Eb BASS & CORNET PLAYERS WANTED
We currently have a vacancy for an Eb Bass player in the band, contact us if you're interested or if you know anyone who might be! Also, the band have spare cornets and we're interested in hearing from you if you play. Maybe you stopped playing and are looking for a way to get back into it? Or you're just keen and interested in starting out. We're a very friendly, sociable, welcoming group. Why not come down to one of our practices - we have an open door policy. :)
ENGAGEMENTS CONFIRMED
Our upcoming programme of engagements for 2012 has now been confirmed and you can view these in the Events Calendar.
REGIONALS RESULT
The band were placed 4th in Section Three of the Regionals contest last weekend, everyone had a great day! Look out for our programme of Summer concerts coming soon!
DURHAM LEAGUE CONTEST RESULT
We were placed 5th in Section B of the Durham League contest yesterday, playing the test piece Olympus that we will play at the Regionals contest in March. Our Principle Cornet Gill won a prize for the Best Principle Cornet in the section.
VAUGHAN CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
In celebration of Vaughan's 40 years as Conductor of the band in 2012, at our Christmas concert on 21st December, Chairman Ray and Vaughan's daughter Claire presented Vaughan with a commemorative copy of the band's first vinyl LP, produced 30 years ago, in 1982.
Attachments:
MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR
We would like to wish all of our website visitors a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you all again in 2012!
WINTER PROGRAMME
Our autumn/winter events programme is now in place, check out the Events Calendar for details and we hope to see you at one of our upcoming performances!
SUMMER PROGRAMME
Engagements are now up in the Events Calendar for our summer programme and some events already confirmed for towards the end of the year.
REGIONALS 2011
Unfortunately, the band were placed 8th out of 8 bands competing in the 2nd Section of the Regionals competition today playing Resurgam. Very disappointing result for the band, but we felt we played the piece to the best of our abilities and felt the adjudicators comments were very harsh.
WEDDING BELLS
We'd like to wish our Euphonium player Jonathan and his partner Katie all the best on their Wedding day today. The band are providing musical accompaniment at the Wedding ceremony and then enjoying the celebrations tonight!
WELL WISHES
2010 has been another good year for the band. We're already looking forward to 2011. Happy New Year to you all, see you all very soon.
DBBA CONTEST OFF
The Durham Brass Band Association contest this Sunday has been cancelled due to the poor weather conditions in the North East. Our next performance starts off our Christmas programme on 12th December!
WINTER PROGRAMME NOW UP!
Our programme of events for the remainder of the year is now up in the Events Calendar, including our Christmas performances. Look out for a new addition to our Christmas programme - a full concert at the Elm Tree Social Club, where for the last couple of years we have performed a concert in the spring with guests soloists which have gone down a storm. Hope to see you at one of our upcoming performances!
DURHAM SOLOS CONTEST
We're entering a Trombone Quartet into the Durham Brass Band League Solos, Duets, etc, competition this weekend on Sunday. All the best of luck to the group!
DLI CONTEST
We were placed 4th out of the 6 bands competing in the higher section of the Durham Brass Band Association Entertainment Contest today. Great result for the band and a good day out! Photos coming soon in the Pictures section...
DURHAM MINERS GALA
A great day out today in Durham for the Miners' Gala. Photos have been added to the Pictures section. We're back in Durham next week for the Durham Brass Band Association Entertainment Contest at the DLI Museum!
CHEQUE PRESENTATION
Our Secretary Bill presents the cheque for just over £600 to Rob Colgrave of the Great North Air Ambulance, along with officials from the Elm Tree Social Club, following our charity concert there in April (click the Attachment below).
Attachments:
DURHAM MINERS GALA
We'll be joining forces this year with
Bonchester Brass for Durham Miners Gala. Bonchester are from the borders and we welcome them with open arms for some support on the biggest marching event of the year!
SUMMER PROGRAMME IS READY TO GO
We've just added another event to our summer programme. We'll be playing at Tesco Extra in Stockton on Sunday 16th May from 10am-12pm.
CHARITY CONCERT TOTAL
We collected just over £600 at last week's charity concert with Andrew Holmes, all proceeds to the Great North Air Ambulance!
ANDREW HOLMES CONCERT
Tomorrow night (Wed) is our charity concert in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance at the Elm Tree Club in Stockton, featuring guest soloist Andrew Holmes. The concert is now sold out and it looks to be a great night!
REGIONALS RESULT
Not a great day for the band, as we were placed 7th (last) in the 2nd Section at Darlington today. Newly promoted to the 2nd section, it was a very difficult piece for us, but as ever we are proud to compete with all our own players and we gave it everything we had!
REGIONALS ARE HERE!
After months of practicing and numerous sectional and full band practices, we're almost ready for the Regionals, which take place tomorrow. Final practice is tonight, excitement is building!
SUMMER PROGRAMME
Much of our summer programme is now in place. Head over to the Events Calendar for details!
ANDREW HOLMES PLAYS AGAIN
We're delighted that Andrew Holmes, Flugel Horn player with Grimethorpe Colliery Band, has agreed to join us again for what has now become an annual event - our charity concert at the Elm Tree Social Club in early April. Andrew will play several solo pieces, joined by the band with all proceeds going to the Great North Air Ambulance.
FUNDING GRANT
The band have received a £2,000 grant, after applying to Stockton Council's Youth Opportunity Fund. The money goes towards the infrastructure needed to support a new National Lottery funding application, which we are in the process of completing.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A very Happy New Year to all of our website visitors! The band are back in action in our first performance of 2010 this Sunday for the Butterwick Memorial Service in Stockton Parish Church. See the
Event Calendar for details.
CHRISTMAS WISHES
The band's programme of Christmas-themed performances is now complete, and we're now having a break until the New Year. We'd like to wish all of our website visitors a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
XMAS CONCERT TICKETS
Don't forget to get your tickets for the band's Annual Christmas Concert at Norton Sports Complex on 16th December. Tickets are priced at £3 and you can get these from band members, the club itself, or by
emailing us!
DBBA RESULT
Disappointed to come 4th out of 5 bands in Section B of the Durham Brass Band Association Contest today, we gave a good performance.
DBBA CONTEST
We'll be competing at the Durham Brass Band Association Grading Contest this weekend on Sunday, we're all ready to play Suite Gothique - let's hope it goes well!
DESPERATE MEASURES
The band lead the Remembrance parade this morning in Thornaby, and had a special guest playing bass drum, have a look at the photo to see who it was!
Attachments:
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
It's Remembrance Sunday this weekend and the band will be leading the parade in Thornaby. Note also that our next event in Hartlepool on 15th November has now been cancelled.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Planning for the band's annual Christmas Concert is now underway. Set the date in your diary - Wednesday 16th December at the Norton Sports Complex. More info to follow later...
GOOD LUCK!
Good luck to our percussionist Katie Lamb, who goes off to York University next week!
QUARTET WIN
The band entered a quartet into the Durham Brass Band Association Solo / Ensemble competition at the weekend and were delighted to win 2nd place! Well done to Colin, Ray, Gill & Helen.
NEW WEB SITE!
The switchover has happened, welcome to the new website! We hope you enjoy the new site, have a look around and let us know what you think!
NOW ON TWITTER
After having launched our Facebook fan page a couple of months ago, the band now have a page on Twitter. You can link to it from our Favourite sites list on the left!
DBBA TEST PIECE
The test piece for the forthcoming Durham Brass Band Association Annual Grading Contest in November is "
Suite Gothique", a classical piece written for the organ by Leon Boellmann, arranged for brass band by Eric Ball. It's a tough piece for the band, we've started practicing already!
CONTEST SUCCESS
On Sunday 19th July, the band competed in the Annual Durham Brass Band League Entertainment Contest at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and were delighted to receive 3rd place out of the 5 bands competing. We won the new "Besson Challenge Cup" and received £150 total in prizes. The adjudicator commented on how much he liked the choice of music and confident playing. We also won the honour of being the highest place "Section B" band competing.
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Advert: John Packer Musical Instruments
There has been a great response to our great prize - so why not give it a go and get your hands on some very special mutes from Denis Wick.
John Packer Ltd and Denis Wick have teamed up in a fantastic competition to give away £250 worth of mutes.
Easy to enter:
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£250 of Denis Wick mutes
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Go to: http://www.deniswick.com/
The prize includes carriage to mainland UK only.
The prize has no nominal value and cannot be exchanged for cash. The winner is picked at random and will be notified by email.
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
.jpg "Composer Phil Lawrence")
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 Elen
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.
Home return for Wellington
Wellington (Telford) Brass has made its long awaited return home.
Wellington (Telford) Brass Band has returned to their home town.
Return
In 2009 when the band found themselves homeless, RAF Cosford Voluntary Band stepped in and offered the band shared accommodation, but now they will return to the town that bears its name.
Thanks
A spokesperson told 4BR: "The band would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to all at RAF Cosford and in particularly Squadron-Leader Paul Dyson who made the arrangements as part of the RAF’s policy to help local communities."
Five live for Wardle
Five ensembles from Wardle High School will perform at the Music for Youth Festival in Birmingham in July.
Wardle High School has confirmed that five of its musical groups have been selected to perform at the National Music for Youth Finals in Birmingham in July.
Selected
The school’s Senior Brass Band, the Symphonic Wind Band, Wind Band, Junior Brass Band and Percussion Group have been invited to the prestigious event.
Meanwhile, the members of the National Championship winning Smithy Bridge Primary School is starting to rehearse ahead of their forthcoming performance with the newly crowned European Champion Black Dyke.
Wonderful news
MD Lee Rigg told 4BR: "The news of the Festival for Youth appearances marks a wonderful achievement for everyone involved in the Wardle organisation. The pupils are a credit to the school as they work hard to continue the high standards it has always aimed to achieve."
Theme and variations for Smithills
Smithills Schools Senior Band to perform at top American theme park on US tour.
A thrilling highlight has been added to the July tour of America by Smithills School Senior Brass Band.
Under the direction of MD Chris Wormald they will perform at Carowinds, one of America’s largest and most thrilling theme parks on the border of North and South Carolina.
Thrill
Chris told 4BR: "We enjoyed visiting Carowinds on three previous occasions between 2000 and 2007 but so far have never performed there. It will be a great thrill to play to such massive crowds on our America tour in July."
Imps welcome Belton sop
Sop star John Belton heads to Yorkshire Imps from EYMS.
Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel Band has confirmed the signing of the vastly experienced John Belton on soprano cornet.
John joins from East Yorkshire Motor Services Band to add his wealth of experience to the cornet section.
Essential
Band spokesperson Jessica Martin told 4BR: "We are thrilled to have such an experienced and dedicated player join our ranks. A quality soprano player is essential with our forthcoming busy contest and concert schedule."
Torquay open for invitations
SWBBA Open Championships to be held in Torquay in November.
The South West Brass Band Association’s 66th annual Open Championships will be held on Saturday 3rd November at the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay.
Sections
The Championships will incorporate seven sections: Open (joint Championship/First); Second; Third; Fourth; Ungraded; Youth; Training Band, with 2012 National Grading being recognised. The adjudicators will be John Berryman and Paul Holland.
More information
The schedule and entry form is available from the Secretary, Brian Elliott
Telephone: 01752 892056
or email: ,
or by visiting the Association’s website www.southwestbrassbandassociation.co.uk.
Entries close 14th September 2012.
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Ellerby's Electra chosen as Open test
Marin Ellerby's 'Electra' has been chosen as the set work for the 2102 British Open Championship as Besson pledge further support.
Martin Ellerby’s new composition ‘Electra’, will be used as the set work for the 160th British Open Championship at Symphony Hall later this year.
Elektra chord
In an interview with 4BR, the composer says the work is, ‘...loosely based on the play by Sophocles. The ‘Elektra Chord’ provides the signature chord and motivic elaboration used by composer Richard Strauss to represent the eponymous character of his opera Elektra.’
Support
The work, which is the first the composer has written for the event, has been commissioned jointly by the British Open and the Netherlands Brass Band Championship, and comes at a time when the Open has been boosted by the news that Besson will continue with its sponsorship support.
A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are all aware of the difficulties involved in organising brass band competitions in the current economic climate, and we value the investment that Besson continues to make in a number of areas, including our own contests, to support the British brass movement.
We look forward to our ongoing association with the Besson brand, and working with Lyndon Chapman and Sylvie Irvoas."
Approach
According to Martin, “There are three clear sections enabling development and a symphonic approach to writing. In performance it is played without a break though clearly linked by the common denominator of the chord that has driven it from the opening bars.”
Lust, Lament and Death
The three sections to the work are subtitled, ‘Lust for Revenge’ which is a highly charged element with an ensemble approach to the writing; the lyrically inspired ‘Laments’ where all the key solos occur and the musical language exploits the more poetic properties of the chord, and the final ‘Dance to Death’ which represents a return to rhythm as the main driving force.
Martin added: "The proportions of the work are crucial to the overall effect and this is the challenge to the conductor. We are now in the 21st century and yet this work is derived from a 20th century chord over a classical dramatic inspiration."
Final decision
He concluded: 2This piece is mine for you and ours for all – I have tried to give of my best in the knowledge that audiences will make a final decision on its longevity."
Martin Ellerby has dedicated the piece to Stan and Shirley Kitchen, ‘in appreciation of the support that they have given to me, both through Studio Music and their friendship for which I remain most grateful.’
Twitter / bbportal
Twitter / bbportal
Twitter updates from Brass Band Portal / bbportal.
bbportal: Conductor and musical director appointed at Camborne http://t.co/YaWX5jjL #brassband #cornwall
bbportal: Conductor and musical director appointed at Camborne http://t.co/YaWX5jjL #brassband #cornwall
bbportal: Stannington Brass Band (SOUTH YORKSHIRE GBR) requires eb bass #brassband
bbportal: Stannington Brass Band (SOUTH YORKSHIRE GBR) requires eb bass #brassband
bbportal: Brass bands set for royal appointment http://t.co/KJSyvW3s #mansfield #notts #brassband
bbportal: Brass bands set for royal appointment http://t.co/KJSyvW3s #mansfield #notts #brassband
bbportal: A touch of brass http://t.co/rJ72SkMu #blackpool #brassband
bbportal: A touch of brass http://t.co/rJ72SkMu #blackpool #brassband
bbportal: http://t.co/riqyD4kC indexed 55641 pages from 1321 brass band sites #brassband
bbportal: http://t.co/riqyD4kC indexed 55641 pages from 1321 brass band sites #brassband
bbportal: Cawston Band [claims] title at 74th East Anglian Brass Band Association Spring Festival http://t.co/RgIeELDm #brassband
bbportal: Cawston Band [claims] title at 74th East Anglian Brass Band Association Spring Festival http://t.co/RgIeELDm #brassband
bbportal: @cinderfordband (#GLOUCESTERSHIRE GBR) requires conductor; all players welcome http://t.co/sGHk6gzc #brassband
bbportal: @cinderfordband (#GLOUCESTERSHIRE GBR) requires conductor; all players welcome http://t.co/sGHk6gzc #brassband
bbportal: Rushden Mission Band (#NORTHANTS GBR) requires soprano, #cornet, 2nd baritone, #trombone, bass, #percussion http://t.co/FVbYPjUI #brassband
bbportal: Rushden Mission Band (#NORTHANTS GBR) requires soprano, #cornet, 2nd baritone, #trombone, bass, #percussion http://t.co/FVbYPjUI #brassband
bbportal: Band concert/event at Veterans' Plaza, Silver Spring, MD, 20910 (USA) on 03-Jun-2012: http://t.co/zI28YNtC #brassband
bbportal: Band concert/event at Veterans' Plaza, Silver Spring, MD, 20910 (USA) on 03-Jun-2012: http://t.co/zI28YNtC #brassband
bbportal: @rockvillebb (#MD USA) requires bb bass; all players welcome http://t.co/se4dDmiS #brassband
bbportal: @rockvillebb (#MD USA) requires bb bass; all players welcome http://t.co/se4dDmiS #brassband
bbportal: Brass bands raise £2k charity sum http://t.co/MyY8Kass #brassband #bedford
bbportal: Brass bands raise £2k charity sum http://t.co/MyY8Kass #brassband #bedford
bbportal: Band concert/event at Vale Park, New Brighton (GBR) on Sun: http://t.co/g0STKVAn #brassband
bbportal: Band concert/event at Vale Park, New Brighton (GBR) on Sun: http://t.co/g0STKVAn #brassband
bbportal: http://t.co/riqyD4kC indexed 53979 pages from 1321 brass band sites #brassband
bbportal: http://t.co/riqyD4kC indexed 53979 pages from 1321 brass band sites #brassband
bbportal: Nelson Brass (#LANCASHIRE GBR) requires soprano, #cornet, #flugel, 2nd horn, 1st #trombone, #euphonium http://t.co/14cBAPeq #brassband
bbportal: Nelson Brass (#LANCASHIRE GBR) requires soprano, #cornet, #flugel, 2nd horn, 1st #trombone, #euphonium http://t.co/14cBAPeq #brassband
bbportal: Search for a brass band http://t.co/05Y3qff4 #kidderminster #brassband
bbportal: Search for a brass band http://t.co/05Y3qff4 #kidderminster #brassband
bbportal: Rushden Mission Band (#NORTHANTS GBR) requires soprano, #cornet, bass #trombone, bass, #percussion http://t.co/CRtyMdF0 #brassband
bbportal: Rushden Mission Band (#NORTHANTS GBR) requires soprano, #cornet, bass #trombone, bass, #percussion http://t.co/CRtyMdF0 #brassband
bbportal: Band concert/event at The Lights Theatre, Andover (GBR) on 13-May-2012: http://t.co/tOExXns3 #brassband
bbportal: Band concert/event at The Lights Theatre, Andover (GBR) on 13-May-2012: http://t.co/tOExXns3 #brassband
bbportal: http://t.co/riqyD4kC indexed 55593 pages from 1321 brass band sites #brassband
bbportal: http://t.co/riqyD4kC indexed 55593 pages from 1321 brass band sites #brassband
bbportal: British conductor brings tradition to Lancaster brass band http://t.co/2spevELh #brassband #pa
bbportal: British conductor brings tradition to Lancaster brass band http://t.co/2spevELh #brassband #pa
bbportal: Band concert/event at Smith Center, Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA (USA) on Fri: http://t.co/ZAkX1KgA #brassband
bbportal: Band concert/event at Smith Center, Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA (USA) on Fri: http://t.co/ZAkX1KgA #brassband
Brass Bands
Brass Bands
The Brass Band ring links the web sites of brass bands. These are primarily the British style of band originating and most numerous in the UK, but with many others now in Europe, Japan, Australasia and North America.
Ystradgynlais Public Band
The Ystradgynlais Public Band was formed in the nineteenth century.
Severnside Composers Alliance
[url=http://hub.webring.org/hub/brassband?id=103][img]http://img.webring.com/s/kj/john_pitts/10100962_t.png[/img][/url]
Commission a work for your band! New music society for composers living or work...
The Maitland City Brass Band Web Site
[url=http://hub.webring.org/hub/brassband?id=53][img]http://img.webring.com/s/qp/president2/defurl_t.png[/img][/url]
Official website of Maitland City Brass Band, situated in the Hunter Valley region...
The Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band
A friendly, non-contesting traditional British brass band based in the Berkshire village of Waltham St.
Arklow Shipping Silver Band
Irish National Brass Band Champions for the fifth year in a row 2000 - 2004.
Watership Brass - The Newbury Town Band
Watership Brass - The Newbury Town Band located in Berkshire, UK.
Snowdown Colliery Welfare Band
The Snowdown Colliery Welfare Brass Band.
Unofficial Soli Brass Page
all members, conductors, and concert
information
Brass Band Repertoire History
What has changed in brass music since Besses o' th' Barn Band won an 1823 contest playing "God Save the King" and Robert Redhead's "Isaiah 40" in 1996? This site examines the evolution of Brass Band ...
Strathclyde University Concert Band
[url=http://hub.webring.org/hub/brassband?id=667][img]http://img.webring.com/s/ve/euankerr/10023244_t.png[/img][/url]
Formed in 1990 in Glasgow as an ensemble open to all members of the University of...
