Issue no. 5551 – 7 March 2009
Price £1.25 Record set at Blackpool as Regional Championships get off to a fl ying start
BB 1.indd 1 03-03-2009 16:59:40 MAILBOX HAVE YOUR SAY
As a solution to the paying of professional players performing in In agreement with Renton competitions, why not form an ‘Elite’ Section, formed by the top ten bands. These would be classed as professional outfits and, as such, would be able Re: Can we exist without rules? - Talking Point Issue 5540 - at last we have an to pay players as it suited them. article by a respected figure in the banding world, stating facts that we in It goes without saying that they would only compete against other Elite the lower echelons of the ‘movement’ have been aware of for many years. Section bands and those who would perhaps wish to join them from the I fully concur with all that Frank Renton has written and his analogies continent. with professional football are, to say the least, ‘striking’. Both appear to The remaining Championship Section bands would join the other sections have teams that strive for fame and fortune come what may, the results in re-forming the amateur only association where no player is paid. All of of which are easy to see in the press pictures, even those displayed in this this could be achieved without a great deal of re-organisation and, in turn, magazine. would rid us of all this hypocrisy that permeates it at the moment. How long will we wait before seeing a young lady, having performed an Strict enforcement of the amateur rule would be required, with possible outstanding solo, race around the stage waving her shirt in the air? I trust suspension from a competition for misdemeanours and not simply a fine. that, in putting such a thought in writing, some bright spark will not be In the past, changes have been made and welcomed, after all who tempted to encourage such behaviour. would have thought that the Salvation Army Music catalogue would The financial structures of bands, no matter what section they belonged become available to all bands and its bands would appear together with to, were becoming strained well before the present ‘crunch’ emerged. contesting bands? This was a spectacular move that worked brilliantly for The remedy, as always, must lie in their own hands and maybe getting rid both sides of the brass band spectrum. of the idea of paying for guest players to augment a band in contest or Let us hope that 2009 will see only changes for the better and possibly a concert would help along the way. more level playing arena. Following up on this, heaven help us, could lead to bands helping one Brian S. Knowles another free of charge and, in doing so, increase fellowship between them. Willenhall
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BB 2-3a.indd 2 03-03-2009 17:11:20 NEWS Cory to celebrate 125th anniversary in style
Cory Band, the current European and Brass in Concert Champion, and number one ranked band in the World of Brass – British Bandsman Rankings, has announced plans to celebrate its 125th anniversary with a charity gala concert at St. David’s Hall, Cardiff, on Saturday 20 June. The concert, promoted by World of Brass and entitled Brass & Voices… and all that jazz, brings together a high-quality line up, mixing the long-standing tradition and fervour of Welsh male voice singing from the Morriston Orpheus Choir and the introduction of a largely new artist to these shores in the form of Wycliffe Gordon, a jazz trombonist of international repute. In particular, the appearance of Wycliffe Gordon is a real coup for the band. A former veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon’s extensive performance experience includes work with many of the most renowned jazz performers of the past and present. Not only is this trombone genius renowned for his playing, he is also a composer/ arranger of repute. His composition I Saw the Light, a musical tribute to Muhammad Ali, was commissioned and premièred by the Brass Band of Battle Creek in March 2004 and is scheduled for release on DVD in 2009. Cory Band’s conductor, Dr. Robert Childs, confirmed his delight at the line-up for the concert by saying: “It’s natural that there should be a distinctly Welsh flavour to this event, so we are delighted to welcome our friends from the Morriston Orpheus Choir and we are privileged to welcome Wycliffe Gordon, a rare talent who we know will thrill the St. David’s Hall audience. Wycliffe has had an association for some years now with the Brass Band of Battle Creek, and it is through our connections with that band that we have been able to bring him over from the USA, a flying visit to the UK just to feature in our celebration concert.” Proceeds from the concert and other associated fringe events will be donated to the local charity, Cancer Care Cymru, which specialises in care for cancer sufferers and their families in South Wales. Tickets for Brass & Voices…and all that jazz are available now from the St. David’s Hall box office on 02920 878444 or www. stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk Foden’s in landmark recording
The weekend of 21 and 22 February saw a would play many European festival dates where realised that we had the makings of a pretty recording that could prove a landmark in tuba Paraphernalia regularly toured, and the respect unusual CD of works that we had both written performance and composition. and admiration that audiences and promoters for tuba. She had heard the stunning playing Foden’s Band collaborated with Composer- alike displayed towards both Barbara and Jon of Les Neish and Foden’s Band on a recording in-Residence, Andy Scott, and composer/ was noted.” of the world première of my tuba concerto, saxophonist, Barbara Thompson MBE, to record Salt of the Earth, and was so impressed with its a new CD of music written for tuba. The CD, Andy Scott continued: “It was at a performance virtuosity, musicality and warmth that she asked which will be released at the RNCM Festival of her concerto for saxophone quartet and if I knew someone that could re-score Living in of Brass in January 2010 and followed by a string ensemble at the Royal Northern College the Fast Lane for solo tuba and brass band. The prestigious London date, features performances of Music (RNCM) that Barbara Thompson first choice was Jim Fieldhouse, who plays in from James Gourlay, Les Neish, Tubalate and told James Gourlay about her tuba concerto, and arranges music for my group, SaxAssault, Foden’s Band, and comprises five major new Living in the Fast Lane (scored for tuba and has vast big band playing experience and works. big band), which he subsequently performed understanding, coupled with knowledge of at the RNCM Festival of Brass in 2005 and at brass bands, holding the solo euphonium chair Andy Scott commented: “In 2001, Barbara the Glasgow International Jazz Festival in with Hepworth (Cookson Homes) Band.” Thompson and I first collaborated on a project 2007. In the last three years or so, Barbara The two substantial works on the CD are Salt in which she was commissioned to write a work and I would compare compositional notes, of the Earth and Living in the Fast Lane. Tubalate for the Apollo Saxophone Quartet (ASQ), for sending each other scores and recordings of was approached to record a work called Bite the which I play tenor sax. All of us in the ASQ were our most recent commissioned works. As a Bullet, which it commissioned from Andy Scott. fans of Barbara’s playing and composing, having self-taught composer, being able to receive The same composer’s Going Down and Double grown up listening to Barbara and her husband feedback from an established and respected Trouble, a new duet by Barbara Thompson Jon Hiseman’s groundbreaking jazz-rock fellow saxophonist/composer such as Barbara written for James Gourlay and Les Neish, ensemble, Paraphernalia. In the 1990s, the ASQ was invaluable. A point was reached where we complete the programme.
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BB 2-3a.indd 3 03-03-2009 17:11:22 Allan Withington’s Conducting Summer School
with guest lecturer, Robin Dewhurst , composer and arranger organised in conjunction with Soli Brass, Holland Venue : Leeuwarden, Parnas, Holland Period: 29 June – 3 July 2009
Aim of the course To provide conductors with a chance to further develop their conducting skills with emphasis on technique, score reading, rehearsal and performing techniques, creative programme planning and exploration of new musical territory. Open to all nationalities and age groups. Possibility to rehearse and perform with Soli Brass band. Fee - Euro 350 Fee includes : 1. All tuition. 2. Accomodation. 3. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 4. Transport to and from Schiphol International Airport. 5. Cost of postage - all course material will be sent out one month before start of course.
Applications, together with up-to-date CV to be received by 15 March 2009. Please send name, address and all relevant personal details to: Allan Withington, Apeltunveien 54c, 5222 Nesttun Norway or email: [email protected] or to Anja Abma, Tsjerkebuorren 56 8843 KE Spannum Holland email [email protected]
3URXG6XSSOLHUV :DQWWRSOD\OLNHWKHEHVW" WR 7KH:RUOG)DPRXV 7KHQSOD\WKHEHVW %ODFN'\NH%DQG 'HOLYHULQJ7KH%HVW 'XULQJWKH5HJLRQDOV %DQG6XSSOLHVZLOOEH 6XUSDVVLQJ7KH5HVW H[KLELWLQJWKHIXOOUDQJHRI BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 4 BB 4-5-6-7.indd 4 03-03-2009 16:58:48 NORTH WEST REGION Business-as-usual for four- in-a-row Foden’s at Blackpool by Alan Jenkins Pictures by John Stirzaker Surprise and business-as-usual were on the menu for visitors to Blackpool last Sunday (1st). En route from the car park to the Winter Gardens in the early morning drizzle, there was time to reflect on the surprising news that Adolf Hitler had ordered the Luftwaffe not to bomb Blackpool as he intended to spend some of his holidays there. Most of the reflection centred upon what would be spared by the wrecking ball, bearing in mind the words of the Führer, revealed in his favourite architect’s Memoirs: ‘Hitler liked to say that the purpose of his building was to transmit his time and its spirit to posterity. Ultimately, all that remained to remind men of the great epochs of history was Eccles Borough receives the 4th Section trophy from John Rogers of York Instruments their monumental architecture…’ David’s comprehensive review of the contest David noted that the second movement needed Precisely, so not much of Blackpool would be did not brook much argument from the to be sung, but sometimes it was extremely left standing then, besides the Tower and the competing bands. Renowned as a former dull, with music going backwards and not Winter Gardens, because Hitler would, no doubt superb cornet soloist and principal cornet forwards. There were, he acknowledged, ,be taken with the musical blitzkrieg known as player, David pointed out that he had sensitive moments, particularly from the the North West Regional Championships, taking played the piece in 1962 with the composer flugel and solo cornet players, but the strong place inside the Opera House, Empress Ballroom conducting, and this made everyone in the implication was that such moments were in the and Spanish Hall. A momentary sobering hall sit up and pay a little more attention. He minority. The last movement provided bands thought was the prospect of listening to 11 acknowledged that today’s brass players were with a problem. They were encouraged to performances of Wagner’s four-and-a-half-hour better taught and were technically better than play this as fast as possible and in an exciting Götterdämmerung (which would remove the the players of his era, but judging from what he manner. Alas, too many bands played it as fast blitz from the krieg) rather than Gilbert Vinter’s had heard, he was not prepared to credit them as impossible and it is very difficult to make pleasant 12-minute Salute to Youth. with a better musical understanding. a shambles exciting. Rarely were the first two bars of the introduction to the tarantella-like More to the point of this review was the With the conductors especially in mind, he melody played with any assurance. Conductors generous helping of business as usual provided then proceeded to go through the score would probably benefit from taking a lead from by top-section adjudicator, David Read, who from beginning to end, highlighting the athletics, where it is clear to see the difference awarded the title to Foden’s Band, conducted by crass inaccuracies he had endured during between a sprint that requires a standing start Garry Cutt. This was the band’s fourth Regional the performances, starting with the second and a relay when the person who takes the title on the trot, equalling the record of the late bar. “There were so many variations in the baton is already moving. The latter way is how lamented CWS (Manchester) Band. The only playing of the second bar,” he said in a tone the third movement needs to start, because real surprise was the absence of Leyland Band that barely disguised his disbelief. The second there isn’t time to get into stride. Even the senza (Jason Katsikaris) from the top six placings. bar is a straightforward 2/4 bar starting with rit. marking was frequently ignored, this to the triplet quavers followed by four semiquavers. total incredulity of the adjudicator. There was Although its overall performance may not have The first triplet quaver is tied to the first bar’s much more from David and it was very well represented the Sandbach band’s finest hour, it minim. Watching the way so many conductors received by the audience, no doubt because did reflect a maturity and musicality generally awkwardly lunged into the opening of the it made the final decisions comprehensible. In beyond the other bands. In Mark Wilkinson, the piece, it is small wonder so many bands could fact, all the adjudicators from the 1st Section cornet section has a superb leader who never not feel the pulse right away. The main problem down – Colin Hardy, Malcolm Brownbill, seems to let the band down and, once again, seemed to be that few players felt the tied Derek Broadbent and C. Brian Buckley – he was in superlative form, as was the rest of triplet quaver, which ensured the other two went to some trouble to take the audience his section. For sure, they managed to avoid became a guessing game. When the adjudicator into their confidence and, when necessary, the pitfalls mentioned by David at the end of knows the piece inside and out, guessing is not provide guidance and encouragement to the the contest by playing accurately and musically an intelligent option. “The basic measurement performers. and the syncopated finale was very strong and of notes was not right,” he understandably convincing. complained. With so much music not requiring the accurate BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 5 BB 4-5-6-7.indd 5 03-03-2009 16:58:52 NORTH WEST REGION rendition of rhythmic groups because there were too many notes to be played at an impossibly quick tempi, thus rewarding those who firmly believe that molto fakato is the most important Italian term in the musical lexicon, Vinter’s music must come as something of a surprise because it is so transparent and there is nowhere to hide. David was happy with his placing of the first two bands, Foden’s and Fairey (Philip Chalk), but acknowledged that thereafter “it could go either way.” Nevertheless, the fact that he is regarded as a particularly safe pair of hands in the adjudicator’s box meant that few seemed prepared to make too much of a complaint. In the event, taking third place and thus qualifying for the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall, courtesy of Foden’s having already qualified, was Pemberton Old Wigan JJB, conducted by Mark Bentham. Having recently concluded a very successful tenure with Hepworth Band, it is no coincidence that Mark has so quickly gained a reward with Pemberton Old. Also in the prizes were Bactiguard Wire Brass (Paul Andrews) fourth, Wingates (Andrew Berryman) fifth and United Co-op Milnrow (John Ward) sixth. As Sir Alex Ferguson might well have said, winning begets winning, a thought supported by Wardle Anderson Brass (Sean Conway), with victories in the Regional 2nd Section of 2007 and 2008, followed by a title-winning Sean Conway and Wardle Anderson Brass celebrate victory in the 1st Section performance in the higher section this year. Coming in second with a strong account of Graham Cole’s Pentacle was Blackburn and Sketches. Certainly, there isn’t any problem they’ll turn to someone who might know Darwen Band (Nick Sheppard). Following hard coming to terms with this instantly accessible what they are talking about. In 2004 and 2005, on the heels of victory in the 1st section at the music associated with American composers, the band won the Regional 4th Section title, 2009 Butlins Mineworkers’ Championships, this institutions and lifestyles. Thus, it came as a thereby gaining promotion to the 3rd Section. is another ensemble that looks as if it will be surprise to adjudicator, Malcolm Brownbill, who In 2007 and 2008, it won the 3rd Section title, enjoying the sweet smell of success throughout is well aware of the standards of bands in the thus gaining promotion to the 2nd Section. No the year. Certainly adjudicator, Colin Hardy, North West Region, to find himself listening to prizes for guessing which band won the 2nd was impressed with Wardle’s and Blackburn’s performances that lacked any semblance of Section title then, and Oldham (Lees) will be performances and was sure both bands would character. For example, although he praised a travelling to the National Finals in Harrogate do well at the National Finals in Harrogate. number of excellent percussion sections, he in company with second-placed Silk Brass could not understand why more kit players did (Macclesfield) Band, conducted by a man of rich The test-piece started off as part of a Masters not express themselves with greater conviction experience, James Cant. degree submission and, in its revised form, in the jazz section. He felt that more attention was selected for the 1st Section of the 2007 needed to be paid to the musical line, balance, Despite having 20 bands to listen to in the Swiss National Championships. Musically, style and dynamic contrast. Again, he noted Spanish Hall, adjudicator Derek Broadbent it is a stiff, but ultimately rewarding, test for that when percussion had a stronger dynamic claimed it had “been a pleasure to adjudicate” both conductor and players and, while some than the brass sections, this instruction was the 3rd Section. Making his lengthy stay more performances could have been described as largely ignored. Despite his disappointment pleasurable, he said, was the high standard ‘lost in an impenetrable fog’, others reflected a that some bands had not taken the opportunity that had prevailed. Occasionally the pleasure musical maturity that boded well for the future. of getting closer to a piece he felt could easily had been interrupted with percussive over- While there were not too many arguments be used by all the bands at future concerts, indulgence, particularly from the practitioners breaking out after the announcement of the he was satisfied that he had heard four “pretty of the bass drum. results, Freckleton might very well have been good performances” and “two that were very The test piece was Andrew Baker’s The Once and disappointed at being placed ninth. good.” Future King, the title taken from King Arthur’s Try telling anyone associated with Oldham legendary dying words. Each movement is Both bands and audience seemed to be content (Lees) Band (John Collins) that contesting is inspired by an Arthurian legend and it is hoped with the choice of Dan Price’s New World anything other than a stroll in the park and that conductors will have found something BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 6 BB 4-5-6-7.indd 6 03-03-2009 16:58:56 NORTH WEST REGION Full results from Blackpool 3rd Section Test-piece: The Once and Future King (Andrew Championship Section Baker) Test-piece: Salute to Youth (Gilbert Vinter) Adjudicator: Derek Broadbent Adjudicator: David Read *1. Dobcross Silver (G. Moore) 9 *1. Foden’s (G. Cutt) drawn 5 *2. Douglas Town (G. Higginbottom) 5 *2. Fairey (P. Chalk) 4 *3. Lostock Hall Memorial (J. Wood) 19 *3. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB (M. Bentham) 3 4. Uppermill (A. Widdop) 18 4. Bactiguard Wire Brass (P. Andrews) 11 5. Morecambe (A. Warriner) 19 5. Wingates (A. Berryman) 1 6. Skelmersdale Prize (J. Ludden) 1 6. United Co-op Milnrow (J. Ward) 10 7. Formby (L. Hough) 13 7. United Co-op (Crewe) (J. Sparkes) 8 8. Hawk Green (Marple) (A. Wilson) 2 8. Leyland (J. Katsikaris) 6 9. Whitworth Vale and Healey (J. Binns) 15 9. Roberts Bakery (C. Cranson) 2 10. Trinity Girls (B. Harper) 7 10. Timperley (M. Fowles) 7 11. Greenall’s (K. Stott) 3 11. Poulton-le-Fylde (G. Westwood) 9 12. Eagley (G. Westwood) 11 13. Boarshurst Silver (D. Ashworth) 17 1st Section 14. City of Chester (P. Mottershead) 4 Test-piece: Pentacle (Graham Cole) 15. Stalybridge Old (J. Binns) 20 Adjudicator: Colin Hardy 16. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB ‘B’ (P. Ashley) 10 *1. Wardle Anderson Brass (S. Conway) 5 17. Ramsey Town (R. Quane) 8 *2. Blackburn and Darwen (N. Sheppard) 12 18. Valley Brass (Haydock) (D. Chadwick) 14 3. Ashton-under-Lyne (M. Evans) 11 19. BMP Europe Goodshaw (I. McKnight) 6 4. Manx Concert Brass (I. Clague MBE) 3 20. Dobcross Youth (B. Lamb) 12 5. Longridge (S. Tarry) 8 6. Bollington Brass (P. Christian) 4 4th Section 7. Vernon Building Society Poynton (K. Gibbs) 9 Test-piece: Talisman for Brass Band (Frank Hughes) 8. Tyldesley (R. Taylor) 6 Adjudicator: C. Brian Buckley 9. Freckleton (P. Dalton) 10 *1. Eccles Borough (L. Webb) 18 10. Mossley (D. Byers) 7 *2. Cheshire Constabulary (D. Woollam) 7 11. Haydock (M. Quinn) 1 *3. Rivington and Adlington (M. Wilson) 12 12. Blackpool Brass (A. Warriner) 2 4. Pilling Jubilee Silver (B. Porter) 17 5. Greenfield (S. Black) 13 2nd Section John Collins (right), conductor of Oldham (Lees) 6. Coppull and Standish (A. Baker) 9 Test-piece: New World Sketches (Dan Price) 7. Nelson Brass (D. Holland) 10 Adjudicator: Malcolm Brownbill 8. Darwen Brass (S. Hartley) 5 in the story for the mostly young players to *1. Oldham (Lees) (J. Collins) 8 9. Tarleton and District Brass (G. Bould) 11 relate to their music. Dobcross Silver (Grenville *2. Silk Brass (Macclesfield) (J. Cant) 7 10. Farnworth and Walkden (P. Ashley) 3 Moore, pictured top left on page 1) reigned 3. Flixton (A. Hobbins) 9 11. Besses Boys (J. Holt) 1 supreme in the ears of the adjudicator and 4. United Co-op 2000 Brass (J. Meredith) 12 12. Blackley (A. Smith) 16 will go to Harrogate as the North West 3rd 5. Middleton (M. Stringer) 5 13. Carrbrook Brass (J. Smith) 19 Section champion, accompanied by second- 6. Hoover (Bolton) (L. Dunkly) 10 14. Sale Brass (J. Dickinson) 14 placed Douglas Town, conducted by the 7. Rainford (N. Samuel) 2 15. Golborne (D. Houghton) 15 long-time genius of the tenor horn, Gordon 8. Besses o’ th’ Barn (C. Whiteoak) 1 16. Denton Brass (G. Smith) 8 Higginbottom, who must be relishing his 9. Old Hall Brass (J. North) 6 17. Parr (Richardson Ltd.) St. Helens (R. Prescott) 4 retirement, and Lostock Hall Memorial (John 10. Delph (P. Goodwin) 4 18. Friezland (T. Haslam) 6 Wood), which came third. 11. Haslingden and Helmshore (D. Holland) 3 19. Hazel Grove (N. Beasley) 2 The 4th Section suffered considerably from 12. Eccleston Brass (I. Bateson) 11 * denotes qualification to National Finals poor intonation and clumsy articulation, and yet in his remarks, adjudicator C. Brian Buckley charitably commented that he “couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday morning “legs in treacle.” five sections in one day must be a headache, than listening to the bands.” He acknowledged Originally written as a quartet for the Foden’s and the fact that the day ended earlier than that the “music had proved to be quite an Motor Works champion quartet and later anticipated speaks volumes for the efficiency interesting challenge for most of the bands.” rescored for full band, this was a tough ask for of Regional Secretary, Peter Bates, and his However, only eight were really able to face 4th Section bands, and leading the way of the extremely capable, hardworking teams of the challenge head on and he strongly advised eight bands who were up to the challenge was volunteers. the young musicians to practise playing long Eccles Borough (Les Webb) and accompanying In fact, it was that good you can almost notes that embraced controlled crescendos and it to Harrogate will be the second and third- understand Brian Buckley’s opening remarks diminuendos, which was excellent advice. He placed bands, Cheshire Constabulary (David while, at the same time, being grateful that the also pointed out that the last movement scherzo Woollam) and Rivington and Adlington Führer was not allowed to force his architectural of Frank Hughes’ The Talisman meant playful (Malcolm Wilson). ambition on Blackpool, to say nothing of his and too many players approached this with Successfully accommodating 74 bands in musical taste. BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 7 BB 4-5-6-7.indd 7 03-03-2009 16:58:59 TALKING POINT Brass Bands have a fantastic heritage and not being critical, but we are where we are. If the ‘willing’ people, who either have the drive history. In the mid-1840s, when valved brass you asked Robert Morgan, Chairman of the to do the job, the personality or a raison d’être instruments first became widely available, some British Federation of Brass Bands (BFBB), how that drives them to do it. However, this doesn’t industrialists seized the opportunity to create difficult it is to get agreements with all these necessarily qualify them to undertake the task. an outlet for workers who, to their mind, either different organisations, he may tell you that With this in mind, the difficulty in undertaking drank to excess or became politically active. In herding cats is a much less daunting task. the process that would move us forward is an effort to develop a sense of belonging and So, where are we going to find the next John quite colossal. There are regularly calls to community, and to help combat the damaging Henry Iles? Who is going to create a strategic change this aspect of regulatory control or that effects of this costly social breakdown, many vision of what brass banding will look like in the aspect of administrative protocol. However, company-sponsored brass bands were formed. future? If we applied basic business principles to we cannot expect that sweeping reform will Their popularity and success was enormous and, the problem, then producing the framework of a be achieved by simply changing one part of very quickly, brass bands appeared in all areas strategic plan should be a fairly straightforward the organisation. In order to achieve long-term of society. Bands, sponsored by the local works process. Answers to three questions are all that survival and sustainable growth, root and or community, became a source of huge pride are needed to begin with: Where are we? Where branch reformation is required. A professional for the people they represented. Organised do we want to get to? How are we going to get body would engage an independent team contests soon followed and the first Belle Vue there? Simple questions that demand some to undertake a systematic review of the Brass Band Championship (now the British fairly complex answers. whole structure, with a brief to put forward Open) was held on 5 September 1853. By 1900, An organisational chart of the entire banding recommendations that would lead to a full as many as 20,000 brass bands existed across network would need to be developed in understanding of where we are, help us to the UK. order to see how it all fits together and to determine where we want to be and assist us ascertain how new initiatives, procedures to determine how we are going to get there. At the turn of the last century, a young man and developments would be cascaded down, When this work had been completed, all that emerged who changed the face of brass across and up the whole of the organisation. we would have to do is implement it (hark - is bands for years to come. John Henry Iles, an Without this, progression, positive change, our that the sound of countless footsteps I hear entrepreneur with interests in advertising long term survival and growth are improbable. disappearing into the distance?). and amusement parks, first came across brass Sounds easy enough, I hear you say, but If current bureaucracy, traditional idealism, The future of brass band Following on from last week’s profile of Mike Kilroy, Hammonds Saltaire Band’s principal euphonium reveals his views on the contemporary brass band scene and its future in the UK bands when visiting Manchester on business without a strategic development plan, a new political unwillingness or sheer lack of expertise in September 1898. While he was there, he organisational structure, appropriate systems or funding means we cannot instigate these attended the contest at Belle Vue and was so and processes, and a strong desire to accept and changes from the top down, then we shall have enthused by what he saw that, within two then implement these new ideas at every level, to start at the grass roots level and build from years, he had obtained the co-operation of it simply would not work. the bottom up. Changing the way we do things the Crystal Palace Company to organise the and introducing new ideas is not so difficult first National Brass Band Championships of The current organisation of brass bands if it’s done with thought, clear purpose and Great Britain, which took place on 21 July 1900. nationally could not be more fragmented; the determination. Within the next 25 years, he would take control whole organisational structure has grown, over of the ‘National’, the ‘Open’, British Bandsman time, into an unwieldy and unworkable mish- Take music, for example. Repertoire for bands and Contest Field magazine and R. Smith, mash of networks that few of us understand, over the years has grown exponentially into a the music publisher. His overarching vision in and whose vision and purpose are obscure. kaleidoscope of challenging, interesting and terms of organisation, marketing and musical What, indeed, are the measurable benefits diverse range of work, not all great by any development shaped the movement for the to being part of these associations, and what means, but welcome none the less. The main next 50 years. Since his death in 1951, his unique difference does being a member make to brass driver for this upsurge of writing for the idiom imagination and vision have been slowly but bands? Amateur organisations at all levels are the bands themselves and individuals who surely diluted, and what we are left with is a generally are hamstrung because the majority have engaged with experts and professionals situation in which various bodies appear to be of people in them refuse to become involved in in this particular field. Commissions, the pulling us in different directions. I am certainly the running. The people who do run them are appointment of composers-in-residence and BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 8 BB 8-9.indd 8 03-03-2009 16:57:54 TALKING POINT composition competitions have all had a invested in Hade Edge Brass Band, presently serious impact on the widening range of music conducted by the irrepressible Simon Wood. available. Thus, it has a brand new bandroom, a senior band, two training bands, a community choir Regarding players, historically brass bands have and a swing band. Currently approximately been more interested in player replacement 200 youngsters and adults are enjoying music than player development. Developing making and the social benefits that it brings players at all levels is now absolutely critical. I every week. Following the credit-crunch, cannot praise Black Dyke highly enough in its businesses are desperate to change their image development of Paul Duffy, the up-and-coming and be seen as caring, with the benefit of the soprano cornet player. Filling Peter Roberts’ seat community at the centre of their core values. with an instant replacement was impossible, but Central government is desperately seeking a the way this young man has been encouraged solution to reduce social breakdown. Perhaps to develop and the thoughtful method that has highlighting the benefits that brass bands bring been employed to do so, should be a lesson to the community, using Hade Edge Band as an for us all. Every band should have at its core exemplary case study, is the starting point for a culture that develops and nurtures young discussion with these bodies. If John Henry Iles talent and continually strives to improve the were alive today, I think that conversation would more experienced players too. Bands from lower have already taken place. sections should be encouraged to engage with bands at the highest level to acquire support If an elected body could be given a mandate from their top players in order to educate for change, commission a review and then be and assist their own up-and-coming stars. allowed to implement the findings contained Developing strategic relationships with the within it, we may then have a blueprint to ‘bigger’ bands in the local area should be high ensure the future for the next 150 years. on every band’s agenda. Stop worrying about However, we have to become more open- ds - Kilroy’s view ‘poaching’, look at the bigger picture and start minded, investigate and embrace some of the to work together. Be proud to see some of our new initiatives that are being applied here and young players fulfilling their potential and abroad. We must retain our long-held traditional playing for the ‘better’ bands. values, but break with some traditional thinking while adopting a more flexible attitude to the If we are to believe today’s media and our methods that we employ in all aspects of our Government, we are currently suffering the brass banding activities. In my humble opinion, same social breakdown as was experienced not to acknowledge changing times in terms of in the mid-19th century. ‘Broken Britain’, technology and sociology is burying one’s head binge-drinking culture and an increase in in the sand. subversive political activity are all seen as a threat. Funny how history repeats itself, isn’t it? The fate of brass bands in this country, and Companies created brass bands to aid social across the world, is in our hands - all of us, with reform. Companies pulled out of supporting no exception, so let’s take our responsibility bands because we became self-obsessed. So, seriously. Remember, the past is for reference how do we re-establish positive engagement not for residence; we must learn from the past with businesses and others? I can give you but move forward with a strategic vision of what an example; the visionary Edgar Dickenson, is needed to create a bright, sustainable future founder of Longley Farm Dairy Products, has for the brass band movement. BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 9 BB 8-9.indd 9 03-03-2009 16:57:55 ESSAYSESSAYS Inspirational leadership fu In February 1998, a vision was realised for the first time for Stephen Cobb, when the very first Territorial Youth Band (TYB) course was held, culminating in an end-of-week concert at Boscombe Salvation Army Hall. Who could have anticipated then that, 11 years later, not only would TYB still be thriving, but that it would be attracting up to 75 young players, would (five years ago) have moved to a larger hotel facility as its base and that end-of-week concerts would be played out to an audience of 1,000, filling The Lighthouse, the largest concert venue in the Bournemouth/Poole area and home of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Going from strength to strength is something of a worn out accolade, but that is exactly what this event is doing, supplemented as it was after two years by a Territorial Youth Chorus (TYC), which also continues to enjoy growing popularity. So why the success? When we constantly hear that brass bands (in or out of The Salvation Army) are on the wane, not popular with youngsters who have a myriad other attractions TYC, on this its tenth anniversary. Next came originally for the ISB’s tour of Canada in 1994 demanding their time, and simply not cool, a Salvation Army classic, and a further clue in (with the composer as bandmaster), was in somewhere in the TYB model must be a unlocking the ‘secrets of success’ for this and many ways a quite unnatural choice for such powerful ingredient for success. Asking course other TYB weeks. George Marshall’s Army of a group. With limited rehearsal time available director, Dr. Stephen Cobb, may well not provide the Brave was written not only before all of the in a week such as this, the ensemble playing the answer – he is far too modest an individual members of TYB were born, but before their required, as well as prolonged rhythmically to even recognise the fact that his vision, driving fathers and, most likely, their grandfathers too. difficult passages, bring many a ‘pot hole’ to trip influence, uncanny knack to ‘get alongside’ In SA terms it remains a classic – the first classic up such a young group. All were surmounted these youngsters and to instil in them a desire to of the Festival Series genre, and Stephen Cobb, with assurance as the TYB gave a quite pursue excellence are factors that underpin the every bit as keen to indoctrinate his group in compelling performance, led with assurance success of this group. the gems of SA banding heritage as he is to put by principal cornet James Fountain. At 15 More of this later, but for now, a summary of up the more contemporary titles, drew from the years of age, occupying the principal chair of a an outstanding concert of music making that band a performance belying the inexperience group such as this might be something of an ended the TYB/TYC week on Friday 13 February. of the group. Further contributions followed intimidating task, but James is no ordinary 15 The evening opened with Bill Gordon’s fanfaric from TYC with Mad about Mozart, a humorous year-old cornet player, occupying as he does the treatment of the hymn tune, Laudes Domini, piece about the life and work of the great principal chairs of the NYBBGB and Virtuosi GUS giving the spotlight to two young percussionists composer and based around his Symphony No. Band. By any measure, James is an exceptional as they played the opening snare drum parts on 40. A brave choice this from Music Director, Ira young player and surely destined for great marching drums at the front of the stage. This Thomas, and very well delivered too, but one things. exciting start was followed by a more reflective not aided by the less than helpful acoustic of James and his colleagues around the band presentation featuring euphonium soloist, an otherwise excellent venue. Footprints in the had been exposed earlier in the week to brass Stephen Kane, in Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s Donegal Sand is a song well-known and given increased playing and virtuosity of the very highest Bay. This clever opening programming, with popularity recently by Leona Lewis, and Nick order with the visit of the Eminence Brass its change of tempo and mood immediately King’s transcription was given a moving reading Quartet. Another clue here to the success of captured the audience, and there was not a with added sensitivity being drawn out through TYB, and further evidence of Stephen Cobb’s single moment in the ensuing two hours when the performance of a small dance group. determination to instil within the group an the attention of the listener was anything but The final item of the first half came in the understanding of what the very best sounds rapt. presentation of TYB’s major work of the evening like, and some of the preparation and hard work Contributions from TYC followed with Richard – Robert Redhead’s Corpus Christi. The body required in order to get there. Made up of brass Phillips’ Sing For Joy and Bob Chilcott’s Sanctus. of Christ had been the theme for bible study virtuosi, Richard Marshall, Philip Cobb, Owen Use of Richard Phillips’ composition gave during the week allowing the students the Farr and David Childs, the quartet mingled for opportunity for Stephen Cobb to pay tribute opportunity of greater understanding of the a whole day with the TYB, leading sectional to Richard as the founding Music Director of composer’s inspiration. Redhead’s work, written rehearsals, sitting in on full band rehearsal and, BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 10 BB 10-11.indd 10 03-03-2009 16:57:02 ESSAYS furthers TYB progress By Trevor Caffull in the afternoon, providing a concert-cum- skills an outlet, and here we witnessed his most masterclass of the very highest order. Having ambitious work to date. Purpose was the title, observed the band at the beginning of the and Paul’s own spoken introduction to this week, one could sense how, in particular, the imaginative concert work enabled the audience more advanced players had raised their game by to appreciate the sincerity of his approach and, the end of the course. Richard, Philip, Owen and given the group for whom it was written, the David will probably never fully understand the very apt thought process applied in the choice impact they had on some of these youngsters, of tunes represented. but you can be sure that the TYB members Appropriately, given that it was the tenth themselves will never forget the experience. anniversary of TYC, the closing number was The second half of the concert got off to an brought to us by the Chorus, which performed upbeat start with contributions from TYC the inspirational Len Ballantine arrangement in Natalie Grant’s Crown You With Praise and of More Than Wonderful. Indeed it was, and a Shackles (Praise You), a gospel song that perfect summation of the whole evening. produced a big hit for the duo Mary Mary a And so TYB completed another chapter, few years back. The upbeat theme continued leaving Stephen Cobb dreaming new dreams, as TYB performed Andrew Mackereth’s Dance forming new plans to enhance this outstanding Like David, featuring an outstanding drum experience even further. And the secret to break from young Joshua Morley. A trombone success? Vision, passion, inspiration, desire, feature followed in Ralph Pearce’s arrangement unity of purpose and sheer hard work – all are of There is a Redeemer, taking the audience back over the years, and this was further cemented attributes of outstanding leadership, and will into more contemplative mood, rendering it during the week as the ISB visited to perform be found in evidence within any group, be it perfectly receptive for TYC’s most impactful a concert. The ISB would usually play to larger a band, chorus, work place or sporting team, contribution of the night – a beautiful a cappella audiences, but never a more appreciative group when the results are outstanding. Stephen performance of Billy Joel’s Lullabye, arranged for and, in Salvation Army terms, further evidence Cobb’s vision for this unique group, his heart for SATTBB by King’s Singer Philip Lawson. of a role model group, inspiring in the young the value in teaching the pursuit of excellence Unsurprisingly, given Stephen Cobb’s role as students a ‘best for the highest’ approach to to youngsters, and his desire to see them Staff Bandmaster of the International Staff Band their brass studies. Paul Sharman, solo cornet declaring that only ‘the best for the highest’ is (ISB), there has developed an inextricable link player with the ISB, has been a pivotal member good enough, guarantees the result of an ever- between TYB and the ISB. No less than six young of the staff team practically from the outset. This, increasing demand to attend this outstanding players from the TYB have ‘graduated’ to the ISB in turn, has given his emerging compositional week. Bravo Stephen, and bravo TYB! CAPTION COMPETITION The winner of last month’s caption competition was Vincent Allen of Stourbridge in West Midlands, who wins his choice of CD or DVD from the World of Brass catalogue. Vincent’s winning line was: ‘76 trombones all at once – what have I started?’ The closing date for this month’s competition, featuring Black Dyke’s soprano cornet, Paul Duffy, at last year’s National Final in the Royal Albert Hall, is 23 March 2009. Please send your entries directly to [email protected], with the words ‘caption competition’ in the message header. The author of the winning entry will receive their choice of CD or DVD from the World of Brass catalogue on www.worldofbrass.com BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 11 BB 10-11.indd 11 03-03-2009 16:57:11 CHARTS WoB and WoB Tunes chart, February 2009 by Carl Woodman World of Brass CD top 10 National Brass Band Championships 2008 New entry The Music of Gilbert Vinter (Black Dyke Mills Band) New entry Walking with Heroes (Black Dyke Band) Unchanged Regionals 2009 (Various bands) + 2 Now That’s What I Call Brass Volume 6 (compilation) - 3 Cathedral Brass (Black Dyke Band) New entry European Brass Band Championships 2008 Re-entry Sanctuary (Boscombe Band) Re-entry Together (International Staff Band) - 8 Katrina (Katrina Marzella with Leyland Band) - 3 New releases, National Brass Band Championships 2008 and The Music of Gilbert Vinter, make instant appearances at the top of the chart and I expect them to be joined by Tribute from Eminence Brass next time. Walking with Heroes retains its top-three spot and, with two major contests using new test pieces by Paul Lovatt-Cooper in the coming months, there appears to be plenty of choice of repertoire for a second volume of his music in due course. Cathedral Brass from 1997 makes a surprising fi rst appearance in the chart just above re-entries from two popular 2008 recordings. World of Brass DVD top 10 www.worldofbrass.com Epic Brass II (Black Dyke Band and ISB) Unchanged European Brass Band Championships 2008 + 3 Holland Brass Festival 08 (Black Dyke Band) - 1 Gospel Arts Concert 2008 - 1 Black Dyke Band LIVE! (Black Dyke Band / James Morrison) + 2 Brass in Concert 2007 - 2 La Crème de la Crème (Mnozil Brass) + 1 GOSPEL Black Dyke Band 150th Anniversary concert (Black Dyke Band / James Morrison) + 1 ARTS CONCERT 2008 FEATURING BLACK DYKE BAND Eric Ball – A Celebration in Brass (Black Dyke Band and ISB) + 1 Music Director Dr. Nicholas J. Childs 4(% ).4%2.!4)/.!, 34!&& 3/.'34%23 4(% ).4%2.!4)/.!, 34!&& "!.$ "2!33 /& 02!)3% 37)4:%2,!.$ Epic Brass (Black Dyke Band and ISB) Re-entry (/7!2$ * %6!.3 0)!./&/24% 4(% 4%22)4/2)!, 9/54( #(/)2 Nine out of ten DVDs retain their place in the chart this month, albeit in diff erent positions, while the original Epic Brass returns to the top ten at the expense (for the fi rst time) of RSA 85. Enquiries and pre-orders would 3!452$!9 -!9 PAGINA 1 2/9!, !,"%24 (!,, suggest a high placing in the chart next month for Brass in Concert 2008, which is offi cially launched today. World of Brass Tunes, the top 10 downloads Walking with Heroes (Black Dyke Band) Unchanged Regionals 2009 Unchanged Paganini Variations (Grimethorpe Colliery Band) New entry (back catalogue) Epic Brass (Black Dyke Band and ISB) Re-entry (back catalogue) Essential Dyke Volume 8 (Black Dyke Band) + 4 The Arban Collection II (Russell Gray with Leyland Band) Re-entry Hymns (Grimethorpe Colliery Band) Unchanged Blazon (ISB) - 3 (back catalogue) Joyous Brass (Enfi eld Citadel Band) New entry (back catalogue) Recital for Trombone (Andrew Berryman) New entry (back catalogue) Walking with Heroes and Regionals 2009 stay out in front, while three more back catalogue recordings appear in the chart for the fi rst time.Hymns and Essential Dyke Volume 8 both hang on to a top ten place for a seventh consecutive month, with the latter becoming our best-selling downloaded album since World of Brass Tunes was launched in October 2007. www.worldofbrasstunes.com www.worldofbrasstunes.com BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 12 BB 12-13.indd 12 03-03-2009 16:56:14 CRITICS CORNER A Breathless Alleluia Black Dyke Band Philip Gault (baritone vocalist); David Thornton (euphonium); Joseph Cook (Eb bass); Philip Wilby (organ); Conductor: Dr Nicholas Childs. Naxos Recordings CD 8.572166 Available from World of Brass, Midland CD and 4Barsrest Building on their new relationship with Naxos (commissioned for the 2007 William Wilberforce Recordings, Nicholas Childs and Black Dyke celebrations to mark the ending of slavery). The present us here with a tribute to the band’s familiar hymn - the words by former slave-ship long-term collaborator, Professor Philip Wilby. captain, John Newton (no relation of mine, This well-fi lled album includes some of Professor so far as I am aware) is sung by the baritone Wilby’s most important works for brass band, soloist, interspersed with colourful variations but begins with a very recent work, A Breathless from the band. This is a most eff ective work Alleluia, which is a short, bracing toccata for and makes a suitable preface for the fi nal band intended, as the booklet notes inform us, track, Philip Wilby’s demanding Euphonium as ‘an aff ectionate tribute to Nicholas Childs... Concerto, originally written for Robert Childs and his tireless energy’. This is indeed a tour- and performed here by David Thornton. The de-force, full of spiky vitality and dazzling second of the four movements utilises the Greek colours, with a chance for the band to display dance, Zeibekikos. This is a highly entertaining the sterling qualities of all its departments. It piece in its own right and ends with traditional is played with exemplary tight ensemble and Greek plate-smashing (here provided by the features a part for organ, played by Philip Wilby composer and his daughter). Unsurprisingly, it himself. proboscis). The fi rst movement, Soldier and Poet, is often heard in entertainment programmes by Paganini Variations, one of Wilby’s early forays highlights de Bergerac’s love for the beautiful bands possessing a fearless solo euphonium. into the world of the brass band, also provides Roxanne and his military calling in contrasting However, heard in its original setting with the a showcase for Black Dyke (on top form passages of fast action and gentle cantabile. other movements, the full eff ectiveness of throughout this recording), and the work is The second part focusses on the fi nal word in this witty work become evident. The fi rst and given here in its original form (as fi rst heard in Rostand’s play - ‘panache’. Here Philip Wilby has third movements are of a more lyrical nature 1991), shorn of the elaborate cadenzas written taken the popular 17th century air, La Folla, and and David Thornton really excels in the latter in response to a request from Harry Mortimer presents a series of contrasted variations to of these, producing a liquid, eloquent sound when the work was used at the test-piece for the sum up de Bergerac’s charismatic personality. that is almost vocal in quality. The fi nale is full British Open in the year of its composition. The Joseph Cook enters into the spirit with great of exuberance and lively counterpoint and performance is, as expected, of demonstration panache himself, with playing of remarkable is delivered by both soloist and band with quality, with the transitions being expertly fl exibility, articulation and dynamic control. eff ortless grace. handled and the band’s soloists (particularly There is an interesting moment when Professor Richard Marshall, David Thornton and Brett Wilby depicts the scene in which de Bergerac, Naxos Recordings can be fairly said to have Baker) relishing their turns in the limelight. embarrassed by his own large nose, gets his turned the CD world upside down by off ering Professor Wilby’s friend, poet Mark Jarman, better-looking friend, Christian, to recite his high-class performances at a super-budget published his Unholy Sonnets in 2000 and Philip poetry to Roxanne beneath her balcony. This price (just under £6) and, consequently, the Wilby took four of these clever, witty poems to takes the form of a duet for the solo Eb bass company’s catalogue is distributed across the create a brief song cycle for a vocalist (originally and a ‘number two’ bass, here played by Philip globe. The addition to its ranks of Black Dyke a soprano) and brass band. The last of them, Goodwin. This attractive, immediately accessible Band was of major signifi cance to the band If God survives us, will his kingdom come? is piece is a tuba concerto in all but name, and world, and this outstanding release will surely featured here in a performance by singer, Philip yet another landmark in Professor Wilby’s attract the interest of CD buyers who have Gault. He has a light baritone voice and the contribution to the brass band repertoire. hitherto been ignorant of brass bands and band accompanies with great sensitivity in this Philip Gault is vocal soloist in the next two the music of Philip Wilby. For the brass band sublimely lyrical music. tracks, the fi rst being an excerpt from Wilby’s enthusiast, this release is an essential purchase, Black Dyke’s outstanding solo Eb bass player, recent A Brontë Mass (originally scored for highlighting as it does one of our greatest bands Joseph Cook, is the soloist in Wilby’s Cyrano, a chorus and orchestra) - a setting of a poem at its very best and the work of one of the fi nest two-part portrait of Rostand’s famous fi ctional by Bramwell Brontë concerning the evocative composers working in the medium today. Very hero, Cyrano de Bergerac (he of the fl owing power of music. The second is Philip Wilby’s strongly recommended. verses, dazzling swordplay and prominent symphonic variations on Amazing Grace Rodney Newton BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 13 BB 12-13.indd 13 03-03-2009 16:56:17 WIRELESS BRASS PROFESSIONAL NETWORK We take every possible precaution to ensure the accuracy of RICHARD ADAMS. Conductor, Adjudicator, Head of Music, DAVID HIRST. Conductor and Adjudicator. the details given below. However, we cannot be responsible for Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, 151 Bencoolen Street, Singapore The Cottage, Main Street, Milton, Newark, Nottinghamshire. changes to stated times or running order. 189656. Phone: +65 9451 8398. [email protected] Tel. 01777 872339 Fax 01777 872852 E-mail: david.hirst@ btinternet.com DEREK ASHMORE. www.hallamshiremusic.co.uk Friday, 13 March, 2130-2200. BBC Radio 2 Tel: 01507 358141 Fax: 01507 358034. ALAN HOPE. Conductor, Teacher and adjudicator. 113A Fatfield Listen to the Band. Frank Renton presents a session by Freckleton Park, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear. NE38 8BP. Tel/Fax 0191 BRETT BAKER. BSc. ARCM. Soloist, Teacher, Conductor, Band, formed in 1886. Under the baton of Paul Dalton, the band 4161008 Mob: 0776 5656729 E-mail: [email protected] Adjudicator. 35 Yewtree Drive, Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire. includes in its programme the march, ORB, Rusalka’s Song to the CW8 4NH. Tel. (01606) 783869. (Mob.) 0777 320 1736. Moon by Dvořák, Barry Manilow’s hit song, One Voice, and a glorious E-mail [email protected] DAVID W. HORSFIELD. Adjudicator and Music Publisher. arrangement of the hymn-tune, Praise My Soul. ‘Ravenswood’ 50 Wyke Old Lane, Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse, West MAURICE BALE. BSc, Arranger, Godiva Music. Yorkshire. HD6 4EH. Tel (01484) 722855. Mobile: 07710 208340. 18 Raleigh Road, Coventry CV2 4AA. Tel. 024 76 459 409. E-mail: [email protected] Listen to the Band is also available all week via Radio 2’s website www. bbc.co.uk/radio2. Click on the playback section to hear the show, on PETER BASSANO FRCM HonRCM North Lodge, Potter Row, near ALAN JENKIN. B.Sc., LTCL, BBCM, Cert. Educ., Conductor, demand, for a week following transmission. Gt. Missenden, Bucks HP16 9LT. Tel.01494 868240 mobile; 07985 Adjudicator. 4 Beauchamp Close, Neath Hill, Milton Keynes, 101244. E-mail :[email protected] www.peterbassano.com Bucks MK14 6HZ. Tel/Fax. (01908) 604818 (Home), 224251 World of Brass Radio. John Maines introduces a weekly one-hour (Music Centre). DUNCAN A. BECKLEY. BA. Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator. programme of the best of international banding. Commencing on 26 Ruskin Avenue, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield TERRY JOHNS. A.R.A.M. Fridays, the rolling programme of the most recent four shows can be WF1 2BD (MOB) 07973 389707 Composer/Conductor/Adjudicator E-mail: [email protected] accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year on 55/6 Waterfront Avenue Edinburgh EH5 1JD www.worldofbrass.com (then click on the WOB Radio link) or www. JOHN BERRYMAN. ALCM, LTCL, Conductor, Adjudicator. 12 E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: 07777603675 worldofbrass.com/wobradio Beaufort Drive, Barton Seagrave, Kettering, Northants. NN15 6SF Tel. (01536) 722991. SIMON KERWIN. BA (Hons) 07740 583801 This week’s programme includes: Brighouse and Rastrick (David Hirst): website: www.staveslimited.com email: [email protected]. The Thin Red Line (Alford); Foden’s (Russell Gray): Egmont (Beethoven); DEREK M. BROADBENT. Conductor and Adjudicator. 17 Corrance Road, Wyke, Nr. Bradford, BD12 9LH Yorks. Eminence Brass: Alla Burlesca (Gilbert Vinter); Cory (Robert Childs): Tel/Fax. (01274) 670459. NORMAN C. LAW. Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Trainer, Queen of the Night (Mozart - soloist: Michelle Ibbotson), Hine, Hine Private Teacher. Lawholme, 4 Farfield Drive, Hepworth, (arr. D. Barry - soloist: Joanne Childs); Beaumaris (Gwyn Evans): The MALCOLM BROWNBILL. Band Tutor, Conductor, and Huddersfield, W. Yorks HD7 1TU. Saga of Haakon the Good (Sparke); Leyland: Tangents from Concerto Adjudicator. 49 Pike House Road, Eccleston, St. Helens, Merseyside. Tel. (01484) 685354. WA10 5JZ. Tel. (01744) 28642. for Baritone (Ellerby - soloist: Katrina Marzella); Black Dyke (Nicholas Childs): Spirit of Africa (John Barry arr. Darrol Barry); Black Dyke ALAN R. LEWIS. B. PHIL. LTCL. Head of Brass, Sedbergh School, C. BRIAN BUCKLEY. C.Chem., FTCL, LTCL, ALCM, Conductor, Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HG. Mills (Geoffrey Brand): Spectrum (Vinter), The Girl I Left Behind Me Adjudicator, Band Teacher. ‘Egmont’, 81 Gabalfa Road, Sketty, Tel. (015396) 22230 (w), (015396) 20001. (Langford). Swansea, West Glamorgan SA2 8ND. Tel. (01792) 205896. BOB CHILDS. DMA, M.Mus(dist), ARCM(hons), FLCM, PGCE, STAN LIPPEATT. B.A., L.R.S.M. Conductor, Adjudicator. Local Radio for next week Euphonium Soloist, Conductor, Teacher. 13 Parc Plas, Blackwood, 60, Sixth Avenue, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Notts. NG21 9PW. Sunday, 8 March, 1905-2000. Sounds of Brass. FM frequencies: Gwent NP12 1SJ. Tel 01495 226106 (home), 07966 263881 Tel (01623) 822672 Mobile 07875 138776 Bristol 94.9, Cornwall 95.2, Devon 103.4, Gloucestershire 104.7, (mobile). [email protected] http://www.bobchilds.co.uk/ Guernsey 93.2, Jersey 88.8, Swindon 103.6, Wiltshire 104.3. JANE LLOYD. MA FVCM, LGSM, ALCM, PGCetEd, Dip Mus. ROY W. CURRAN. Conductor, Adjudicator. 6 Mary Street, Burnley, Conductor, Performer, Arranger, Teacher. Northampton & East Available on the World Wide Web at 1905 British time or at any time for Lancs. BB10 4AJ. Home: 01282 426203;Mobile: 07973 788812. Midlands Area. Tel: 01604 675188 seven days after the broadcast. To hear the programme, access www. bbc.co.uk/devon and click onto Listen Live or Listen Again. DR. KENNETH DOWNIE. DMA. BA(Mus) Dunelm. Kantara, KEITH MacDONALD. N.A.B.B.C., A.L.C.M. Conductor, Band 8 Downs Road, South Wonston, Winchester, SO21 3EU. Trainer, Adjudicator, Author (see website). 20 North Haven, Tel: (01962) 883031 Internet: www.kantaramusik.com Phillip Hunt presents a programme of brass band recordings and news. Seaham, Co. Durham SR7 0DS. Tel: 0191 581 4224 (home), 07949 947703 (mobile) Email: [email protected], info@ This week’s edition includes: Combined bands of Camborne and St. JOHN DURRANT. MA. Soloist, Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator. keithmacdonald.co.uk Website: www.keithmacdonald.co.uk Austell (Goff Richards): Cornish Through and Through (Richards); St. 3 Todmorden Road, Lytham St. Annes, Lancs. FY8 2QL. Tel: 01253 721903. Or 07985 191623 (Mob). Dennis (Eddie Williams): Cornish Festival Overture (Ball); Camborne MAJOR IAN McELLIGOTT. Conductor, Adjudicator, Composer/ Town (Derek Greenwood): Napoli (Bellsted arr. Brand - soloist: Leonard MARTYN EVANS. B.Ed. Head of Brass Oldham M.B.C., Teacher, Arranger, Brass Teacher. 41 Weaver Moss, Sandhurst, Berks. Adams); St. Austell (Fred Roberts): Hymn-tune: Cornwall (Floyd); Massed Conductor, Adjudicator. 44 Holden Clough Drive, Ashton-under- GU47 9BQ. Mobile: 07903 137659 bands of Bodmin, Camborne, Mount Charles and St. Austell (Goff Lyne. OL7 9TH. Tel. 0161 330 4753. (Mobile) 07711 802635. Richards): Celtic Song (Dobson), Cornish Sunset (Ackford); St. Austell JOHN MAINES. Conductor, Adjudicator. 46 Hill Crest Road, (Goff Richards): The Aeronauts (Richards); Camborne Town Band and J. STUART FAWCETT, OAM, LDBBA. Conductor, Adjudicator. 23A Offerton, Stockport. SK2 5QL. Tel. 0161 292 9443. Mill Moor Road, Meltham, Holmfirth, HD9 5JT. Tel: 01484 309500. (Mobile) 07901 528059. Website: www.johnmaines.co.uk 1000 Cornish Male Voices (Vilem Tausky): Trelawny (arr. Pelmear). ALAN FERNIE. DRSAM, Dip NCOS Craiglea, 48 Mill Street, Selkirk, STEVEN MEAD. Euphonium Soloist, Conductor, Adjudicator. Requests and comments are welcome at e-mail: TD7 5AD. Tel. 01750 725213. (Mob.) 0794 7254961. E-mail: 10 Old Forge Road, Fenny Drayton, Nuneaton, Warwickshire [email protected] [email protected] CV13 6BD. Tel/Fax: (01827) 711964, Mob. 07971 843668, E-mail: [email protected]. BRUCE FRASER. Adjudicator, Conductor, Composer. Monday, 9 March, 2100-2200. Manx Radio Lomond Music, 32 Bankton Park, Kingskettle, Fife. KY15 7PY. ALAN MORRISON. FTCL, LRAM. Soloist, Conductor and Time for Brass. Frequencies 97.2, 89 and 103.7 FM and 1368 AM Tel. (01337) 830974. E-mail: [email protected] Adjudicator. 25 Acaster Drive, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2BH. and worldwide on www.manxradio.com COLIN HARDY. Member NABBC, Adjudicator and Conductor, Tel. (0113) 286 3374, Fax. (0113) 287 3947, Mob. 0775 197 Click on Listen FM or Listen AM for the programme at the time of 25 Thirlmere Avenue, Wyke, Bradford, W. Yorks. BD12 9DS. 3176. E-mail: [email protected] broadcast or on Listen Again for a week following transmission. Tel/Fax. (01274) 674174. E-mail: [email protected] website.lineone.net/~alan-morrison Ian Cottier presents a programme of brass band music and comment. BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 14 BB 14-15.indd 14 03-03-2009 16:56:38 CLASSIFIED Diary Dates Adverts BandsBRITISH man the leading international brass magazine CDs A list of forthcoming events that have been advertised in British Bandsman. The leading international brass band magazine Incorporating Brass Band News, British Mouthpiece and International MARCH Bandsman 7 - 8 - Bradford. Yorkshire Brass Band Championships, 3rd and 1st sections (Saturday), 4th, 2nd and MIDLAND CD Managing Director Championship sections (Sunday), St. George’s Hall. We hold one of the world’s largest selections of brass & Trevor Caffull Finance Director 14 - 15 - Bedworth. Midlands Regional Championships, 3rd and 1st sections (Saturday), 4th, 2nd and military band CDs including most BB-reviewed CDs. Order on-line at www.ukcd.net Gordon Camsey Championship sections (Sunday), Nicholas Chamberlain Technology College and Civic Hall. E-mail: [email protected] Editor 14 - 15 - Swansea. Welsh Regional Championships, 3rd, 2nd and 1st sections (Saturday), 4th and Tel: 0044 (0) 121 244 4605 or 6 Kenneth Crookston Championship sections (Sunday), Brangwyn Hall. Fax: 0044 (0) 121 680 9018 Associate Editor 14 - 15 - Torquay. West of England Regional Championships, 3rd, 2nd and 1st sections (Saturday), 4th Professor Philip Wilby and Championship sections (Sunday), Riviera International Conference Centre. Features Editor 21 - 22 - Dundee. Scottish Championships, 3rd, 2nd and 4th sections (Saturday), 1st and Championship INSURANCE Rodney Newton sections (Sunday), Caird Hall. Contributors and consultants 21 - 22 - Stevenage. London and Southern Counties Regional Championships, 3rd and 2nd sections Brass Band Peter Wilson (Saturday), 4th, 1st and Championship sections (Sunday), Arts and Leisure Centre. Insurance Services Anthony Banwell 312 High Street, Harlington, Hayes, Julian Bright 21 - 22 - Darlington. North of England Regional Championships, 1st and 4th sections (Saturday), 3rd, Middx. UB3 5BT 2nd and Championship sections (Sunday), Dolphin Centre. Dr. Robert Childs Tel: 020 8759 0825. Fax: 020 8564 9063. Iwan Fox 21 - Derby. Friends of Derby SA presents Black Dyke Band, 7.30pm, Assembly Rooms.www.fdsa.org.uk THE ORIGINAL SCHEME Graham Fraser OFTEN COPIED—NEVER BETTERED 21 - Stroud. BTM Band, Subscription Rooms. Chris Helme 22 - Crawley. Hepworth (Cookson Homes) Band, 3.00pm, The Hawth. Underwritten by Norwich Union Pat Herak Lt. Col. Graham Jones MBE APRIL MUSIC Ron Massey 5 - Manchester. National Youth Brass Band Championships, Royal Northern College of Music. Peter Meechan 18 - Bournemouth. Portsmouth Citadel Band, 7.15pm, All Saints Church, Southbourne. BH6 5EQ. For 21 soloists with band, Brahms Lullaby. Tim Mutum 18 - Stroud. Flowers Band, Subscription Rooms. £25.00 for score and set. Tel: 01689 854657. Frank Renton 24 - 26 - Norway. Grenland International Brass Festival, Skien. Email: [email protected] Robert Richardson John Stirzaker MAY David Thornton MUSICIANS Carl Woodman 2 - Slough. Recital No. 34 with Charley Brighton (euphonium) and Malcolm Stowell (piano), Malcolm Wood 12.00pm, St. Mary’s Church. Toddington Town Band www.toddingtontownband.org.uk Editorial 3 - Buxton. Buxton Brass Band Festival, own-choice test piece competition. Friendly, sociable band approaching high-profile Telephone: 01506 882985 See www.northwestbrassbandorg.uk for more details. centenary seeks principal cornet and front-row Fax: 01506 881596 9 - Blackpool. The Spring Brass Band Festival, Winter Gardens. cornets. No competitions but varied engagements. E-mail: [email protected] 16 - Stroud. Wingates Band, Subscription Rooms. Display and classified advertising Rehearsals on Tuesdays in Bedfordshire (LU5). 17- Weston-super-Mare. 41st Own-Choice Contest, for more details contact 01934 514960. John Ward Contact Bandmaster, Ian Smith, on 01525 876839 30 - Newport. Greater Gwent Solo and Quartet Contest, YMCA. Telephone: 01132 707214. or [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] JUNE Accounts 20 - Milton Keynes. NABBC Young Conductors’ Competition, Chrysalis Theatre. Hazel Foster 28 - Rhyl. Entertainment Contest, Championship/1st to 4th Section, email: [email protected] Musical Director required for YT Honley Band. Telephone: 01933 445442 Subscriptions and Trade Orders 29 - 3 July - Holland. Allan Withington’s Conducting School, email [email protected] for more details. We are a friendly, local band, practising on Mondays and Thursdays at our bandroom in Honley. Andrew Hall Telephone: 01933 445442 JULY If you are interested in the position, contact the Secretary, P. Large, on 01484 685082 Typesetting and Artwork 26 - 1 August - Swansea. 19th International Brass Band Summer School, University of Wales. GK Graphic Design VOF AUGUST INSTRUMENTS Cover price: £1.25 22 - Slough. Recital No. 35 with Charley Brighton (euphonium) and Malcolm Stowell (piano), SUBSCRIPTION RATES 12 months 6 months 12.00pm, St. Mary’s Church. French horns (several) from £150.00 UK £56.00 £30.00 Long-model cornets (various) Europe £75.00 £45.00 SEPTEMBER Rest of the World £115.00 £60.00 also, Yamaha BBb 4-valve tuba - offers. (52 issues per year) 12 - Birmingham. The 157th British Open Brass Band Championship, Symphony Hall. 01747 828552 DIRECT DEBIT (only for subscribers living in the UK) One month: £4.85 (saving nearly 10% on the cover price) 12 months: £52.00 (saving CONCERTS 20% on the price of a weekly copy from newsagents). Contact us for a direct debit form. E-Bandsman - Only available to overseas readers - online edition direct to your desktop. £52 per year or £30 for 6 months. You can subscribe to E-Bandsman with a credit or The Lyric Trumpet and Organ debit card, or pay by a sterling cheque/bankdraft. Laurence Gargan (trumpet), George McPhee (organ) log onto www.britishbandsman.com A mixture of tunes old and new, including My Love is Like a Red Red Rose, Holy City, Bist Du Bei Mir and the 1st movement of the Haydn Trumpet Concerto in E flat. Looking for a terrific tenor horn? The amazing acoustics of Paisley Abbey do justice to the dazzling playing of Laurence Gargan Place an advert Please make cheques payable to British Bandsman. and renowned organist George McPhee. Subscriptions, accounts and £10.00 inc. p&p. Order via email:[email protected] or in British Bandsman! general enquiries tel: 01292 269533 www.lauriegargantrumpet.com Telephone: 01933 445442 Fax: 01933 445435 E-mail: [email protected] Make this space work for you by advertising in British Bandsman classified. E-mail: [email protected] Telephone: 01132 707214 Internet: www.britishbandsman.com Although we welcome unsolicited editorial contributions, photographs ALL CLASSIFIED ADVERTS PAYABLE IN ADVANCE (inc. VAT) and artwork, we can not accept responsibility for their return. The opinions contained in the magazine are not necessarily a reflection of those held by Rate 42p per word. Bold type 44p per word after first three words. Minimum charge £7.00 per week. 1” single column box £26.00 (inclusive of the publisher, its editorial advisors or consultants. Neither does the publisher wording – Maximum 35 words). 2” single column or 1” double column box £52.00 (maximum size). Box No. £3 extra. Receipts require s.a.e. accept responsibility for claims made by those advertising in the magazine. Material in this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form Advertisements with cheques (not credit cards) payable to British Bandsman should be sent to Classified Dept., British Bandsman, without the Editor’s written permission. 66-78 Denington Road, Wellingborough, Northants. NN8 2QH to be received not later than first post on the Monday 12 days British Bandsman is published weekly and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd. before the desired publication date. Address: 66 - 78 Denington Road, Wellingborough, Northants. NN8 2QH. BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 15 BB 14-15.indd 15 03-03-2009 16:56:40 Highlights from the 2008 Brass in Concert Championship and World of Brass in Concert The Brass in Concert Championship, with the World of Brass in Concert held on the previous day, is one of the major events of the brass banding calendar. Now truly comfortable in its magnificent home venue, The Sage Gateshead, the event continues to tempt and seduce with so much on offer to whet the appetite. This set of DVDs can only bring a flavour of two complete days of brass banding but, in selecting the material, we hope that we have brought a menu that satisfies all tastes. Disc 1 starts with excerpts from the World of Brass in Concert featuring the 2007 champions Brighouse and Rastrick Band and the creativity and energy brought by Stavanger Brass Band. Following that, in order of play, are excerpts from the programmes of every band including the complete winning performance from Cory Band, all the other prize winners and finally rounding off with the winners of the 2008 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championships, Rochdale Borough Youth Band. Presented by Frank Renton who guides us, in his own inimitable way, effortlessly through this collection of highlights, this triple DVD allows you to join the sell-out crowd to enjoy the thrilling line-up of bands bringing their own unique style of entertainment. DVD 26054 £24.95 (Triple DVD) DVD 26014 £19.95 (Double DVD) DVD 26022 £24.95 (Triple DVD) DVD 26043 £24.95 WORLD OF BRASS (Triple DVD) THE HOME OF BRASS SOUND www.worldofbrass.com www.worldofbrasstunes.com Telephone order line: +44 (0)1933 445 445 All orders for UK (incl. N.I.) delivery, irrespective of size, are subject to a £2.95 postage charge. Overseas charges available on request. BB 16.indd 16 03-03-2009 16:57:30