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Issue no. 5617 – 12 June 2010

A woman of vision BB MEETS ONE OF YOUTH BANDING’S MOST INSPIRATIONAL FIGURES

BB 1.indd 1 08-06-2010 20:16:07 MAILBOX HAVE YOUR SAY

Foden’s sets the record straight Northern College of Music (RNCM) was as well ! In relation to Garry Cutt’s comments to British organised and wonderful as ever, but I do have Anyone who wonders what effect these Bandsman concerning his departure from a reservation over one section that I feel should contests have on players need only look at Foden’s Band, we can confirm that we have be addressed for next year for the good of brass young Joseph Davies, who played horn for parted company after a successful six-year bands in the future. Astley in the Junior Section. The win was clearly association. Foden’s Band does not wish In 2009, the Training section was introduced, the biggest day of his young life, and the to engage in a trial by press, but following not really as a contest but as an exhibition picture of him in BB 5610 said it all. He even sat Garry’s remarks we need to make the following feature in much the same way that minority through the Senior Section and listened with comment. Garry omitted a number of important sports are demonstrated at the Olympics. It was the trophy on his knee! Brass banding needs facts and, while he is entitled to his own a great success and four bands demonstrated that kind of enthusiasm, and never more than opinion, we deny several claims in the press the work that can be done at the very at this time. release. The reasons that led to the dismissal beginning. This year, the section was run again John Stirzaker are very clear and were discussed in detail with this time with nearly double the number bands, Cheshire Garry, so we therefore feel the matter to be fully and the standard was great. All the bands closed. It is always a difficult decision to end showed that hard work and good tuition can any partnership, especially one that has been as set very young players on a great musical road. successful as this. However, the circumstances The RNCM Concert Hall was packed for this Roadside entertainers were discussed and it was the decision of the section and the stage was full for the results or, On the long way home after attending the committee and band to part company with him. more accurately, the result. There was just one Whit Friday March contests and the Ripon Foden’s can also confirm that Alan Wycherley prize - Band of the Day. Simone Rebello and Band Entertainment Contest on the following has left the band due to Garry’s departure. Five Mark Peacock did a fantastic job in encouraging Saturday, Blendworth Band, from near weeks ago, Garry Proctor informed us that he the bands, but the single prize was a damp Portsmouth, made the weekend a full banding was leaving Foden’s due to reasons of work firework as the result was announced. I want one. After covering only about 20 miles of the and Gavin Saynor has specifically stated on a to make a plea to the organisers - please make journey home from the band’s accommodation previous press release that he has left the band this section into a rewarding contest. This due to work reasons and not due to Garry’s is arguably brass banding’s most important departure. Replacements of the above will be contest, and if we can win over beginners at announced in a separate press release. this level, the future of banding can be assured. We would like to wish the above good luck for I can’t see why prizes for the top three bands the future. can’t be found, or why Gold, Silver and Bronze Mark Wilkinson certificates can’t be awarded to the competing Foden’s Band bands. I realise that sponsorship in the current climate is difficult, but I am sure that there are Bigger youth role urged companies involved in music that must see In my role with this magazine, I always get that, if you can win young musicians over at this pleasure from the events I cover, but none more level, you may have their attention for many than youth contests. The enthusiasm and talent years to come. I feel sure there will be more in Wakefield on the Sunday morning, the coach always shine through, and results are always entrants next year, and I know the training broke down and limped into the next service received in the most sporting way, no matter band with which I am involved will probably area. What’s a band to do in that situation? Play which way they have gone. The recent National enter next year. I am also aware that for it to to the weary travellers who had stopped for a Youth Championships at ’s Royal appear on that stage will be akin to playing the break, of course! The surprised members of the public who stopped there were treated to a full re-run of the band’s programme from Ripon. Oh, and Punchinello too! More support for ‘Eurovision’ hear those contests, but coming from foreign T.A. Bushnell First of all, I want to thank you for all the work countries we can’t go to all of them. Many are Chairman - Blendworth Band you do to cover all the various championships. in my situation and I think that, if the price is I hope you can do more in the future and correct, a lot would take the opportunity to see come in person to some of the other national and hear these events like they did from the championships like those in and ‘European’. . I play with 13 Etoiles Alain Borgeat, Switzerland in Switzerland and we were delighted with your review of last year’s European and World Editor: While we aspire to provide the best championships. This year, unfortunately, we possible coverage of all banding events, the weren’t playing in the ‘European’, but your live cost of live-streaming any event to the standard streaming on the website was fantastic. It is that we covered the European Championships very expensive for us to travel to many of the is considerable and would very likely be very major events and we cannot always go to hear uneconomical in a number of cases. However, our or play at them, so I hope you will screen all experience at Linz tells us that there is a significant the main contests like the All-England Masters market for live-streamed band contests and, as International, English National, British Open and well as looking at the feasibility of other potential ANY NEWS OF YOUR OWN BAND? the National Championships of Great Britain in events in the future, it is our intention to repeat [email protected] the future. I think a lot of people would love to the exercise in Montreux next year.

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BB 2-3.indd 2 08-06-2010 20:14:48 NEWS Crisis-hit English National set to go ahead

Despite a further two withdrawals from the English National Brass Band a commitment to the nine bands that remain loyal to us and we do not Championships (sponsored by Besson), which is scheduled to take place intend to let them down. They have all committed to the championships at Preston Guild Hall on Saturday 26 June, the event’s organiser, the and we thank them for their support. I am sure that the contest will be of British Federation of Brass Bands (BFBB), has confirmed that it will go a high standard and the test-piece, Eden, will be a challenge to them all.” ahead as planned. He continued: “The event will commence at 10.00 am with a concert It was announced last week that Hepworth (Cookson Homes) and by the visiting Natural State Band from Little Rock, Arkansas, and the Fishburn bands had added their names to the list of withdrawals, leaving competition itself will start at 11.00am. Prior to the results, Black Dyke only nine competing bands from the original line-up of 16. Band, the reigning English National Champion, will give a short concert. The new English Champion will be invited to represent England at next A spokesman for the BFBB commented to British Bandsman: “We have year’s European Championships in Montreux, Switzerland.” The silvery Tay provides inspiration for Scottish Open test

In an announcement from the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA), it discharges more fresh water than any other river in Britain, equal, we are has been revealed that composer Simon Dobson’s new test-piece for the told, to the Thames and the Severn combined. The first episode of ...and Scottish Open Brass Band Championships takes its inspiration directly when the river told... takes us back to the great flood of 1209/10, and the from the city in which the event will be held, and the river that runs period when the charter was granted. The second section is inspired by through it. The event itself and the new work will form part of the Perth the Battle of North Inch, also known as the Battle of the Clans, of 1396. 800 celebrations, in which the 800th anniversary of the granting of the This was a staged battle, on what is now North Inch Park, in which 30 Royal Burgh Charter to the city by King William the Lion of Scotland in men were selected to represent the rival clans in front of spectators that 1210 will be celebrated. included Robert III and his court. The final section follows the evolution of Perth’s industrial heritage from whisky, glass and dyeing through The work’s title, ...and when the river told..., derives from Simon Dobson’s to the digital age. Each movement of the piece, which will flow in one favourite book, Siddartha, by the German writer, Hermann Hesse (1877– continuous movement lasting about 13 minutes, will begin and end with 1962), in which the main character searches for enlightenment through what the composer calls his ‘river theme’. He concluded: “My piece is meditating by a river. Last month, Simon travelled from his Plymouth going to be written from the point of view of the River Tay, which acts as home to seek inspiration from historic Perth, and he commented: “It was a narrator, the idea being that although much has changed in the city, the very worthwhile for me to see and feel the city at first hand. I looked river has always been there and has seen everything!” around the museum, sat by the Tay and walked round much of the city, as well as spending some time in the wonderful Perth Concert Hall to check ...and when the river told... was commissioned by the SBBA and will be out the acoustic.” played by all bands competing in the Scottish Open Championship on Having studied the brief for Perth 800 from “a million angles”, Simon Saturday 20 November in Perth Concert Hall, when the composer will be Dobson has selected three episodes from the annals of Perth’s history. one of the panel of adjudicators, which also includes Hannes Buchegger The city lies at the heart of Scotland close to the boundary between and Howard Snell. The work will be published by Faber Music Ltd and will Lowland and Highland and at a major crossing point of the Tay, which be available for purchase from September.

Prestigious composition award for Meechan Death of

Peter Meechan’s concerto for tuba, Episodes and Echoes, has been Kenneth Wheatley awarded the Harvey G. Phillips Award for Excellence in Composition The death has been announced of north-east banding at the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference, which was held personality, Kenneth Wheatley, former flugel horn player with recently in Arizona, USA. Crookhall Band in the 1960s and conductor of Murton Colliery, The concerto, written for tuba virtuoso, Les Neish, was included on Hetton Silver and Sacriston bands. He died on 6 June aged 78 the 2009 British Bandsman Solo CD of the Year, Salt of the Earth. Peter following treatment for cancer. His funeral, to which all friends Meechan also had works nominated for Roger Bobo Awards at the are invited, will be held at Sacriston Methodist Church at conference. Elegie was nominated in the ensemble category, while Fields 11.15am on Monday 14 June. of Destruction was nominated in the solo euphonium category. Other pieces by Dr. Meechan were also performed at the conference by James Gourlay, Jason Ham and David Thornton.

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BB 2-3.indd 3 08-06-2010 20:14:48 Black Dyke Brass Symposium

11th - 13th June, 2010 Gandhi Hall, Headingley Campus Leeds Metropolitan University and Leeds Town Hall Black Dyke Band Director of Music Dr Nicholas J. Childs Artistic Director Ian McMillan

Tickets £12 - £10 available from Leeds Town Hall Box Office 0113 224 3801 Festival Administrator, Alison Childs 01457 820138 [email protected]

Musical Director NBBA and Southern Counties 2nd Section brass band

Stantonbury Brass is the senior brass ensemble attached to the Milton Keynes Music Service (MKMS).

The band is now seeking to fill the vacant post of MD. Duties will include:

• Tuesday evening rehearsals (term time only) • Occasional extra/sectional rehearsals, leading up to contests (2 – 3 per year) • Local concerts and engagements – approx 8 per year • Possible extra work within the Music Service The successful candidate should be qualified and / or with appropriate experience of conducting a 2nd section band or above. Desirable attributes include:

• In-depth knowledge of the brass band movement • Demonstrable experience in band improvement • Motivation and enthusiasm

Auditions for this post will take place during June/July, with the successful appointee taking up the post in September.

For further information and an application form, contact the music service on 0845 200 0096 or e-mail [email protected]

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BB 4-5.indd 4 08-06-2010 20:17:04 NEWS

in a musical environment; his grandfather, Fred, plus uncles, Alex and Rex, all made their Worshipful names as musicians and conductors at the highest level. Throughout his childhood, his father, Harry, conducted, recorded, coached and rehearsed bands, as well as giving concerts throughout Britain and abroad. Martin travelled Company with him on many occasions and, as a result, brass bands became a very large part of his life. This increased with his involvement with the British Open, assisting his parents with running awards for Cobb, the contests. When Harry passed away in the early ‘90s, his wife and Martin’s mother, Margaret, continued to run the British Open with help from Martin and his wife, Karyn. The couple took control of Mortimer and running the contests in 1999, when Margaret died. Since that time, they have tried to maintain the musical quality and traditions of the ‘Open’, also revitalising and expanding the Spring Taylor Festival in Blackpool to its current 60 bands. In addition to music, Martin’s other interests include football, which he fits in when time The Worshipful Company of Musicians (WCM) Magnus: The Music of Kenneth Downie.’ permits after undertaking a full-time job and has announced that the recipients of this organising contests. year’s Iles and Mortimer medals will be Dr. ‘A music educator by profession and training, Martin Mortimer has continued the close links Stephen Cobb, Martin Mortimer and Brian in July 2006 Dr Cobb completed the degree with the Worshipful Company of Musicians Taylor. In a rare move, two Iles Medals will of Doctor of Musical Arts, in instrumental established by his parents and said that the be presented this year, with the bandmaster conducting, at Salford University. Since April contests couldn’t have achieved what they of The (ISB) and the 2001, Dr Cobb has been serving as Territorial have without his wife, Karyn, and the help organiser of the British Open Championship Music Director for the of the team of true brass band enthusiast, in both receiving the award established by John Territory, overseeing all aspects of SA musical particular Frank Hodges and Derek Atkinson. Henry Iles (Master of the WCM from1932-1933) activity. Prior to this appointment, the first The renowned cornet soloist and teacher, in recognition of services to the brass band non-Officer member to hold the prestigious Brian Taylor is this year’s recipient of the movement. position, he worked as the United Kingdom’s Mortimer Medal, Endowed at the instigation Territorial Bandmaster. of Mrs Margaret Mortimer, in memory of her Since his appointment as Bandmaster of the late husband, a Liveryman, from his Memorial ISB in 1994, Stephen Cobb has led the band ‘His innovative leadership in SA music has Fund. The Mortimer Medal is awarded annually through an exciting period of innovation brought about a renewed vigour to that great in recognition of services for the teaching of that has seen the band’s profile in the wider musical tradition, marked symbolically by the young people in the brass band movement. brass band movement significantly raised, establishment of the Territorial Youth Band Brian Taylor originated from a musical family and the WCM citation adds, ‘In that post (directed by Dr. Cobb), a group made up of the and started playing with and, until recently, as Bandmaster of Hendon finest young players in the territory. Stephen in Tyldsley. His father, Charley Taylor, was the Salvation Army Band, he has achieved the Cobb’s initial reputation was secured as a biggest influence on his development as a highest standards of musicianship and musical cornet soloist, both at Hendon and within The brass instrumentalist, taking care of his early ministry, providing outstanding models for the International Staff Band, having come from a tuition. Brian Taylor then joined Tyldsley Town worldwide Salvation Army musical fellowship. family of talented bandmasters and soloists. He Band and, from there, received an opportunity Recordings, concerts, and international tours has passed on that legacy to his own sons, who to audition for The Fairey Band on 3rd cornet, with both ensembles have received the highest have proved to be outstanding cornetists in making the two-hour journey each way to critical praise and affirmation. During his 29 their own right.’ rehearsals weekly from Tyldsley to Stockport. years’ leadership of the band at Hendon, During his 37 years with Fairey, Brian Taylor Dr. Cobb led it on eight overseas tours and The Company has decided exceptionally to has spent 20 as the band’s principal cornet, produced 15 recordings. As one of the UK award a second Iles Medal this year to Martin notching up several British Open and National Territory’s highest profile corps bands, he Mortimer for services to the brass banding Final wins, as well as a ‘European’ title. ensured that its schedule of engagements world, following in the footsteps of his father Formerly an engineer with Williams Fairey stood with equal significance alongside its and his mother, in recognition of his continuing Engineering, Brian has latterly developed a regular Sunday ministry in the local corps and work organising the British Open Brass Band successful teaching career, devoting decades community. Championships and the revival of the Spring to the teaching of young students, both within Festival Championship held in Blackpool, where the Fairey Band, Salford University, the Royal ‘The ISB’s recent appearances in major over 60 bands compete. College of Music in Manchester and, latterly, for brass banding events, including the Gala Martin Mortimer is a chartered surveyor and the music service in Chorley. Concert following the National Brass Band has been involved in the property industry When Fairey Band lost its sponsorship a decade Championships and other shared concert and since starting his career at John Lewis / ago, Brian Taylor was instrumental in grooming recording projects with Black Dyke and Cory Waitrose, assembling and building supermarket young players to help the famous ‘Fairey’ name bands have been rewarding and stimulating. and department store sites. He now undertakes to survive and maintain a position in top-flight Two recent recordings by Stephen Cobb and a variety of projects throughout the UK, from banding. He is additionally cornet tutor for the The International Staff Band have received residential and hotel schemes, to shopping National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and the notable acclaim, the double-CD, Origins and St. centres and leisure complexes. He grew up Brass Band Summer School.

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BB 4-5.indd 5 08-06-2010 20:17:04 EVENTS The best of both worlds at Durham by John Ward

by Derek Broadbent. Festival on Sunday 11 July. Described as ‘the This joyful work has classiest brass act around’, this ten-piece brass become synonymous ensemble boasts an astonishing level of brass- with the Venuzeulan playing talent including Gareth Small, principal orchestra and will be trumpet of the Hallé Orchestra, Richard Bissell heard here in a brass and Lindsay Shilling, principal horn and band arrangement for trombone respectively at the Royal Opera the first time. Michael House, and Byron Fulcher, bass trombone of Fowles commented: “We the Philharmonia Orchestra, to name just four. are delighted to have London Brass was formed in 1986 with the received this brand new purpose of promoting the virtuosity and arrangement of exciting sonority of classical chamber brass music. Many music from Derek and of the founder members already had significant are thrilled to be the first experience in this field of performance through band to perform it.” The working with the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble rest of the programme and as such, the ensemble was very quick in is to be confirmed, but making its way forward, giving concerts and audience members can producing groundbreaking recordings. be assured of hearing London Brass has a very loyal core membership, one of the world’s best and over the last two decades it has produced bands and its team recordings and concerts ranging in repertoire of star soloists in fine from the 16th century Venetian composer form. Another exciting through to Freddie Mercury. element of this concert Its appearances have been at equally varied will be the appearance venues, including the Lincoln Center in New of special guest soloist, York, a Norwegian metal furnace works and the Peter Moore. This grassy shade of a mountain tree in the Italian exceptionally talented Dolomites! young trombonist shot In London, the ensemble has appeared many to prominence when times at the Royal Albert Hall in the BBC Proms, he won the 2008 BBC the (where it resides), Two of England’s finest brass groups will Young Musician of the Year competition, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral, descend upon the picturesque city of and BB reported the release of his new solo notably for the Millennium Celebration Concert Durham next month as part of BRASS: recording on the Chandos label in last week’s and the Queens Jubilee. Durham International Festival 2010. Foden’s, issue. For more details on these concerts, see www. currently ranked as England’s top band, will The following week, London Brass will pay brass festival.co.uk or contact 0191 3324041 to be appearing at the Elvet Methodist Church a visit to the north-east to take part in the purchase tickets. on Saturday 3 July to present its own brand of brass-playing excellence. The church was opened in 1903, has capacity for 600 visitors and has been used regularly for brass band concerts, boasting a favourable acoustic for groups of this type. Foden’s will be directed on the night by its associate conductor, Michael Fowles, who will appear fresh from his successful contention at the All-England Masters International at Kettering with Co-operative FuneralCare Band. Speaking to BB, Michael revealed what visitors to Durham can expect from Foden’s at this concert: “We know that the audience in Durham is going to be very knowledgeable and have reflected this in our choices,” he said. Although not totally finalised, the band will present Smetana’s overture to The Bartered Bride and will feature its prize-winning principal euphonium player, Glyn Williams, who will perform Robert Redhead’s rarely- heard and demanding work, Euphony. Those who have witnessed the rise to prominence and international attention of the Simon Bolivar Orchestra will be interested to hear of a new arrangement of Marquez’s Danzon No.2

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BB 6-7.indd 6 08-06-2010 20:16:34 NEWS Scotland to introduce Elland Silver honoured conducting course Elland Silver Band from West Yorkshire has been announced as one of 103 UK volunteering groups to win this year’s Queen’s Award for The Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) has announced what Voluntary Service, the ‘MBE’ for volunteer organisations. The prestigious it calls an ‘unrivalled opportunity for new and aspiring brass band honour recognises outstanding contributions made to local communities conductors to develop their skills and raise their ambitions’ in a by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others and groundbreaking project that will provide training for up to 40 sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the conductors. Speaking to BB, the organisation’s Development Officer, work of those awarded being judged of the highest standard. Alan Edmond, observed: “Now that the SBBA’s Youth Development A spokesman for the band commented: “Elland Silver has received the Programme is growing, there is a shortage of conductors with Award for its work over many years by its outstanding team of volunteers appropriate skills and experience, and many established players in who provide expert musical tuition to people of all ages and backgrounds, brass bands take on the conducting role almost by default. Inspired for performing brass band music to the local and wider community, by the world-renowned coaching scheme set up by the Scottish supporting local and national charities and for continuing the heritage of Football Association, we want to provide the means for those with brass bands.” conducting aspirations to enrich enthusiasm with expertise by Winners of this year’s Award were selected from 341 groups nominated learning from the best.” by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed This new SBBA initiative, supported by the Scottish Arts Council, the benefits of a group’s work in their community. Elland Silver will has been developed in association with Alliance Education and the receive a certificate signed by Her Majesty the Queen and an exclusive University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). Securing a substantial commemorative crystal, presented by Her Majesty’s representative in West grant from the Scottish Arts Council will enable 40 successful Yorkshire, Dr. Ingrid Roscoe, at a special ceremony. The band has also applicants to benefit from the experience and skills of a quintet received an invitation for representatives to attend a Royal Garden Party at of world-class tutors for a single fee of £30. The course has been Buckingham Palace in the summer. designed by Dr. Roger Webster, distinguished cornetist, trumpeter Speaking of the band’s success, Kathleen Harrison of Elland Silver and authority on performance psychology, who commented: said: “We are thrilled to have received this prestigious honour for the “The aim of the course is to help raise the skill levels of brass band work we do in and around the Elland community. Working voluntarily conductors on a number of fronts. Approaches to band training, for the community is very worth while, it helps to keep communities musical interpretation, the motivation and management of players as together and provides the opportunity to enhance and make changes to well as concert presentation will be covered. The SBBA has identified peoples lives and wellbeing.” that the need for more conductors with appropriate musical and The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Main Award Committee Chair leadership skills will grow as its youth development programme and former broadcast journalist, Martyn Lewis CBE, added: “Outstanding continues to expand. This course offers a range of introductory volunteer groups across the UK all too often go without recognition for the modules that may lead to further focussed study.” truly amazing work they do, despite the vital part they play in helping bind The course will be delivered by Alliance Education from Perth College our communities together. It’s a great pleasure to celebrate the efforts of UHI. Dr. Sheila Lodge is Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Elland Silver Band with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and help Social Sciences for UHI, and she added: “I am delighted that we are raise awareness of all they do for the benefit of others.” working with the SBBA to make this exciting and innovative course available. UHI already offers a variety of degrees and diplomas in popular and traditional music, but this is the first time we have engaged with the Scottish brass band community, which is growing rapidly across the Highlands and Islands. We look forward very much to welcoming Dr. Webster, the tutorial team and all those taking part in what I am sure will be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.” Youth audition details announced The course is in two parts. A modular introduction, delivered The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) and the on-line, will be followed by an intensive weekend of contact National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain (NCBBGB) has announced sessions in Perth College UHI (16 & 17 October) with five of the that regional auditions for both will be held as follows: brass band community’s most distinguished high-achievers. The Royal Academy of Music, London - Sunday 20 June weekend’s conducting coach will be Allan Withington, who is widely The University of Leeds - Saturday 26 June acknowledged to be one of the brass band community’s most

inspiring developers of conducting and rehearsal technique. He will There are still a limited number of places for auditions for both the also be focussing on aspects of concert and contest preparation. Ian NYBBGB and NCBBGB and those interested should call Philip Biggs on Porthouse, conductor of the Tredegar and Hepworth bands, will be 07710 505689 for further information. leading sessions on conducting and motivating younger players. Composer, Philip Sparke, will be on hand to share with course members a range of approaches to musical interpretation, while conductor and presenter, Frank Renton, will be offering his expertise in concert presentation and adjudication. Roger Webster’s sessions will cover aspects of performance anxiety, motivation and player Tameside winners confirmed management – how to maximise the full potential of a band and the Further to last week’s Whit Friday march contest results, the overall conductor’s own performance. prizewinners in Tameside have now been confirmed as follows: Applications for places on the course are invited from conductors and 1. Fairey (Geneva) - £2,500 players of all SBBA member bands. If the course is over-subscribed, 2. Foden’s - £1,000 priority will be given to those involved in SBBA’s Youth Development 3. Leyland - £750 Programme projects. All applications are subject to a single £30 Local registration fee. The cost of the course is £280 of which £250 will be 1. Ashton-under-Lyne - £750 met through the Scottish Arts Council subsidy. Application forms are 2. Glossop Old - £600 available via the SBBA website www.sbba.org.uk or direct from Alan 3. Stalybridge Old - £400 Edmond, 16 Golf Course Road, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 8QF.

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BB 6-7.indd 7 08-06-2010 20:16:34 PROFILE

A woman of vision Rodney Newton meets Louise Renshaw and learns the history of Macclesfield Youth Brass Band

One of the most outstanding success stories impact it made on me the first time it struck up among the youth bands of today is that of with Bandology. From then on I was hooked. Macclesfield, which is only five years old but Helen’s Dad, Geoff, used to take me with his flourishing. The formation of the band was family to Poynton Band, which was conducted driven by Louise Renshaw, its co-founder and by Alan Lawton. I played solo baritone there for conductor, who hails originally from Hazel about ten years and had lessons with Les Hall, Grove and was educated at the local high alongside whom I later conducted Poynton school. She told BB, “I played the piano from Youth Band. the age of six, and I also played guitar at high “I still think of Poynton as my band, but I’ve school. When I was about 13, a great music played for lots of local bands over the years. The teacher called Helen Coll handed me a rusty old nearest I got to top level banding was a couple euphonium to try. I was given free brass lessons of recordings with Foden’s (in the vinyl days) at school and was lucky to be taught by the and I was once the only female on stage at a late, great cornet player, Norman Ashcroft. Our Men O’ Brass concert with Foden’s, Black Dyke music teacher started a little school band led and Point of Ayr (I think). It’s hard to imagine by a young cornet player called Helen Cadman today, but there were not nearly as many girls (now Helen Williams, flugel horn player with in bands in those days, in fact Poynton had Foden’s Band) who was in the year below me. more than most. I started my conducting at Our teacher sent us all to audition for a new Poynton Youth Band, where I stayed for 17 band that was being set up called Stockport years, South East Cheshire Youth for three and Schools Brass Band, and we all got in. That then Macclesfield Youth, which is now in its fifth was a real turning point. I hadn’t really heard a year, so I have been conducting for 25 years this full band before, and I can still remember the year. Every youth band that I have conducted

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BB 8-9-10-11.indd 8 08-06-2010 20:32:22 PROFILE

groups, and we find that this works well to get children started.” MYBB’s first concert was at Morton Hall, just a couple of months after it formed, and Louise invited Tony Wyatt, principal cornet from Poynton Vernon Building Society Band to be the guest soloist. She recalled, “By April of the following year, we had almost a full band and my ambition to take the band to the National Youth Brass Band Championships at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) was fulfilled. Our most pleasing contest result to date was a Silver Award at the ‘Youth Nationals’ this year. Last year, we only got a merit, so that marks a big improvement for the band. We seem to do particularly well in the youth band section on Whit Friday, winning at a number of Tameside venues each year. In the past we have entered the Action Research competition in Blackpool, Tameside Youth Contest and we came third has always rehearsed on Friday nights, and you gives them the one-to-one help that we can’t at Brighouse Youth Band Contest. Our junior can probably count the number of rehearsals always provide, and enables them to keep band has had a run of four consecutive wins that I have missed on one pair of hands.” up with our group lessons and playing in the at Newcastle-under-Lyme Music Festival in the Macclesfield Youth Brass Band (MYBB) began band.” Under 14 class, and we were proud to receive out of a strong desire to put into action a vision The band rehearses at Morton Hall in a special award for Outstanding Contribution of how a youth band should be structured Macclesfield, which was once a social club to the Community for the two years that it in order to protect its future and aid its for one of the town’s mills. The doors open was awarded at the National Youth Brass development. “I couldn’t implement these ideas at 6.00pm with the beginners’ groups and Band Championships. We started the junior at my existing band,” said Louise, “so I decided the training band, junior band is from 6.30 band about one year after formation and the to start afresh in 2005 with the support of like- to 7.30pm and youth band 7.30 to 9.30pm. beginners band two years after. Again, we got minded people. The first step was to register “Our rehearsal room has a domed roof and, a grant to upgrade our youth band instruments as a charity (even just five years ago, not many according to the acoustic engineers, had the and pass them down to start the junior band. bands would have considered doing this). This worst echo they had ever come across!” said With hindsight, I wish we had started sooner gave us a watertight constitution, which is a Louise, adding, “We have secured grants to but it just wasn’t possible. As a result, we still must if you are intending to apply for grants. install acoustic panelling to the ceiling and one have a slight crossover of players in both the We also joined the Youth Federation to ensure wall but it is still pretty ‘ringy’. The location, junior and youth bands which we should that we adopted good practice in the areas however, was an important factor for us at the eliminate soon. I would love to see all three of Child Protection, Health and Safety and outset. We wanted to be near the town centre sections appearing at the ‘Youth Nationals’ next Financial Probity. We were awarded a start-up to be as accessible as possible.” year. grant of £7,000 from the Local Network Fund, The organisation has five trustees, one of “We have a rolling programme of recruitment which got us off the ground and enabled whom, Rachel Holt, has just been co-opted of absolute beginners around the local junior us to buy enough second hand instruments last month. The rest have been on board schools. We only charge about £1 a week to furnish the core of the band. Our policy since the beginning of the project. Louise for tuition and an instrument, so it isn’t that has always been to buy good quality used revealed, “It was my good friend, Liz Hudson, difficult to attract new members. Parents are instruments, and we have made our money go who persuaded me to take the plunge, and I extremely impressed at the value-for-money a long way thanks to the Internet and e-bay! wouldn’t have done it without her on board and at how quickly their children start to We also ran an ‘instrument amnesty’ which from the start. For most people, being the progress. From the outset, the players are brought in a number of instruments that treasurer of this busy organisation would be involved in performing and are engaged in a people had tipped out of their lofts and were enough, but this is just a fraction of the work variety of musical activities. At our beginners happy to donate to the new venture. Some she undertakes - everything from managing the workshop the children are taught singing, members of my previous band joined the new beginners section to making the uniforms and marching and rhythm games - much more than outfit and the rest were recruited through lots more in between. Our Chairman is Mark just blowing their instruments. Most recently, a relentless PR campaign, documenting our Taylor and our other trustee is Cheryl Slamon, our beginners entered the ‘Youth Nationals’. every move through press releases in the local who conducts the junior band. Some had only been playing a few weeks and paper. We left no stone unturned and contacted “It is a relatively small management team, we found themselves rehearsing for their first-ever every teacher we could find. Then some of all have different strengths and it works really performance at the RNCM. It is also important our more unusual projects started to get us well. However, we have had to assess our ever- that the beginners see our other bands so that noticed in the local community, particularly increasing workload and delegate non-trustee they know what they are aiming for, and we our collaboration with the local hospital where work to willing volunteers, of which we have do two concerts a year where all the members we helped children with severe asthma to take many. Lots of mums and dads play a crucial role perform together. To keep children interested up a brass instrument. The results that the in keeping the organisation moving forward, you have to make the time to talk to them hospital recorded were extremely impressive, and everyone’s help is greatly appreciated. and listen to them. You can often respond in with children reporting less days off school Interestingly, only two of the trustees are brass a way that makes a big difference, a recent and reduced medication after they had started banders, Cheryl and me. We now have a team example being that of a young trombonist who to play. We have done many other projects to of about ten tutors for our beginners section. was thinking of giving up. We noticed that he help children with special needs; probably the These are a combination of parents who have had an interest in playing the bass, and so we most important at the moment is our scheme let slip that they can read music, and some of quickly gave him the opportunity to do so. Now for subsidising private lessons for children with our older players who want to put something all thoughts of leaving have disappeared and either a disability or learning difficulty. This back. They work in pairs taking beginners he’s progressing rapidly. We get the players

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BB 8-9-10-11.indd 9 08-06-2010 20:32:26 PROFILE

involved in lots of ways; we’ve just consulted them on what they think about their uniforms, and those with the best input have been drafted onto a team to look at designing new ones for the band. We try to make rehearsals fun, play music that is not only the right standard for them but that they will like. I do think that, especially with teenagers, you have to give and take. They sometimes struggle to fit in everything they want to do and you have to compromise a bit if you want to keep them at all. For example, if one of the girls never gets to go to her friends’ Friday night ‘sleepovers’ because of band practise, she’ll start to resent band. In a case like that, we would let them go to the sleepovers, get it out of their system and, hopefully, we would find that they then happily carried on with the band.” Although MYBB is only five years old, it has already begun to spread its wings and be heard outside the local area. Louise revealed, “We have been asked to play further afield, but we have a busy diary and give priority to the jobs that are local to us. We have, however, enjoyed two successful tours abroad to Paris help bring the community together and give right opportunities at the right time. and Holland, and we are going to Belgium in the people there something to do that would “I think bands should work together more 2011. We are self-financing through members’ build confidence and relationships within it. Liz for the greater good, as they do tend to be subscriptions and engagements. Members pay Hudson and I started it, and again, we bought a inward-looking, but as the world around us £20 per term three times per year, and we have number of instruments on e-bay to get it going. has changed, bands have to adopt change too. been successful in applying for a wide range of Liz is currently taking the community band An example of this is our local bandstand in grants, which have helped us to purchase most every Wednesday night, and it will make its first South Park, Macclesfield. Both MYBB and one of our instruments and equipment. We identify public appearances this summer. We now have other band have played on it once in the past a need within the organisation and then find about a dozen regular attendees; some of them five years, so this year, we have coordinated a a grant body to help us achieve it. An example are teenagers, others are involved with the season of regular Sunday afternoon concerts of this was when we identified a shortage of trombone players, mainly due to the fact that we couldn’t start beginners because of the size ...giving as many children as possible issue (small children can’t reach the lower slide the opportunity to play positions). We then discovered alto trombones and applied for a grant, and now have eight alto school in some way. One of the teenagers has over the summer. This combined approach is trombones for beginners. We also now have a also joined MYBB and is really doing well.” much more powerful; the project has attracted fundraising committee that helps raise money In recognition of her outstanding contribution more sponsorship and it is just as easy to for our trips abroad.” to the local community, Louise was made a Paul promote a whole season as one concert. We In addition to MYBB and its satellite groups, Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation. Looking believe that it will result in better audiences as Louise has also been involved in setting up a ahead to the future, she commented, “There people get to know that it is a regular thing. So, band project on an estate in a deprived area. are lots of areas for development. Running a for me, it is about the promotion of banding in She explained, “It started with a governor at a youth band is totally different to running an general and most specifically giving as many school on the Moss Rose estate in Macclesfield adult band; you have to plan for the inevitable children as possible the opportunity to play. I asking if I could help to get music into the departure of players each year who reach think the social benefits of banding are just as school. I recommended the Wider Opportunities leaving age, and you really need a wide base important as the musical ones. So many youth scheme and the school acted on my suggestion. of players coming in at the bottom to keep organisations are exclusive, particularly in sport However, some of the adults decided that a filling up the gaps. I want to see us continue to and music which involve expensive lessons to band could be just what the estate needed to develop exciting partnerships with bands and get participants to the standard required. MYBB individual musicians to expose our members just wants people to turn up regularly and do to experts from the brass band culture as their best. I think that the social benefits of they progress through our organisation. So young people engaging in music, or engaging far we have run training events with Foden’s, in anything, is the most important achievement. Fairey and Leyland, all of which have been For MYBB, I realised my ambition this year with very productive. We also invite guest soloists a Silver award, but obviously I would love to go to perform with us, and our next event of this one better. I want to see the band continue to nature is a percussion workshop with Simone thrive and grow, I don’t have a limit in mind for Rebello in September. It is often very difficult the number of children we could be teaching. for people heavily involved in banding to give I think we have a successful formula, it is just a even more of their time to help youth bands, question of space and time.” so every little bit of help is appreciated. As an independent band, we hope that our players Visit www. mybb.org.uk for more information will continue to play with adult bands, both about MYBB or www.southparkbandstand.org.uk locally and beyond, and it is in all our interests for more information about South Park bandstand to make sure that young players are given the concerts.

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BB 8-9-10-11.indd 10 08-06-2010 20:32:32 RANKINGS WORLD RANKINGS

The Latest World of Brass – British Bandsman Rankings see no changes at the top following the recent round of contests, but the results at the Spring Festival and the All-England Masters International see signifi cant movements for Tredegar and Co-operative FuneralCare following their respective victories. The next noteworthy contest on the horizon is the English National Championship at Preston, at which Foden’s will be looking to consolidate its second position in the rankings against last year’s winner of the event, Black Dyke. The next update will follow that battle, the winner of which will go on to represent England at next year’s European Championships. The other contests held since the last update are: Senior Trophy – won by Woodfalls; Senior Cup – won by Beaumaris; German National Championship – won by 3BA Brass; East Anglia BBA – won by Ipswich and Co-op; SCABA Entertainment – won by Friary Guildford; Weston-super-Mare – won by Rogerstone; Northern Counties BBA – won by Kirkintilloch Kelvin; Ebbw Vale – won by BTM; German National Entertainment – won by Soli Brass.

Pos 12 June 2010 TOTAL 62 Concord Denmark 24.80 -4 1 Cory Wales 1,788.98 - 63 Co-operative Milnrow North West 23.89 +3 2 Foden’s North West 1,112.83 - 64 Bon-Accord Scotland 23.78 -1 3 Black Dyke Yorkshire 1,065.41 - 65 Molde Brass Band Norway 23.32 -6 4 Grimethorpe Colliery Yorkshire 881.42 - 66 Dalmellington Scotland 23.13 +15 5 Eikanger-Bjørsvik Norway 445.76 - 67 Aveley & Newham London & SC 23.02 -2 6 Brighouse and Rastrick Yorkshire 438.94 - 68 Staff ordshire Midlands 23.01 +26 7 Tredegar Wales 400.55 +2 69 James Madison University USA 22.81 -8 8 Leyland North West 318.71 -1 70 Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel Yorkshire 22.39 -3 9 Rothwell Temperance Yorkshire 276.49 -1 71 Sovereign Brass Midlands 22.17 - 10 Co-operative FuneralCare Scotland 242.56 +7 72 Woodfalls West 20.91 +2 11 Stavanger Norway 211.38 - 73 Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan A Switzerland 20.75 -9 12 Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Yorkshire 208.68 +1 74 Ashton-under-Lyne North West 18.77 -2 13 Brass Band Oberösterreich Austria 206.92 -3 75 Brass Band USA 17.70 -7 14 Fairey (Geneva) North West 202.75 -2 76 Gunnedah Shire Band 17.05 -7 15 Desford Colliery Midlands 180.07 -1 77 Noord Limburgse Belgium 16.62 -4 16 Brass Band Treize Etoiles Switzerland 171.33 -1 78 Unison Kinneil Scotland 15.25 +5 17 Reg Vardy North 164.49 -1 79 Warringah Concert Brass Australia 15.21 -4 18 Hepworth (Cookson Homes) Yorkshire 152.96 - 80 Aeolus 14.66 -10 19 Brass Band Willebroek Belgium 150.42 - 81 Blackburn & Darwen North West 14.51 -3 20 Whitburn Scotland 149.99 - 82 Brisbane Brass Australia 14.51 -6 21 BTM Wales 142.25 +1 83 Brass Band of Central Florida USA 14.47 -6 22 Tongwynlais Temperance Wales 140.23 +7 84 Windcorp Sweden 14.46 -5 23 Buizingen Belgium 122.97 -2 85 Newtongrange Silver Scotland 14.15 -3 24 Kirkintilloch Scotland 122.06 -1 86 Woolston Brass 13.92 -6 25 Flowers West 117.67 +1 87 Thoresby Colliery Midlands 13.55 -1 26 Fountain City Brass Band USA 113.74 -2 88 Point of Ayr Wales 13.06 -3 27 Hammonds Saltaire Yorkshire 104.38 -2 89 Pontardulais Wales 12.89 -5 28 Pemberton Old Wigan DW North West 103.20 +6 90 Newbridge Celynen Wales 11.92 -3 29 Virtuosi GUS Midlands 99.06 -1 91 Powerfuel Hatfi eld Colliery Yorkshire 11.65 -1 30 Manger Musikklag Norway 90.39 -3 92 Oldham Band (Lees) North West 11.32 -3 31 Redbridge Brass London & SC 68.78 +11 93 Drogheda Brass Band Ireland 11.26 -5 32 Wingates North West 65.11 -1 94 Bayerische Brassband Akademie (3BA) 10.77 +16 33 Brass Band Rijnmond Netherlands 62.99 -3 95 Stockholm Brass Band Sweden 10.56 -4 34 Mount Charles West 61.47 -1 96 Freckleton North West 10.31 - 35 Valaisia Brass Band Switzerland 61.29 -3 97 Metropole Brass Band Belgium 10.21 +6 36 Brass Band de Wâldsang Netherlands 48.31 -1 98 Barton Town North 10.19 -5 37 Brisbane Excelsior Australia 47.04 - 99 Wakefi eld Metropolitan Yorkshire 10.18 -7 38 Brass Band Fribourg Switzerland 46.93 -2 100 NASUWT Riverside North 10.11 -5 39 Northop Wales 46.18 -1 101 Wrexham Brass Wales 10.06 - 40 Beaumaris Wales 44.70 -1 102 Felling North 9.50 -3 41 Camborne Town West 42.36 -1 103 Brass of the Potomac USA 9.37 -6 42 Wire Brass North West 39.56 +11 104 Atlantic Brass Band USA 9.23 -4 43 Krohnengen Norway 38.42 -2 105 Bazuin-Oenkerk Netherlands 9.23 - 44 Brass Band Schoonhoven Netherlands 36.59 +93 106 Brass Band Berneroberland Switzerland 8.99 -8 45 Ila Brass Norway 36.43 -2 107 Co-operative Crewe North West 8.86 -3 46 Oslofj orde Brass Norway 35.67 -2 108 Dalewool Auckland Brass New Zealand 8.76 -6 47 Lyngby Taarbaek Denmark 34.20 - 109 Parc & Dare Wales 8.36 -1 48 Festival Brass Band Belgium 34.00 -3 110 Jaren Hornmusikkforening Norway 8.12 -4 49 Kingdom Brass Scotland 33.95 +1 111 1st Old Boys Association Silver N. Ireland 8.10 +1 50 Marsden Silver Yorkshire 33.71 -2 112 St. Dennis West 8.07 -3 51 Burry Port Town Wales 33.59 -5 113 Stannington Brass Yorkshire 7.73 -2 52 Newstead Brass Midlands 32.21 +5 114 City of Holroyd Australia 7.55 -1 53 Kew Band Melbourne Australia 30.65 -4 115 Kirkintilloch Kelvin Brass Scotland 7.55 +10 54 Fishburn North 29.73 +6 116 Friary Guildford London & SC 7.53 +26 55 Nord-Pas-de-Calais France 29.71 -4 117 Jaguar (Coventry) Midlands 7.38 +9 56 EYMS North 29.51 -1 118 Laganvale (Metal Technology) N. Ireland 7.29 -3 57 Skelmanthorpe Yorkshire 28.91 -3 119 City of Cardiff (Melingriffi th) Wales 7.15 +10 58 Burgermusik Luzern Switzerland 28.83 -6 120 Ratby Co-operative Midlands 7.13 -4 59 Oslo Brass Band Norway 25.81 -3 121 Sandefj ord Brass Symposium Norway 7.07 -7 60 Cwmaman Institute Wales 25.69 +2 122 Tylorstown Wales 6.94 +8 61 Zone One Brass London & SC 25.67 +46 123 Soli Brass Netherlands 6.94 +10

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BB 8-9-10-11.indd 11 08-06-2010 20:32:49 BRASS ROOTS

The Northern Counties Brass Band Andrew Duncan and Kingdom Brass scored a significant victory in the first semi-final of the West Association Entertainment Contest took Lothian Festival of Brass at Howden Park Centre in Livingston last Sunday evening (6th), with a place on Sunday 23 May, when Championship narrow win over the new All-England Masters International Champion, Co-operative FuneralCare Section Kirkintilloch Kelvin headed the prize list (Michael Fowles) and Bon Accord Silver (Richard Evans). under Gareth Bowman. Kingdom Brass’s programme comprised A Caledonian Fanfare (Lynsey Paterson arr. Duncan), The results were: Concerto for Trumpet (Harry James arr. Howarth – trumpet soloist: Eoin Tonner), HRH The Duke of 1. Kirkintilloch Kelvin (Gareth Bowman) 187 Cambridge (Malcolm Arnold arr. Duncan), Tonight (Leonard Bernstein arr. Freeh), Keystone Cops (Carl 2. Arbroath Instrumental (Michael Robertson) Davis arr. Littlemore), Alloway Tales (Peter Graham), Clair de Lune (Debussy arr. Duncan), Reunion 186 and Finale from Gettysburg (Randy Edelman arr. Duncan). 3. Broxburn and Livingston (Charlie Farren) 183 Co-operative FuneralCare performed Into The Light (Philip Wilby), Brasilia (Robin Dewhurst – 4. Renfrew Burgh (David Hutcheson) 181 trombone solo: Paul Kiernan), Toccata from Cats Tales (Peter Graham), Eyes of a Child (Jalkeus arr. 5. Granite City Brass (Lt. Col. Robert Owen) 179 Westbye – flugel horn solo: Caroline Farren), The Dreaded Groove and Hook (Simon Dobson), The 6. City Of Discovery (Scott Barker) 177 Way We Were (Marvin Hamlisch arr. Snell), The Enigma Machine (Paul Lovatt-Cooper). 7. Tayport Instrumental (Frank Culross) 175 Bon Accord Silver’s third-placed programme comprised Enter The Galaxies (Paul Lovatt-Cooper), 8. Perthshire Brass (George Annan) 174 When The Stars Begin to Fall (Fred J. Allen arr. McKnight), Where Our Flag Waves (Strauss arr. Sandy Best 1st Section: Arbroath Instrumental Smith), Razzazza Mazzazza (Arthur Pryor arr. Smith), A Spin Through Moscow (Shostakovitch arr. Best 2nd Section: Granite City Brass Westwood), Benidictus from The Armed Man (Karl Jenkins arr. Small), Seize the Day (Peter Graham). Best 3rd Section: Renfrew Burgh The adjudicator was Nigel Seaman. Best 4th Section: Tayport Instrumental This weekend will see Kirkintilloch, Whitburn and Clackmannan District bands fighting it out for a Most Entertaining Programme: Arbroath place in the final on the evening of Sunday 27 June. Instrumental Best Percussion: Arbroath Instrumental Best Soprano: Arbroath Instrumental Soloist Award: Arbroath Instrumental Winning Conductor: Gareth Bowman Highest Placed Northern Counties Band: Arbroath Instrumental Highest Placed Non-Northern Counties Band: Kirkintilloch Kelvin

During a concert by Brighouse and Rastrick Band at St. Matthew’s Church, Rastrick on Saturday 15 May, Sheridan Fryer was awarded the Huddersfield Brass Band Association 50 Years Service to Banding medal. Alan Kaye, President of the Huddersfield Brass Band Association presented Sheridan with the award (pictured) Sheridan Fryer first started playing the trumpet at age 11. However, a work colleague of his father, Ellery Ainley, who played principal cornet with Lockwood Band, was persuaded to give Sheridan some lessons and advised him to take up the cornet. Having played in the band at Colne Valley High School, he decided to join Lockwood Band in 1958 on 2nd cornet. The bandmaster there was Albert Robinson who, incidentally, had played with Brighouse and Rastrick in 1946. Sheridan said: “At rehearsals, Albert would play cornet and conduct at the same time and, to my amazement, would do so at contests as well.” After four years with Lockwood Band, Sheridan was asked to join Linthwaite Band and spent the next seven years playing 1st baritone and then solo euphonium under the conductor, John Willie Morley. In 1969, Sheridan joined Brighouse and Rastrick on 2nd baritone. The bandmaster at the time was Jim Hickman, a great band trainer and man of dour wit. After a short spell on euphonium, Sheridan spent the next nine years on 1st baritone. Notable successes were gained at the 1969 National Championship conducted by Walter Hargreaves and in 1973 with James Scott at the helm, the 1975 Granada Band of the Year with James Scott and the 1978 British Open Championship conducted by Geoffrey Brand. Arguably the most famous event in the band’s history came in 1977 with The Floral Dance arranged and conducted by Derek Broadbent. With an appearance on Top of the Pops and several TV shows, these were heady days. In 1980, Sheridan had a break from banding when his children, James and Lindsay, were young. However, in 1983, he was persuaded to join Lindley Band conducted by his good friend Neil Jowett. There he played solo euphonium until 1989 when he rejoined Brighouse and Rastrick. Since returning on 2nd euphonium he has also played 1st and 2nd baritone. A real purple patch came in 1998 when, under professional conductor, Allan Withington, the band became English Masters, European and National champion. Sheridan Fryer has spent more than 50 years in banding, over 30 of which have been with Brighouse and Rastrick. He has now retired from playing but has taken on the role of music librarian and his wife, Mary, is also involved with the band’s supporters group. They both intend to continue service to B&R for as long as they are able.

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BB 12-13.indd 12 08-06-2010 20:33:15 BRASS ROOTS

The recent Weston-super-Mare Contest saw After a number of years playing at the Unitarian Church in Torquay town centre, Torbay Brass victory go to Rogerstone Band, following a Band has moved into new premises. The band has relocated to use the facilities of the Chelston performance of Philip Sparke’s Land of the Long Methodist Church, Old Mill Road, Torquay. Chairman of the band, David Wilkinson, commented: White Cloud that caught the ear of adjudicator, “The decision to move was really forced upon us when the company, whose car park we used, left . Cinderford’s performance of the area and parking became a problem. The new bandroom is ‘lively’ to play in but we shall be Pageantry by Herbert Howells saw it take working to deal with that in the days ahead. We are, however, looking forward to the future, both victory in Section 2, while the 3rd Section for the premises and for the band itself. We have had a difficult time of late, with players leaving title went to Daventry Brass playing Music and it is not easy to replace quality players or even just to fill the vacant seat, but the rmeaining for a Festival, also by Philip Sparke. Victory in players have kept going and we managed to recruit a full trombone section, all spanking new to the 4th Section went to Totnes Town with its brass banding but good players and keen. Also, we have recruited an, Eb bass player so maybe performance of Saint-Saëns Variations, again by things are changing for the good already.” Philip Sparke. Rehearsals for the band stay the same on Monday and Friday nights commencing at 8.00pm and The results were: any players wishing to join or go along for a blow are welcome. Further information can be found Championship/1st Section on the band website at www.torbaybrassband.com. Torbay’s sister band, Torbay Concert Brass, has 1. Rogerstone also relocated to the same premises and its Wednesday night rehearsal times remain the same. 2. Milton Keynes Brass 3. Bedworth Brass 4. STORM Brass 5. Lympstone South West Telecom Norman Jones was for many years the secretary of the British Federation of Brass Bands (BFBB) 6. Kidlington Concert Brass and worked tirelessly for the organisation and brass banding in general. He was responsible for 7. Yeovil Town setting up the Fedsure insurance scheme that has benefited many bands up and down the country Best Cornet: Matt Ball (Milton Keynes) and is a lasting legacy of his work. 2nd Section Following his untimely death while on holiday in 2007, the BFBB was informed that it and its 1. Cinderford member bands would benefit from a large sum of money that Norman had bequeathed in his will. 2. Blaenavon Town A trust fund of £62,500 has now been set up for member bands of the BFBB, and applications are 3. Forest of Dean Brass invited from bands and individuals. The trustees of the fund will be the Chairman, Secretary and 4. East and Kingswood Treasurer of the BFBB (the personnel will change if, and when, the officers change). In the event 5. City of Bristol of one of the trustees declaring an interest in an application, two other members of the BFBB 6. Crosskeys Executive Committee will be co-opted onto the panel to assess the application. 7. Ynyshir Under the terms of the trust, funding could be provided for the following BFBB activities: Best Euphonium: Anthony Murrell (Cinderford) • Registry system improvements 3rd Section • Brass Band Archive support 1. Daventry Brass • Administration support 2. Bream Silver For member bands to apply to the trust the following criteria will be used: 3. Avonbank (Evesham) Brass • New music commissions, especially from new or young composers 4. Chalgrove • Working with other art forms and in particular, to fund capital items 5. Torbay Brass • Working with disadvantaged groups Best Bass Section: Daventry Brass • Assistance for students to help with musical education 4th Section • Projects which will have a lasting effect on the brass band 1. Totnes Town movement/applicants 2. Malvern Hills and District Brass Individuals applying for grants from the trust must prove that they are members of a BFBB member 3. Abertillery and District Youth band. It is unlikely that 100 percent funding would be given to applications, but amounts awarded 4. Newport Borough will depend on the quality of the application and the funds available at the time. Applications will Best Soloist: Liz Wood (soprano - Totnes Silver) be assessed quarterly and will need to be submitted by 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 Adjudicators: Peter Bassano (Championship/1st December. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the application within four weeks of and 2nd Sections) and C. Brian Buckley (3rd and the above dates and the decision of the trustees is final. All applications should be sent to Carol 4th Sections). Tattersfield, BFBB Secretary, Unit 12 Maple Estate, Stocks Lane, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 2BL.

Players from Newhall Band - Patricia Woodings, Shiela Dixon, Jo Priestley and Sharron Timperley-Smith - won first prize in the open brass ensemble class by playing Peter Graham’s quartet, Timepiece on the second day of the 27th Coalville Festival of Music held, at Newbridge High Shool on Saturday 15 May. Shiela Dixon commented: “it is a wonderful piece but not easy to play, so we put in many hours of practise. We all enjoyed the day and are delighted that the hard work paid off.” Shiela and Jo also won first prize in the open brass duet class with Gordon Langford’s cornet and euphonium duet, Foxtrot Between Friends. Patricia and husband, Peter Woodings, came a close second playing Will o’ the Wisp by H. Round on tenor horn and cornet.

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BB 12-13.indd 13 08-06-2010 20:33:15 WIRELESS BRASS PROFESSIONAL NETWORK We take every possible precaution to ensure the accuracy of P to Z DENNIS WILBY. Conductor and Adjudicator. “Marden” 83 the details given below. However, we cannot be responsible for Lion House Park, Mill Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2SE. changes to stated times or running order. Tel/Fax. (01323) 449083. RICHARD PHILLIPS. Dip RCM, ARCM. Conductor, Adjudicator, (Mobile) 07762 889520. Composer, Arranger. 161 Butland Road Thursday, 17 June, 2130-2200. BBC Radio 2 Email: [email protected] Listen to the Band. Frank Renton presents a session by Cory Band Oakley Vale, Corby, Northants, NN18 8FN recorded just after it had successfully defended its European title in Tel:Tel: 01536 741447 Mob: (07905) 383645. DR. KEITH M. WILKINSON. 4120 Meadow Knoll Road, Linz this year. The band, with conductor Robert Childs, played at the Email: [email protected] Delaware, OH 43015, USA. Gala Concert. We hear original music by Philip Wilby, a Glenn Miller Tel./Fax. 00 1 740 879 3789. medley and the stunning tenor horn playing of Owen Farr in his own STEVE PRITCHARD-JONES. FTCL LTCL DipMusEd G.Mus www.alumcreekmusic.com arrangement of the finale of one of Haydn’s cello concertos. We also LDBBA QTS. Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher Email: [email protected] hear from the host, Brass Band Oberösterreich, which has confirmed its 12 Greenacre Road, Copthorne, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, presence on the European scene with its best competition placing so JOHN WINTERFLOOD. ARCM, LGSM, Conductor and SY3 8LR. Tel: 01743 270489 07834 855064 far. Adjudicator. 103 Drove Road, Swindon, Wilts. SN1 3AE Email: [email protected] Tel. (01793) 421511. Listen to the Band is also available all week via Radio 2’s website Web: www.stevepritchardjones.com CHRISTOPHER WORMALD. Conductor, Adjudicator, www.bbc.co.uk/radio2. Click on the playback section to hear the show, Arranger, Horn Soloist, ‘Steinbach’ 42 Sandileigh Drive, on demand, for a week following transmission. DAVID READ MBE. FLCM, FTCL, LRAM. Conductor and Adjudicator. 19 Arundel Road, Hartford, Huntingdon, Cambs. Sandfield Park, Bolton BL1 8UF. Tel/Fax. (01204) 307555. Email: [email protected] World of Brass Radio. John Maines introduces a weekly one-hour PE29 1YW. Tel. (01480) 451252. programme of the best of international banding. Commencing on Fridays, the rolling programme of the most recent four shows can be JOHN ROBERTS. conductor, adjudicator (member of ABBA) ORGANISATIONS accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year on 17 Belfry Court, Outwood, Wakefield WF1 3TY www.worldofbrass.com (then click on the WOB Radio link) or Tel 01924 871413 Mobile 0773 672 1939 BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN BANDS. www.worldofbrass.com/wobradio Email: [email protected] Secretary: Mike Priscott,

This week’s programme includes: Boscombe Band of The Salvation 370 Bloomfield Rod. Bath BA2 2PD 01225 832041 Army (Howard Evans): Croydon Citadel (Boon); Foden’s (Russell Gray): MARK SCOTT. Composing and Arranging Email: [email protected] Light Cavalry (Suppé); Black Dyke (Nicholas Childs): So Deep Is the Night Telephone mobile: 07595917466 (Chopin - soloist: David Thornton), Whirlwind (Graham - soloist: Roger Email: [email protected] THE ASSOCIATION OF BRASS BAND ADJUDICATORS. Webster); Eminence Brass: Divertimento for Brass Quartet (Sparke); Website: www.juicybrainsmusic.co.uk Secretary: C. Brian Buckley, Sunderland Monkwearmouth Band of The Salvation Army (Nicholas 81 Galbalfa Road, Sketty, Swansea. SA2 8ND. Hall): The New Covenant (Curnow); Cory (Robert Childs): Concert Etude NIGEL G. SEAMAN. ARMCM, ARNCM, Conductor, Teacher and Tel: 01792 205896 Website: www.abbadjudicators.org.uk (Goedicke - soloist: Michelle Ibbotson), Cops and Robbers (W. Hogarth Adjudicator. 3 Garth View, Bedwas, Caerphilly, CF83 8EW. Lear); International Staff Band of The Salvation Army (Stephen Cobb): Tel. (02920) 851198 or Mobile. (07779) 329446. THE BRITISH FEDERATION OF BRASS BANDS. Canadian Folk Song Suite (Calvert); of The National Office, Unit 12, Maple Estate, Stocks Lane, Barnsley, Email: [email protected] Salvation Army (Ken Waterworth): Deep River (W. Broughton). South Yorkshire. S75 2BL. Tel. (01226) 771015. Fax: (01226) 771482. Website: www.bfbb.co.uk Local Radio for next week ROY SPARKES. MISM, TECH(CEI) MIE, Conductor, Adjudicator, Sunday, 13 June, 1905-2000. Sounds of Brass. FM frequencies: NABBC and ABBA member. CHARLES CROSS MUSIC SCHOOL. Correspondence courses Bristol 94.9, Cornwall 95.2, Devon 103.4, Gloucestershire 104.7, 76 Lear Drive, Wistaston, Crewe, Cheshire, CW28DS. in arranging for brass band and BA (Hons) degree foundation Guernsey 93.2, Jersey 88.8, Swindon 103.6, Wiltshire 104.3. Tel. 01270-569290. Mobile. 07788 166777. course. Advanced tuition in all brass instruments. Telephone Available on the World Wide Web at 1905 British time or at any time for Email: [email protected] seven days after the broadcast. To hear the programme, access Tony Evans on (01752) 263069 or 07966 370962. www.bbc.co.uk/devon and click onto Listen Live or Listen Again. RAYMOND TENNANT. DRSAM, Dip.NCOS. Conductor and EUROPEAN BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION. Ajudicator. 1 Newark Drive, Paisley. PA2 8NU. Phillip Hunt presents a programme of brass band recordings and Ulf E Rosenberg, President EBBA news. This week’s edition includes: Black Dyke (Nicholas Childs): Exeter Tel. (0141) 589 6466 or 07860 102708 (mobile). Mobile 47/92 86 63 00, Tel. O 47/51 50 18 26 Temple (Condon); Cory (Robert Childs): The Lincoln Imp (Fernie), Mr. Øvre Strandgate 75 Fax O 47/51 89 30 05 Sandman (Ballard arr. Fernie - quartet: Tom Hutchinson, Christopher STEPHEN TIGHE. ARCM, MLIA (dip), FPC, LDBBA, Conductor, N-4005 Stavanger, Norway Turner, Darren Thomas, Seamus Gallagher); Household Troops Band of Band Trainer, Adjudicator. 46 West Street, Geddington, Email: [email protected] The Salvation Army (John Mott): The Better World (Bearcroft - soloist: Kettering , Northants, NN14 1BD Internet: www.ebba.eu.com Christian Marklew); Heritage Quartet (James Scott): Euryanthe (Weber) Email: [email protected] (Huug Steketee, James Shepherd, Lyndon Baglin, William Rushworth); 07970 458079 (mobile). NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRASS BAND CONDUCTORS. Fountain City Brass (Joseph Parisi): Prelude: The 49th Parallel (Vaughan Secretary: Ted Howard, 30 Havant Road, Horndean, Hampshire. Williams arr. Douglas), Xylophonia (Green arr. Snell); Malaguena BARRY THOMPSON. Conductor, Adjudicator, ABBA member PO8 0DT. Tel. 023 9259 8162. Email: [email protected]. (Lecuona arr. Harrelson - soloists: Tim Thomas and Karen Zawacki). 15 Hall Park Avenue, Crofton, Wakefield, NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND of GREAT BRITAIN. Requests and comments are welcome at e-mail: West Yorks., WF4 1LT. Tel. (01924) 863523 or 07773 950964 Philip Biggs, Administrator, 2 The Coppice, Impington, [email protected] ROGER B. WEBSTER. 92 Bence Lane, Cambridge, CB4 4PP. Tel/Fax (01223) 234090. Monday, 14 June, 2100-2200. Manx Radio Darton, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. S75 5DA. Email: [email protected] Time for Brass. Frequencies 97.2, 89 and 103.7 FM and 1368 AM Tel/Fax 01226 388806. Mobile 07973 157907 Website: www.bandstand.demon.co.uk and worldwide on www.manxradio.com Email: [email protected]. Click on Listen FM or Listen AM for the programme at the time of SOUTHERN COUNTIES AMATEUR BANDS ASSOCIATION. broadcast or on Listen Again for a week following transmission. MELVIN WHITE. GLCM, LTCL, ARCM, Conductor and Secretary and Contest Manager: Ian Carter, 10 Church Ian Cottier presents a programme of brass band music and comment. Adjudicator. 25 Sinclair Way, Darenth, Nr Dartford, Kent Road, West Drayton, Middx. UB7 7PT. Tel: (01895) 420007 Repeat Professional Cards from 29 May, 2010 DA2 7JS. Tel. (01322) 293230 (home). 07802 796630 (mobile). Email: [email protected]

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BandsBRITISH man CDs the leading international brass magazine A list of forthcoming events that have been advertised in British Bandsman. The leading international brass band magazine Incorporating Brass MIDLAND CD Band News, British Mouthpiece and International Bandsman JUNE We hold one of the world’s largest selections of brass & military band CDs including most BB-reviewed CDs. Managing Director Trevor Caffull 11 - 13 - Leeds. Black Dyke Brass Symposium, Ghandi Hall, Leeds Metropolitan University and Leeds Town Hall. Order on-line at www.ukcd.net Finance Director E-mail: [email protected] Beverley Phillips 13 - Brighton. BrassFusion (10-piece and quartet), 4.00pm, Chapel North. Tel: 0044 (0) 121 244 4605 or 6 Editor Fax: 0044 (0) 121 680 9018 18 - 20 - Elgin. Scottish International Festival of Trumpets, see www.sift-uk.com for more details. Kenneth Crookston Associate Editor 19 - Beverley. Brighouse and Rastrick Band, 7.30pm, Beverley Minster. INSURANCE Professor Philip Wilby 19 - Treorchy. Upper Rhondda Brass Band 2nd solo and quartet contest. Contact 01442 775804. Features Editor Brass Band Rodney Newton 26 - Dudley. Cory Band, 7.30pm, Dudley Concert Hall. Insurance Services 312 High Street, Harlington, Hayes, Contributors and consultants 26 - Nottingham. Salvo Brass with Sheona White, 7.00pm, Memorial Halls (SA). Middx. UB3 5BT Peter Wilson Tel: 020 8759 0825. Fax: 020 8564 9063. Dr. Robert Childs 26 - Preston. English National Brass Band Championships, 9.45am, Guildhall. THE ORIGINAL SCHEME Chris Helme OFTEN COPIED—NEVER BETTERED 27 - July 3 - Holland. Allan Withington’s Conductors’ Summer School, Leeuwarden, contact [email protected] Pat Herak Underwritten by Norwich Union Alan Jenkins for more details. Lt. Col. Graham Jones MBE Mike Kilroy INSTRUMENTS Ron Massey Dr. Peter Meechan JULY French horns (several) from £150.00 Long-model cornets (various) Tim Mutum 3 - Castleford. Northern Highlights concert for the Clarence Adoo Trust, featuring the CA Ensemble with special guests 07974 412269 Frank Renton Robert Richardson Frank Renton (conductor/compere), James Fountain (cornet). DVD’S John Stirzaker Roy Terry 3 - Brighouse. Youth Solo Championships (Ebenezer Methodist Church) and evening Gala Concert, featuring The HAIL SMILING MORN 2010. David Thornton Now available, DVD or video of the Uppermill March Carl Woodman Spijkerpakken Band (Central Methodist Church). Contest, a two-hour digital/stereo recording. Malcolm Wood 4 - Brighouse. Brighouse Festival of Brass, March and Hymn Tune Contest from 1.00pm (Town Centre). £10.00 + £3.00 p/p (uk). Visit www.brassdvd.co.uk to view back catalogue. Editorial 17 - Andover. Household Troops Band of The Salvation Army with special guest Derick Kane (euphonium), 7.00pm, Multiple orders, FREE postage (uk). Paul Rayner Telephone: 01506 882985 Photography, Tel: 01484 451115 or e-mail: Fax: 01506 881596 Andover Baptist Church. [email protected] Email: [email protected] 28 - Eastbourne. South London Fellowship Band, 7.45pm, Eastbourne Citadel SA. All major credit cards accepted Display and classified advertising Laura Edmond ACCESSORIES Telephone: 01933 445442 Email: [email protected] AUGUST Accounts Hazel Foster 1 - 7 - Swansea. 20th International Brass Band Summer School, University of Wales. Telephone: 01933 445442 8 - 14 - Framlingham. Brass Band Summer School, Framlingham Summer School Subscriptions and Trade Orders Hazel Foster Telephone: 01933 445442 Instruments & accessories online Typesetting and Artwork SEPTEMBER Tel: 01332 290762 GK Graphic Design VOF 4 - . The 158th British Open Brass Band Championships, Symphony Hall. Cover price: £1.25 5 - Hyde. Hyde Open-air Brass Band Contest, 11.00am, various venues, call 0161 303 8547 for details. CONCERTS SUBSCRIPTION RATES 12 months 6 months UK £56.00 £30.00 The Salvation Army, Eastbourne Citadel Corps Europe £75.00 £45.00 Langney Road Eastbourne Rest of the World £115.00 £60.00 OCTOBER presents (52 issues per year) South London Fellowship Band DIRECT DEBIT (only for subscribers living in the UK) 3 - Bolsover. Bolsover Festival of Brass, Post Mill Centre (South Normanton) and Pinxton Village Hall. One month: £4.85 (saving nearly 10% on the cover price) 12 months: £52.00 (saving 16 - Folkestone. SCABA Autumn Contest. See www.scaba.co.uk for more details. Wednesday 28 July 2010 at 7.45pm 20% on the price of a weekly copy from newsagents). Contact us for a direct debit form. in a programme of music by Eric Ball E-Bandsman - Only available to overseas readers - online edition direct to your desktop. with: £52 per year or £30 for 6 months. You can subscribe to E-Bandsman with a credit or debit card, or pay by a sterling cheque/bankdraft. Darrell Scholes (cornet) NOVEMBER log onto www.britishbandsman.com Bram Chestney (euphonium) 28 - SCABA Cornet Workshop. See www.scaba.co.uk for more details Donation tickets £5.00 Please make cheques payable to British Bandsman. Available at the door Subscriptions, accounts and general enquiries Telephone: 01933 445442 Make this space work for you by advertising in British Bandsman classified. Fax: 01933 445435 Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01132 707214 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.britishbandsman.com ALL CLASSIFIED ADVERTS PAYABLE IN ADVANCE (inc. VAT) Although we welcome unsolicited editorial contributions, photographs 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 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 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. the publisher, its editorial advisors or consultants. Neither does the publisher Advertisements with cheques (not credit cards) payable to British Bandsman should be sent to Classified Dept., British Bandsman, accept responsibility for claims made by those advertising in the magazine. Material in this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form 66-78 Denington Road, Wellingborough, Northants. NN8 2QH to be received not later than first post on the Monday 12 days without the Editor’s written permission. British Bandsman is published weekly and is a wholly owned subsidiary of before the desired publication date. Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd. Address: 66 - 78 Denington Road, Wellingborough, Northants. NN8 2QH.

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