1. Cawston (L. Sharpe) - 194

Hymn Tune:
1. Cawston (L. Sharpe) - 195


Class A:
Adjudicator: Peter Bassano

Entertainment:
1. Harwich R.B.L. (M. Abbott) - 190
2. Norfolk Wherry (A. Craze) - 189
3. Fakenham (C. Brown) - 188

Hymn Tune:
1. Harwich R.B.L. (M. Abbott) - 193
2. Norfolk Wherry (A. Craze) - 189
3. Fakenham (C. Brown) - 187


Class B:
Adjudicator: Peter Bassano

Entertainment:
1. Great Yarmouth (C. Swaep) -187
2. Hellesdon & Sprowston (D. Silva) - 186

Hymn Tune:
1. Great Yarmouth (C. Swaep) -188
2. Hellesdon & Sprowston (D. Silva) -183

Special Awards:

Class A:
Highest aggregate points:
1. Cawston - 389
2. Harwich R.B.L - 383

Cawston declared Champion Band of East Anglia 2012

Class B:
Highest aggregate points:
1. Great Yarmouth - 375
2. Hellesdon & Sprowston - 369

Best Euphonium Class 'A' and Championship: S. Clarke (Cawston)
Best Euphonium Class B: S. Philpot (Great Yarmouth)

Best Tenor Horn Class A and Championship: K. Ogden (Cawston)
Best Tenor Horn Class B: M. Boyle (Great Yarmouth)

Best Soloist: J. Landymore (Hellesdon & Sprowston)

Lone star state for Tredegar

Masters champion in ground breaking American partnership with ambitious Texas Star Band in Dallas.

From just a flicker, within a matter of a few months the Texas Star Brass Band from Lewisville, Dallas is shining brightly!

Rehearsals only commenced towards the end of February this year, although they have now performed at a number of engagements.

Highly committed

At a recent guest artist recital at the University of North Texas College of Music directed by resident conductor Kristopher Quaale, Band President, Jonathan Kramer and Personnel Director Brian Davis announced their ambition to embrace the culture and heritage of the traditional British style brass band and develop it in one of the most important musical heartlands of America.

Partnership

This has resulted in the start of a ground breaking partnership with current Masters champion Tredegar Town Band, which they hope will lead to a long and mutually rewarding friendship and exchange of ideas and workshops.

Matthew and David Ruel of Bandmaster Ltd recently visited Lewisville and were immediately impressed with the rehearsal facilities and standard of playing.

Highly professional

Matthew told 4BR: "This is a very ambitious, highly professional organisation, which has a real desire to bring the British style brass band to forefront of music making in Texas and beyond. The band has a full and talented membership and we are delighted to be able to help begin a long term musical connection with Tredegar."

In return, Tredegar’s latest CD is now being listened to in the Dallas area and Texas Star Brass Band were pleased to see that the CD featured Gordon Langford's 'Men of Harlech' which the band are currently rehearsing for their summer engagement programme.

Export

Tredegar’s MD Ian Porthouse is also looking forward to exploring the Texas/Tredegar partnership further.

"This really is a ground breaking development. To make a link with such an ambitious organisation is very exciting. This goes to show that the British brass band is a musical export to be proud of and we will be working closely with Texas to ensure their long term success."

Musical partnership

At their most recent concert Texas Star Brass included an arrangement for euphonium of 'The Yellow Rose of Texas’ played by principal euphonium Brian Bowman, as well as Holst's ‘The Moorside Suite’, Philip Sparke's ‘The Year of the Dragon’ and the march ‘Knight Templar’.

Titanic remembered at Shirley

The loss of the great liner has been remembered with an unique composition from the pen of David Bishop-Rowe.

Whilst many eyes and ears were focused on the contest action in Blackpool last weekend, brass band enthusiasts in Solihull were to be found enjoying the Shirley Band in their annual spring concert.

Busy

The event begins a busy summer of engagements which will include an appearance at Pershore Midsummer Brass and an early-morning musical accompaniment for the Olympic Torch Relay when it passes through nearby Earlswood.

Under the direction of David Bishop-Rowe the band included favourites such as Heaton’s march ‘Praise’, Ray Steadman-Allen’s arrangement from ‘The New World Symphony’, and in tribute to the Diamond Jubilee, Paul Drury’s up-tempo march ‘Jubilee’.

Soloists featured were baritone player Richard Robinson in ‘Carrickfergus’ and solo euphonium Kevin Short with Eric Leidzen’s ‘Song of the Brother’.

Titanic

The biggest talking point of the evening however was the first public performance of David Bishop-Rowe’s new composition ‘Titanic’ featuring band and narrator in an emotional commemoration of the tragic events of April 14th 1912, when the great liner sunk beneath the waves.

Sykes returns to Camborne

Steve Sykes takes up professional MD role as Camborne announce new conducting team.

Camborne Town Band has announced that Steve Sykes has returned to the band as Professional Musical Director with immediate effect.

Demand

The internationally renowned tuba star has been one of the most sought after freelance conductors in the banding world in the past year or so, working extensively with the likes of Cory, Tredegar, Leyland and Fairey, as well as maintaining his worldwide commitments as a soloist.

Share

Steve will take responsibility for the overall musical direction and conduct at contests and some concerts, but will share regular rehearsals with David Hamilton who will act as Resident Conductor.

David joined Camborne on Eb tuba in 2011 shortly after moving from his native Scotland to his current job as Music Performance Coordinator and Brass Instructor at Humphry Davy School in Penzance.

Foray

His first foray into conducting came in 2005 at the NABBC Conductors Competition where he won the Scottish final. He has held a variety of positions with brass bands, choirs and musical theatre groups in Scotland and more recently in Cornwall.

Methodist celebration

The National Methodist Youth Band has been celebrating its 25th birthday.

The National Methodist Youth Brass Band (NMYBB) recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of its formation.

Fun and faith

Formed in 1987 for young Methodist brass players from across the United Kingdom, the band has since performed around the UK and across the globe spreading the fun, faith and fellowship embodied by the band and its members.

The band returned triumphantly to the place of its birth in Surbiton for a special celebration concert and service over the weekend of 11th-13th of May under the baton of conductors Peter Strawson and Oliver Wilson.

Meet together

The band is made up of youngsters from the age of 13 and upwards who all play in their own home band and meet to make music together 5 or 6 times a year.

The concert included works by Paul Lovatt-Cooper and Leigh Baker’s, as well as the UK premiere of the bands specially commissioned work ‘Fun, Faith and Fellowship’ by Norwegian composer Thomas Swatland, a recent graduate from Salford University.

Deep Harmony

The three movement work includes settings of various worship songs and hymns as well as enthralling original material, with the middle movement based on the band’s signature hymn tune ‘Deep Harmony’.

The piece was rapturously received by both the listening audience and the players of the band who enjoyed the challenge of working up a piece specially written for them.

Founder

Founder and President, Norman Every led the band with the baton once more for two pieces during the concert, and the band was delighted to welcome founder members, leaders and friends from across the 25 years of the NMYBB to share in their birthday celebrations.

England welcomes Swedish tour

Torgny Hanson and the Stockholm South Band of the Salvation Army are currently on tour in the UK.

The famous Stockholm South Band of the Salvation Army is touring southern England this week and giving concerts at Felixstowe, Peterborough, Hadleigh and Bromley.

Second time

This is the second time the Swedish band has toured England during its short history but with its former identity as Stockholm 7 Band it has visited the UK five times previously.

The band was originally formed in 1895 and throughout its illustrious career has performed at many concert venues including State occasions for the Swedish Royal family.

Tours have been made all over Sweden and internationally to countries such as Denmark, Norway, Great Britain and the USA

Renowned

The well known brass band personality Torgny Hanson is the current Bandmaster and he leads a band of 35 players renowned for its precision and organ like tone.

Thrilled

Bromley Temple Bandmaster Geoffrey Nunn commented to 4BR: "We are thrilled to have this great band joining us for part of Bromley Temple Band's 125th year celebrations. They have for so many years set a standard for Salvation Army Corps banding with their fine playing, deportment and witness."

Raven's perch at Brackley

Adrian Raven is the new MD at the Brackley & District Band.

The Brackley & District Band has announced the appointment of Adrian Raven as its new Musical Director.

Experience

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Adrian comes to the band with vast experience as a tuba player, teacher and conductor."

New Zealand

Having recently returned after a 20 year stint in New Zealand, where he played with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonia Auckland Orchestra, Adrian is now a peripatetic brass teacher as well as tuba player with Grimethorpe Colliery.

The spokesperson added: "We look forward to working with Adrian as the band looks to continue its progression."

Forum Chairman delighted at growing Welsh success

The top man of Welsh banding has much to be proud about he tells 4BR after Spring Festival success.

Iestyn Davies, Chairman of Welsh banding’s representative body, Brass Band Forum Wales, (Fforwm Bandiau Press Cymru), has told 4BR that he believes that the movement in the Principality continues to build progressively both on and off the contest stage following Welsh success at the Spring Festival in Blackpool on the weekend.

Results

The results were headed by Seindorf Beaumaris, who gained qualification to the British Open in September, with Northop winning the Senior Cup and Burry Port and Tylorstown gaining promotion from the Senior Trophy.

"It’s been an excellent weekend for Welsh banding," Iestyn told 4BR.

"My congratulations go to all our eight representatives. It’s especially pleasing to report success for the bands from North Wales, with Beaumaris now joining Cory and Tredegar at the British Open and Northop winning the Senior Cup."

Good returns

Iestyn was also delighted that there were top 10 finishes for Tongwynlais and BTM in the Grand Shield, promotions for Burry Port and Tylorstown and encouraging performances from City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) and Wrexham Brass (Glyndwr).

"There is a great deal of hard work and commitment being put in at all levels of Welsh banding that is showing itself with an ever increasing strength in depth too. That was certainly the case in Blackpool."

On the up

Away from the contest stage, he believes the health of Welsh banding is on the up too.

"There is real co-operation between administrators and bands, with the Welsh League contests growing in popularity, entries to the Welsh Area increasing and optimism and excellence being shown at the very grass roots levels too."

Cautious

With the next meeting of the Brass Band Forum Wales due to take place in a few weeks time, the Chairman is cautiously optimistic that the future of Welsh banding is starting to look much healthier.

"I believe we have built sensibly on the official launch in Cardiff a few months ago. We are taking small, progressive steps, knowing that we have still got a great deal of work to do, but also knowing that we have a banding movement in Wales to be proud of."

Lippeatt gains positive feedback on trainee roles

ABBA Chairman reports that there has been a positive feedback on routes into adjudication.

ABBA Chairman Stan Lippeatt has told 4BR that he has received 'positive feedback' following the publication of his recent article concerning routes into adjudication.

Positive

Stan told 4BR: "I'm pleased to report that I have already had positive feedback. The criteria for this system to operate was based on the goodwill and engagement of a trainee, adjudicator and contest organiser and everyone being flexible in this arrangement. On all three of these areas success has been achieved."

Contact

He added: "For example, I was contacted by Peter Gilby who informed me that the organisers of the Brass in Ripon Entertainment Contest would love to offer the opportunity for their event to be used for the above process.

The adjudicator at the event is Richard Evans who has also agreed to be involved in the project and the trainee taking up this development opportunity is Richard Jones of Brighouse & Rastrick."

Thanks

Stan concluded: "I would sincerely like to thank all parties involved, wish them a good day and look forward to the mentoring system growing, other opportunities arising and the on-going development of ABBA progressing."

MADhurst Festival set for new commissions

The popular MADhurst Festival will feature two new brass band commissions.

This year’s MADhurst Festival on Sunday 19th August will feature two very special brass band events.

Fanfare and solo

In the afternoon a 60 piece band made up of some of the best young musical talent from across the UK will play music that will include, ‘Fanfare for the Future’, a festival commission written by Foden’s cornet player Andy Stevenson.

In addition there will also be the premiere of a new euphonium solo written for RNCM student Matthew Watling by composer Iain Mundy.

New pieces

Alistair Gibson, who put together the event this year told 4BR: "We have plans to make this year’s event even more special including new pieces that will be heard in public for the very first time.”

MADhurst Chairman Simon Goodale added: "We are very lucky to have someone like Alistair in our midst who can bring all these gifted young people from as far afield as Scotland to play at the Festival."

Response

Simon continued: "The response from the audience last year was tremendous and we are delighted that the Band are back for the second time and are proud that they have chosen MADhurst as the place to launch new works."

Festival

MADhurst is a nine day Festival of Music, Arts and Drama that takes place towards the end of August in and around Midhurst, West Sussex in the heart of the South Downs National Park.

The festival culminates with a carnival, music and theatre day on August Bank Holiday Monday with a spectacular firework finale. In 2011 over 6,000 people attended the finale event.

For more information go to: www.madhurst.co.uk

Skelmanthorpe set to illuminate Holmfirth

There are some great attractions for young and old at the forthcoming Holmfirth Arts Festival - including some light and sound from Skelmanthorpe.

The popular Holmfirth Arts Festival will incorporate a number of brass band attractions this year during its eleven days of music, art, comedy, theatre and literature.

Award winning

The event runs from 14th to 24th June and will see performances from MOBO award winning trumpeter Matthew Halsall with Brighouse & Rastrick, as well as Skelmanthorpe Band.

Repiano

A great deal of interest has been created with an innovative art installation entitled, ‘Repiano’, which celebrates the sights and sounds of the brass band.

Made out of light and live music, and using digital projection, recorded sounds and players from Skelmanthorpe, it can be enjoyed in the interior of the local Holy Trinity Church, which will be transformed by a collage of music and sound.

More information:

http:/­/­holmfirthartsfestival.co.uk/­event-detail/­event-11-111.html

Hebden Bridge set for more march and hymns

The popular Hebden Bridge March & Hymn Tune Contest will take place in June - so get your entries in...

The annual Hebden Bridge March & Hymn tune contest will take place on Sunday 17th June.

This is the fifth year of this popular event, which is held in the picturesque centre of Hebden Bridge as part of the Hebden Bridge Band Heritage Weekend.

This year the weekend includes a concert by the Hebden Bridge Band with guest Lesley Howie.

Prizes

Prizes are awarded for all sections including youth and will be judged by David Horsfield.

More information

There are still some vacancies available for any band wishing to enter.

Contact Steve Gardner on: 07813 110126

Shrewsbury add further to charity funds

Shrewsbury Brass continues to raise funds for charitable causes.

Shrewsbury Brass has raised over £2000 for charity in the space of three weeks.

Further money

Following their inaugural concert in April conducted by Steve Pritchard-Jones, the band raised a further raised £1,158 for Muscular Dystrophy Campaign UK at their latest event.

Musical tack

During the first half the band performed a traditional programme including 'Cavalry of the Clouds' and 'Procession to the Minster', whilst they changed musical tack in the second to provide the audience with swing music from the greats such as Glen Miller and Frank Sinatra.

Loxley stalwart celebrates 70 years service

Derek Garner has just notched up a remarkable 70 years of service with the Loxley Silver Band.

Stalwart Derek Garner was recently awarded lifetime membership of Loxley Silver Band in recognition of his remarkable 70 years of continuous service.

Award

The award was made at the band’s annual concert, where it was revealed that there has been a Garner family member in Loxley Silver Band, ever since the 1920’s.

Derek, joined later, as is evidenced by the recent recovery of the band’s archive documents which record Derek as having first paid his 3d subs on 16th January 1942, just six days after his 13th birthday.

Enthralled

The audience were then enthralled as MD Stuart Young introduced Derek’s grandson from the audience and invited him to join them on stage for the final part of the performance and to present his grandfather, now playing E flat bass, with his lifetime membership award for his remarkable 70 years of service to the band.