www.britishbandsman.com

Issue no. 5561 – 16 May 2009

Price £1.25

Rothwell’s grand day out Champion returns to ‘Open’ line-up at first attempt

BB 1.indd 1 12-05-2009 18:43:43 BAND CONTESTS - AREA

FRIDAY 5th JUNE 2009

CONTEST VENUE MAP START LAST ADJUDICATOR MAIN TOTAL REF TIME BOOKING PRIZE PRIZES AUDENSHAW ALDWINIANS RUGBY UNION FC, ROAD, B1 4.00pm 10.30pm MR M WHITE £700 £2,525 AUDENSHAW M34 5SN BROADOAK BROADOAK HOTEL, BROADOAK ROAD, ASHTON-U- A1 5.00pm 10.30pm MR D R HOWARD £500 £1,600 LYNE OL6 8QD CARRBROOK CARR RISE, CARRBROOK, SK15 3NY B3 4.30pm 10.00pm MR JOHN DAVIES £600 £1,515

DENTON DENTON CRICKET CLUB, EGERTON STREET, D1 4.30pm 10.45pm MR M LYONS £250 £1,115 DENTON M34 3PB DROYLSDEN THE BUSH INN, MOORSIDE STREET, DROYLSDEN A1 4.30pm 11.00pm MR R BREEN £500 £2,250 M43 7HL TAME VALLEY HOTEL, PARK ROAD, DUKINFIELD C2 4.30pm 11.00pm MR D CHAPMAN £400 £1,500 SK16 5LX HEYROD JOHN STREET, WAKEFIELD ROAD, HEYROD, A3 4.30pm 10.30pm MR S McLAUGHLIN £600 £1,685 STALYBRIDGE SK15 3BW HURST VILLAGE ASHTON UNITED FC, SURREY ST., HURST CROSS, A2 4.30pm 11.00pm MR G PRITCHARD £300 £1,375 ASHTON-U-LYNE OL6 9EQ STALYBRIDGE STALYBRIDGE LABOUR CLUB, ACRES LANE, C2 4.30pm 10.30pm MR D BROADBENT £550 £1,655 STALYBRIDGE SK15 2JR STALYBRIDGE CELTIC STALYBRIDGE CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB, BOWER C3 4.30pm 10.45pm T.B.A £350 £855 FOLD, MOTTRAM ROAD, STALYBRIDGE SK15 2RT UPPER MOUNTAIN STREET, MOSSLEY OL5 0EY A3 4.30pm 10.00pm MR M TWEEDLE £500 £1,410

INDIVIDUAL CONTESTS – TOTAL PRIZE MONEY £5,250 £17,485

TAMESIDE WHIT FRIDAY OPEN CHAMPIONS £2,500 £6,000

TOTAL PRIZES IN TAMESIDE £7,750 £23,485

* * Shorter waiting times at Tameside Contests * *

For further details of individual contests please contact Tameside Arts & Events Team Telephone 0161 342 4144, email: [email protected] or visit www.tameside.gov.uk

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BB 2-3a.indd 2 12-05-2009 18:45:52 NEWS Inaugural lecture at Black Dyke Festival

The 2009 Black Dyke Brass Festival, to be held at Leeds Metropolitan University and Leeds Town Hall from 29 to 31 May, is to introduce a lecture-recital, presented by the band’s conductor, Nicholas Childs, which will be broadcast around the world via the Internet. Professor Childs will give an illustrated overview of the band’s 155-year history, beginning with rare music taken from John Foster’s 1855 octet books, and also featuring music from the ‘golden age’ of brass bands by Elgar, Holst and Ireland. The lecture will be available as a worldwide educational resource on the Black Dyke and British Bandsman websites during and after the weekend. Speaking to BB, Nicholas Childs commented: “One of the over-riding ambitions at Black Dyke is to involve and inspire young performers to aim at the highest level. Accordingly, there will also be a young composer’s workshop led by Paul Hamlyn Award winner, Emily Howard, and a combined performance featuring Black Dyke in concert with the 60 young musicians of the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band. The British Trombone Society has also accepted an invitation to participate in Saturday’s Lower Brass Focus, when it is anticipated that 120 local players will join a sequence of daytime workshops, and we are pleased that new music, including scores by Professor Peter Graham and Philip Harper will feature prominently.” Professor Childs added: “2009 will be a special year in the band’s long and distinguished history, and the Festival and Heritage Symposium aims to pass on some of Black Dyke’s hard-won core values to future generations, to place new music alongside established repertoire and to counterpoint some stars of the future with legends of the past and present. The Festival also marks the start of the band’s five-year commissioning policy, which will culminate in 2014 with the première of a substantial new score by the leading international composer, James McMillan. We would like to acknowledge our wonderful partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University, where our accent is firmly on ‘Partnering the Past and Fostering the Future’.” The Saturday Gala Concert will feature Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s Immortal, which tells the story of the band through music and cinematic film on the large screen, while highlights of the following afternoon’s concert in Leeds Town Hall, which also features the Yorkshire Youth Band, will be the Finale from Saint Saëns’ Organ Symphony and a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Scotland prepares for Brass Band Week The 2009 Scottish Brass Band Week runs from 23 to 31 May and will feature over 40 performances throughout Scotland. Explaining the ethos of Brass Band Week to BB, the Scottish Brass Band Association’s (SBBA’s) Vice-president, Peter Fraser, said: “The intention of Brass Band Week is to demonstrate the importance of brass bands in the cultural and musical heritage of Scotland. We hope that we can make the public at large aware of the almost unbelievably high technical and artistic standards of our top bands, and the fact that bands are active in hundreds of communities up and down the country. With over 100 bands in Scotland and many thousands of players, it is important to recognise the contribution that bands make in the field of music education and the important role that our bands play in the lives of their own local communities.” Masterful weekend Eve of Masters Gala Concert ahead at Cambridge Saturday 23 May, 7.30pm Two days of celebration are planned to mark the 21st ‘Masters’ Corn Exchange, Cambridge event held in Cambridge. Now known as the All- Masters International Championship, the 2009 event will see bands from across 2008 Masters Champions Europe performing Masters of Space and Time by Bruce Broughton. Desford Colliery Band The evening before, the current champion band, Desford Colliery, will take to the Corn Exchange stage for the pre-Masters Gala Concert. Jason Katsikaris will direct the Midlands champion through an eclectic programme, including Richard Rodgers’ Slaughter on 10th Avenue and Sandy Smith’s magnificent transcription of Khachaturian’s Fire from Gayeneh. Prior to the announcement of the results on the Sunday, Richard Evans will be presented with the 2009 Masters Dedicated Service Award. The event organiser, Philip Biggs, explained: “Richard is a role-model. His totally dedicated and inspirational service as a player, conductor and musician, as well as his second-to-none motivational qualities, make him a most worthy recipient.” The celebrations will continue with a special concert featuring British Open Champion, Foden’s Band, under the batons of Garry Cutt and Bramwell Tovey. The band will take the stage in the first half, presenting music from Eric Ball, Berlioz and Gilbert Vinter, as well as featuring its celebrated soloists, Glyn Williams (euphonium) and Leslie Neish (tuba). The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (under Bramwell Tickets from £8 Tovey) will make a return visit to the Corn Exchange, having been a featured ensemble at this event in the past. These talented youngsters Telephone 01223 357851 will perform Simon Dobson’s Penlee, Malcolm Arnold’s Little Suite for or 01223 234090 Brass, Morley Calvert’s Canadian Folk Song Suite and Bramwell Tovey’s Pictures in the Smoke, with the composer at the piano.

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BB 2-3a.indd 3 12-05-2009 18:45:52 WHIT FRIDAY 2009

by Ron Massey It is now over 30 years since I first met Peter and his banding colleague, the late Edwin

Broadbridge, who was in his lifetime a bass Peter Dyson, the man whose work used to player with , East Paper begin after the last note sounded in the Whit Group and Linthwaite. It is also approaching Friday march contests, has stepped down 17 years since Edwin collapsed and died in the after several years of dedicated service. He popular bandsmen’s venue, the Navigation used to spend many hours the day after the Inn at Dobcross. Now, each December 17, the extravaganza, checking the results of every anniversary of Edwin’s death, Peter visits ‘the band which had appeared in contests in the Navi’, phones Ian Gibson, former licensee of and District and Tameside the inn, who now lives in Spain, and, for a few District, in order to reveal the champion bands, moments, each is lost in their thoughts as both Open and Local, in the two districts. they quietly toast the memory of their popular Reading his spreadsheets made an interesting friend. exercise. The job of checking all the results has now Peter has been the results co-ordinator for quite passed to Bill Cullen, chairman of the Lees a few years, taking over those duties from Les and Springhead contest. Like Peter, he is not a Beevers, the former Chairman and bass player bandsman, but someone who, over the years, of Brighouse and Rastrick. Both Peter and Les Peter Dyson has developed a deep love of brass bands, were employed by Tameside Borough Council, in particular those which compete each year when the whole musical oasis that makes up headed by chairman Bob Rodgers, of . in the traditional Whit march contests. Bill, the Whit Friday contest arena was split into Around this time, it was Peter’s additional job chairman of the Lees and Springhead contest, Tameside District and Saddleworth District. to assemble all the relevant information for has been involved with the hillside event for The assessing and placing of every band in advertisements in the band press and other quite a few years and, asked about his extra job every contest in the two districts isn’t a task publications. His work was then increased when of results statistician and results co-ordinator that can be completed in just a few hours, Les Beevers retired from Tameside Council and for the Saddleworth district, he said: “I got although Peter usually had the Saddleworth Peter became responsible for collating all the ‘volunteered’ for it!” Some years ago there was figures ready just after lunch on the Saturday, results. a need for some more helpers and Bill was followed by a ‘breather’ of about a couple of Tameside Council was responsible for splitting asked if he would give a hand in running the hours while he watched a local cricket match. what for years had been one large march circuit event. Once his offer of help was accepted, Results from Tameside, although most were to into two, when it put money into its own area’s he was told, “As you’re involved, you might as hand by Saturday afternoon, were completed contests in what was seen as a move to attract well come onto the committee,” and that, so to on Monday morning, and at that time, we knew more top bands. That forced Saddleworth speak, was that. “Once you get dragged in, you which bands had won the titles of Open and District Council to respond in like manner and never get out again!” said Bill. Local champions. the result saw more money being put into the Bill’s life has taken him into close contact with Peter is not a brass player, yet he has given pot. However, whether or not it has resulted in years of service to a number of bands and other a better Whit Friday is a matter for debate. bodies, working as a librarian, a ‘roadie’, or Peter’s work for brass bands hasn’t been solely just helping out where an extra pair of willing concerned with Whit Friday. He was a popular hands were needed. He was knee-high to a figure at the Brighouse Lions’ march and hymn grasshopper when he was first introduced to tune contest, where he liaised with bands, the Whit Friday and heard a marching band for control point and the compère, although he the first time as it played at his local church in has also now retired from these duties. Living in Springhead. His father was a regular supporter the very heartland of brass meant that bands, of the concerts given by Dobcross Silver and together with his social involvement with Boarshurst (Greenfield) bands in their respective any number of players, kept him firmly at the headquarters. For some time, Peter took a forefront of various related activities. So, when keen interest in rugby union affairs at , the Kings of Brass was set up, Peter became then, when his interest in brass bands became a ‘roadie’ for the band, serving for the whole known, he was asked if he would take on the seven years of its existence. It was, he says, a position of secretary at the Grotton contest. He marvellous experience with excellent memories, also took on the duties of contest organiser for especially of the last concert, which was given that event, a job he carried out for 25 years. Not in the Isle of Man. From the very best of brass to only did he marshal the various aspects of the sell-out concerts in Civic Hall, Peter contest, but he was also a representative on can very often be found selling CDs for the the overall Saddleworth contests committee, bands occupying the stage. Bill Cullen

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BB 4-5.indd 4 12-05-2009 18:41:52 WHIT FRIDAY 2009

all the bands in his area, particularly BT Band, since, before his retirement, Bill was employed by British Telecom. Like many other chaps in a progress could be made regarding Diggle. The similar situation, Bill feels he would have less contest site is about 200 yards from the Diggle work to do if he came out of retirement and Band Club and Brian Cliffe, the man heading the returned to full-time employment! His voluntary new team, said everything was in place for the work is not solely concerned with brass bands day. Funds have been raised, with other activities and Whit Friday, as he is involved in other being staged to boost the finances, and Brian community work and, as the news about the reported that the steering committee was also shortage of helpers at contests at Millbrook recruiting volunteers to help run the contest. and Micklehurst shows, there appears to be an ongoing dearth of people who are prepared to In Tameside, the new contest is being presented put something back into the community. by the Aldwinians Rugby Union Football Club in Droylesden Road, Audenshaw. This is good news A new contest in each area for Tameside as, in recent years, both Millbrook The village of Diggle has at last got its own and Micklehurst contests have ‘gone to the wall’. march contest, while over in Tameside, another Mrs. Elaine Wareing, Millbrook secretary for 22 new contest is to be staged in Audenshaw. years, gave notice a couple or so years ago that Gilbert Symes Over recent years, plans were put forward in she was to retire, but no volunteers stepped the hope that a march contest could be staged forward who were prepared to take on the work in Diggle, but on each occasion permission of herself, her husband and a friend. She says the was refused. Two venues were keen to set up streets of Millbrook are now quiet on Whit Friday, In the money at Delph a contest, but the Saddleworth and District which is very disappointing. A great number Officials of the Delph contest have followed the Contests Committee made it clear there would of people are involved in not simply staging all lead of nearby Greenfield and raised the first be no new contest until one of the existing ones these contests, but in raising the cash which prize to £1,000. Bob Rodgers, chairman of the dropped out. It was a matter of policing all the keeps the many events going, and it all adds up Saddleworth and District Contests Committee, events. Now, with the demise of the Roundthorn to a marvellous act of community spirit which, said, “We thought we would do the same.” He contest, it has happened, and the opportunity for sadly, we as a nation appear to be slowly losing. was also able to impart another bit of good news, telling me that someone in Canada informed him that a relative living in Delph had died, and so he was sending over some money to be used for the contest, which will be used to sponsor another prize. The total prize money from the 12 contests in Saddleworth District is £36,225, while over in Tameside, where there are 11 contests, the total stands at £23,485.

Does Gilbert hold the record? Popular bandsman, Gilbert Symes, must surely be a Whit Friday record holder. To date, he has turned out on Whit Friday for over 50 consecutive years. In the morning, he marches with Delph Band as it heads the village Procession of Witness, and in the evening it’s round the contest circuit. This year, he could be playing with any one of three bands. Gilbert always says that he will work on any day of the year, but never on a Whit Friday.

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BB 4-5.indd 5 12-05-2009 18:41:56 PROFILE The gentle giant o

In an exclusive Wycliffe Gordon was born in Waynesboro, Georgia in 1967, the son of a church organist, classical pianist and teacher. His late father, interview, world- Lucius, encouraged his interest in music and when his elder brother started to play renowned jazz the trombone in the local high school band, Wycliffe just had to have one as well. Sibling trombonist, Wycliffe rivalry was the incentive, and he pestered his parents until they bought him a trombone. Gordon, who will Then, a year later, jazz came into his life via a bequest from an aunt, who left her collection of jazz records to the Gordon family, and so his be appearing as passion for jazz music began.

guest soloist at His interest at that time was largely confined to traditional jazz musicians such as Louis Cory Band’s 125th Armstrong, and, on leaving high school, he enrolled at Florida State University. anniversary concert In 1989, after graduation, he joined the Wynton Marsalis Septet as its solo trombone, which brought him worldwide recognition and he at St. David’s Hall, remained there until 2000, when he left the septet to follow his own path. He formed the Cardiff, on 20 June, Wycliffe Gordon Quartet and branched out to include such exotic instruments as the talks to Rodney didgeridoo, also including in his repertoire songs by Thelonious Monk as well as Gospel Newton about his music, inspired by his strong Christian background. He has enjoyed an extraordinary career as a performer, conductor, composer, life, his career and arranger, and educator, receiving high praise from audiences and critics alike. He has his discovery of toured the world, performing hard-swinging, straight-ahead jazz for audiences ranging from brass bands heads of state to primary school students. He received the Jazz Journalists Association Award in 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007 and 2008 for Trombonist of the Year, and the Jazz Journalists Association Critics’ Choice Award for Best Trombone in 2000 - an auspicious start to the new millennium. In 2007, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Scranton (Pennsylvania).

In addition to a thriving solo career, he tours extensively with his Wycliffe Gordon Quartet, featuring at major venues throughout the world. As well as being a former member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet, he was also a member of the famous Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra of New York and has been a featured guest artist in Billy Taylor’s Jazz at the Kennedy Center series. His extensive performance experience includes work with many of the

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BB 6-7.indd 6 12-05-2009 18:44:20 PROFILE of jazz visits Cardiff

most renowned jazz performers of the past persuasive and committed music educators. His a jazz musician whose playing is centred and present. His playing has been captured on work with young musicians and audiences, from on improvisation, I asked him how he had numerous recordings, including 13 solo CDs elementary schools to universities all over the responded to sitting in a trombone section and and seven co-leader CDs. His latest recordings, world, is extensive and includes master classes, playing written-out parts. “It has been quite a Boss Bones and You and I were released in clinics, workshops, children’s concerts and challenge,” he answered, “I haven’t played what June 2008 and he is featured on numerous lectures, powerful evidence of his unique ability you might describe as ‘classical’ music since I recordings with the Wynton Marsalis Septet, to relate musically to people of all ages. He is was in high school. However, our programmes Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and many other currently working on a collection of trombone usually consist of a first half of ‘straight’ ensemble. In addition to his career as a player, quartets, trios and duos to be entitled Trombone repertoire with a second half given over to jazz Wycliffe Gordon is also a gifted composer and Majesty, with expected publication this year. In arrangements, so for me, it is downhill all the arranger and was commissioned to compose addition, his first method book, Basic Training, way!” His invitation to ‘headline’ at Cory Band’s a vibrant new score for the 1925 classic silent Exercises and Suggested Studies by Wycliffe 125th anniversary celebrations came out of a film, Body and Soul (notable as the screen Gordon, a compilation of the materials, exercises meeting in Australia with David Childs, when debut of Paul Robeson), premièred during the and approaches he uses in his teaching and both were appearing as guest soloists. David opening performance of the Lincoln Center in his own practise regimen, will be released explained, “I told Wycliffe that my father’s brass Jazz Orchestra’s 2000-01 season at Avery Fisher this year. During his visit next month (his only band was mounting a big celebration in Cardiff Hall, and was released on DVD in 2008. His visit to the UK this year) to take part (along of 125 years of music making, and I asked him if many jazz compositions have been and played with Morriston Orpheus Choir) in Cory Band’s he would consider coming over as guest soloist. in programs throughout the United States and 125th anniversary celebrations in Cardiff, he will He appeared a little doubtful at first, but when abroad, including concert halls in New York, also include masterclasses at the Royal Welsh he found out that the band was called Cory, he Los Angeles, Aspen, Georgia, Pennsylvania, College of Music and Drama and Birmingham said, ‘Hey - that’s the name of my son!’ I think New Jersey, Germany, London, Finland and Conservatoire. Trombone students at both that tipped the balance in our favour and he Switzerland. Two of his arrangements are also institutions are advised to book up without accepted.” featured as a part of the PBS television series, delay for a unique opportunity to receive Marsalis on Music, and recent concert seasons instruction from one of the world’s top jazz Wycliffe Gordon’s appearance as special guest have included premières of compositions by musicians. soloist with Cory Band at St. David’s Hall in June Gordon for a variety of ensembles both in the is a major coup for the European, British Open United States and internationally. The first in Putting it quite simply, Dr. Wycliffe Gordon is and Brass in Concert champion, as well as for a series of print editions of his big band, small up there with the best of the best. He is a giant the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama ensemble and choir compositions should be of a man (although gentle and gracious in his and Birmingham Conservatoire. Anyone within available soon. speech) and a giant of a musician, whose many striking distance of Cardiff on 20 June should talents have won him acclaim throughout the not delay in securing tickets for what is likely to Wycliffe Gordon’s television appearances world. However, in recent years, a new element be an unforgettable evening with a great band, have included the Grammy Awards, the PBS entered his busy world - the brass band. I found a great male voice choir and an outstanding special documentary, Swingin’ with the Duke, this a curious and interesting avenue for him to guest soloist. and two Live from Lincoln Center broadcasts explore and, when I telephoned him in the USA, with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra: Uptown I asked him how he became involved with brass Wycliffe Gordon’s programme on 20 June will Blues - Ellington at 100 (a collaboration with bands in general and the Brass Band of Battle include a number of standard jazz charts, which the New York Philharmonic) and Big Train. He Creek in particular. He explained, “I was playing will be given his own very unique twist. He will also appeared in Ken Burns’ documentary, as soloist in a concert in Washington State, also join Cory in two outstanding items from its Jazz. Other television appearances include when I was approached by a man called Jim successful 2008 Brass in Concert presentation A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert and Live Gray, who asked me if I would like to feature as as, together, they perform Louis Prima’s Sing, from Lincoln Center: The Juilliard School at 100 soloist with a band he ran called the Brass Band Sing, Sing, and they will be further augmented Years, BET’s 13-part series, Journey with Jazz of Battle Creek. At this time I had no knowledge by the Morriston Orpheus Choir in Dan Price’s at Lincoln Center, and he was guest artist and of the British-style band, and I thought he was American Tale. Other items in Cory’s concert, commentator on WVIA’s special program referring to some kind of New Orleans jazz entitled Brass, Voices and All That Jazz will on Tommy Dorsey (along with the late band! However, I agreed and accepted the include the first performance of a specially Skitch Henderson, recorded just days before engagement. As soon as I arrived and looked commissioned work from Philip Sparke, Hail Henderson’s death). He also appeared with the around, I realised that this was no amateur the Dragon, and the concert will be compèred Wynton Marsalis Septet in the feature film Tune community band, as I had mistakenly though it by the popular Welsh TV presenter, Roy Noble. In Tomorrow, starring Peter (‘Colombo’) Falk, might be, but a group of top-notch professional Tickets are on sale now from the St. David’s Hall Keanu Reeves and Barbara Hershey. musicians. At first, I featured as a soloist, but box office and may be obtained by visiting the Teaching also features in his life and he is after a few visits, I sat in with the trombones.” website www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk or by rapidly becoming one of America’s most Bearing in mind that Dr. Gordon is basically telephoning 02920 878444.

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BB 6-7.indd 7 12-05-2009 18:44:21 2009 SPRING FESTIVAL Stylish ‘Open’ return for Rothwell by Christopher Thomas

Despite the result of this year’s Yorkshire Regional Championships having come as a jolt of almost seismic proportions to some, no such shockwaves emanated from Blackpool’s Winter Gardens last Saturday, when David Roberts and a jubilant Rothwell Temperance Band secured Grand Shield victory in style, coupled with a coveted place at Symphony Hall to tackle the epic challenges of Hermann Pallhuber’s Titan’s Progress in September. The 2006 Masters Champion was at the peak of its form with a brilliantly executed performance of Wilfred Heaton’s Contest Music that aptly summed up the band’s contesting ethic of sheer hard work and painstaking preparation. Joining Rothwell in Birmingham will be Virtuosi GUS, following a full- blooded, yet highly musical reading that endured in the minds of adjudicators, William Relton and Nigel Boddice, from a comparatively early number five draw. For John Berryman and his band, it was a richly deserved result that will, no doubt, go some way to quell the disappointment of having missed out on Midlands qualification for the Royal Albert Hall later in the year. Shortly before the draw for the Grand Shield, Bill Relton commented to those present that it was, above all, a performance and not simply technical merit that the adjudicators were looking for. No one would question the ability of Contest Music to test a band’s technical and musical abilities to the limits, but on the day, it was also interpretation that played a key part in the final outcome. As a piece conceived in purely abstract terms, Contest Music might not have a programmatic element to latch onto, but an overall grasp of Pictures by John Stirzaker Rothwell players celebrate at the announcement of results its essentially symphonic structure, coupled with an ability to capture the austere serenity of the haunting and dangerously exposed slow movement were factors that only a very select group of bands came with admirable clarity and care from the middle. anywhere close to pulling off on the day. The overall impression was of stylish, thoughtfully prepared and totally Tempi were also a cause for concern in some cases, or more specifically committed musicianship from the players, with an error-count that those performances that were slower than required to benefit the music. was the lowest of any band on the day. The most viscerally exciting Contest Music is a work that requires careful judgement in this respect. In performance of the Grand Shield it was not, but one could only sit back the outer movements, a slower-than-required tempo robs the music of its and admire playing that to quote an old cliché, was very much the crucial rhythmic vigour, momentum and symphonic thrust while, by the Bentley rather than the Ferrari. David Roberts was clearly a delighted same token, the slow movement can descend into a dirge that, as well as man and rightly so, as Rothwell now look forward to the Masters, English being torturous to the players, allows the music to stagnate in a way the National, British Open and National Final. It’s going to be quite a year for composer would surely not have intended. the Yorkshire champion. For Rothwell, though, there were no such concerns, as from a prime draw Consistency seems to have been one of the issues for Virtuosi GUS in of number 13 that was certainly no bogey number in this case, band and recent times, although a convincing performance of Salute to Youth at conductor stamped their authority on the contest in emphatic fashion. Bedworth a couple of months ago left many people feeling that it might Having had the bad luck to lose its place in the British Open last year as a have been a little matter of luck that had also deserted the band, which result of the sad demise of Sellers International, it could be seen as justice failed to book a place in London. In a field of 19 bands, the number five done that Rothwell has thus avoided the fate of Leyland in suffering a draw in Blackpool was not particularly kind either, but John Berryman five-year sojourn in the Grand Shield before regaining an Open place… directed a muscular yet nuanced reading that proved to be the first the Grand Shield can be a mightily tough place to escape from. serious contender of the contest. Divine intervention or not, however, there was certainly no luck involved The fact that it endured in the box to gain the runner-up spot was in Rothwell’s victory here. The precision of the ensemble was evident irrefutable proof of its substance, whilst the performance also further from the opening bars and, unlike so many bands on the day, it was emphasised the qualities of principal cornet player, James Fountain, one only the most fleeting and minor blemishes that failed to hamper David very special young man that we know we will be seeing a lot more of in Roberts’ carefully measured approach to the opening movement. The future years. central movement found the atmosphere of the music immediately, with If there was a fault with GUS’s performance, it was the fact that like so beautifully observed dynamics, sonorous sounds from the middle and many on the day (the victor was the only band to truly emerge unscathed bass end of the band and almost flawless solo contributions, notably from here) the first movement was prone to a degree of insecurity. It was James McCabe on principal cornet (pictured on page 1), while by the final clear that John Berryman had the measure of the score, though, and movement the band was flying, capturing the style and vigour of the his no-nonsense approach of the outer movements was effectively music in impressive fashion with big sounds that were also controlled contrasted with finely balanced and shaped sounds in the slow

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movement, topped with James Fountain’s exquisite approach to his safely despatched top C sharp. By the conclusion, confidence was riding high and the closing paragraphs made a telling impression. The short trip from Kettering to Symphony Hall will see the band back in the Open for the first time since 2003.

For reasons that are all too clear to any band that has suffered the fate in the past (last year it fell to Tredegar), third place at the Grand Shield could be said to be the very worst position to occupy in the results table. For Mount Charles, however, it was a result that while not without its ironies, could well represent something of a renaissance for Andrew Duncan and his team. It will not have been lost on the players that the irony was provided by the fact that, while Mount Charles was narrowly missing out on a spot at the Open, newly crowned West of England champion and Albert Hall qualifier, Camborne Town, was gaining a disappointing seventh position two sections below in the Senior Trophy - how cruel contesting can be. Mount Charles sounded like a band rejuvenated here, though, with the performance being marked by Andy Duncan’s authoritative reading of the score. In many ways, GUS and Mount Charles produced performances out of the same drawer; bold, incisive playing that while not always subtle hit the spirit of the music head on. For Mount Charles, however, it was the greater number of slips that will have been noted by the adjudicators with the slow movement faltering at times, despite its evident atmosphere. For Ian Porthouse and Tredegar Town, fourth place will have come as a bitter disappointment, following a performance of real guts that was edge-of-the-seat stuff from start to finish. The was Heaton in overdrive, with Tredegar demonstrating easily the biggest band sound of the day,

but not at the expense of a beautifully judged slow movement that saw Dewi Griffiths carry off the Best Soloist prize for his cornet playing. It was a reading of real stature that was easily ahead of the band’s performance of the work the previous weekend in Ostend, and on another day, could have brought about a very different result. In the event, though, the adjudicators felt that the dynamics in the final movement were just too much and Tredegar will have to endure another attempt to regain an ‘Open’ place next year. Concluding the top six places, Flowers and Newstead both demonstrated passages of quality without being able to maintain the consistency of the best. Many in the audience would have remembered Garry Cutt’s winning performance of the work with Foden’s at the 2004 British Open and his innate understanding of the work was once again demonstrated with Flowers, although it was the slow movement that proved to be the band’s Achilles heel on this occasion. Duncan Beckley and Newstead, fresh from qualifying for the National Final, laid down a solid foundation for the band’s forthcoming appearance at the English National Championship with a sound technical reading that although not quite strong enough to push for an ‘Open’ spot, proved that Newstead is a band not to be underestimated. At the wrong end of the table, and with the withdrawal of Yorkshire Imperial giving 16th placed Tongwynlais a reprieve, BB understands that Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel, North Eastern champion EYMS, Kibworth and, perhaps somewhat harshly, Aveley and Newham, are the bands to slip through the trap door to Senior Cup competition next year. The unanimous approval of bands and audience for Heaton’s music as the test-piece for the Grand Shield is ample proof, as if it were needed, of the esteem and affection that the banding public hold for Contest Music. One only wished that the naturally modest genius who wrote it, the same man that so nearly confined it to his bottom drawer when it was rejected for Concentration in the GUS trombones the National Final all those years ago, was still around to witness it.

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Difficult day for Cup and Trophy hopefuls by Kenneth Crookston

forward to having a crack at the Grand Shield next year. A piece as detailed as Pageantry requires a tremendous amount of hard work from any band, but our players deserve this success, especially after playing so well from an early draw, and can now look forward to some even bigger challenges in the months and years ahead.” John Roberts (brother of David, who led Rothwell to victory in the Grand Shield) and Skelmanthorpe continued their recent run of success, following up the band’s sixth place at the Yorkshire Regional Championships with second prize in the Senior Cup, after a performance that adjudicator, Roger Webster, described as “quite close to the winner in the standard of musicality and general approach, but just lacking technically in a few areas.”

Taking the third and fourth qualification spots were the Celtic pair of Kingdom Brass under Craig Anderson and Burry Port Town under Craig Roberts, both bands putting in performances that were faithful to the score in their intentions, if lacking slightly in technical accomplishment. Both are improving bands, though, and will be worthy contenders next year at the higher level present in the Grand Shield. Three crotchets in the third movement of Pageantry have been the topic of some debate for many years, and it was the adjudicators’ treatment of these that Frank Renton was keen to clarify from the stage, commenting: “The fifth bar of figure 13 in the last movement is marked minim equals dotted minim, which gives the effect of triplet crotchets in the previous measure. However, it has become customary for bands to play it as minim equals the minim of the previous bar, which results in straight crotchets. We are aware that there is some ambiguity over this and decided not to penalise any of the bands over their approach to this single bar.” Further discussion over the composer’s intentions over this bar among some of the other adjudicators present in Blackpool were inconclusive, although David Read’s opinion that Herbert Howells was unhappy with Marsden Silver celebrates winning the Senior Cup the bar when it appeared in the printed score and wanted it changed,

While the bands in the Opera House in the Winter Gardens were being tested to the limits by Wilfred Heaton’s Contest Music, the Senior Cup section was taking place in the Pavilion Theatre, where Herbert Howells’ Pageantry was proving an even bigger obstacle for the bands with the 2010 Grand Shield in their sights. Frank Renton and Roger Webster were the two experienced men charged with the task of separating the 20 hopeful contenders, and they must have thought they were in for a long day, with the first three to present themselves failing to really get to grips with the musical and technical challenges presented in Howells’ timeless classic. However, their fears were allayed when band number four, Marsden Silver Prize (Ossett Brewery), took to the stand under the steady baton of Foden’s Band’s euphonium star, Glyn Williams, producing a consistent level of performance that made an impression on the judges that was to last throughout the day and result in a well-deserved victory. Not only that, but Marsden’s solo cornet, Jason Evans, also collected the Best Soloist award for his fine performance that included the call-to-arms in the third movement, Jousts, which provided a few banana skins for others over the course of the day. Naturally delighted with Marsden’s performance and result, Glyn Williams commented to BB: “This is a big step for us and we are now really looking Glyn and Helen Williams enjoy a lighter moment

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appears to be the closest to reality. Further investigation in BB’s edition of 29 January 1977 has revealed that bands preparing for that year’s Regional Championships were advised that, ‘According to the composer, the crotchet value should be exactly the same as in the preceding and following bars. It is hoped that this point will be noted by bands competing in the regional rounds.’ This should clear up any debate, but the next time Pageantry appears as a test-piece, no doubt we’ll have to go through it all again!

However, this wasn’t the only bar in the test-piece that caused the bands difficulty in Blackpool. After the contest, Frank Renton pointed out that many bands had found performing Pageantry to be a very daunting experience. “When you think about it,” he began, “these are, in the main, Championship Section bands, performing a piece that was written 75 or so years ago. One would have thought that bands today would be able to play it with consummate ease, but that wasn’t the case, partly because too many didn’t give enough respect to the clear indications written by the composer.” Frank Renton continued, “You really need to know the difference between forte-piano and sforzando-piano, as well as the various types of accents and other expression marks used copiously throughout the work. In addition to this, the key to unlocking the style of the music lies in the titles of the movements – King’s Herald, Cortege and Jousts – but very few of the conductors were able to achieve in their performances anything approaching a vivid portrayal of the composer’s intentions.” Frank’s views were confirmed by Roger Webster, who added, “In spite of the many problems encountered, such as the opening bars being badly Compere Robert Kerwick takes a break during the event

split by the cornets on a number of occasions and the baritone duet at the start of the second movement rarely being absolutely together and in tune, there was some very good playing in most of the bands, especially from solo cornets and solo horns. Most of the bands were just tripped up on technical things, but the nature of band contesting is such that it’s all SPRING SPECIALS about taking your best performance on stage and not leaving it behind S/H Boosey Hawkes soprano cornet, BSP £295.00 in the bandroom. The few that did deliver were well rewarded, and Frank S/H Boosey & Hawkes Bb cornet and I were in agreement about our judgement of every performance.” Imperial with trigger, BSP £229.00 Just missing out on qualification were Fishburn under Alan Morrison and S/H Jupiter student model Bb cornet, BSP £100.00 SWT Woodfalls under Nicholas Childs which, like the other ten bands in N Yamaha YCR-2330 Bb cornet, lacquer £345.00 the middle of the field, will return next year to compete at the same level. N York Preference Bb cornet, BSP or lacquer £1,295.00 Unfortunately for Aldbourne, Bournemouth Concert Brass, Knottingley N Besson Sovereign Bb cornet, BSP or lacquer £1,195.00 Ex-Demo Besson Prestige Bb cornet, BSP £1,299.00 Silver and Lindley, things didn’t go quite so well and the Senior Cup N Vincent Bach Strad. flugel horn, lacquer £1,695.00 beckons in 2010, although all will understand why they found themselves N Besson 1000 series tenor horn, BSP £455.00 near the bottom of the results table. N Yamaha YAH-203S tenor horn, BSP £795.00 While Marsden, Skelmanthorpe, Kingdom Brass and Burry Port will rightly N Besson Sovereign tenor horn, BSP or lacquer £1,895.00 celebrate their success with a view to future ambitions being fulfilled, this N York Preference tenor horn with trigger, BSP £2,100.00 year’s Senior Cup proved (if proof were needed) more than anything else N Besson Prestige tenor horn, BSP £2,295.00 that Pageantry, like many other works from the ‘golden age’, will remain a S/H Boosey & Hawkes Sovereign 967 euphonium, lacquer £995.00 S/H Besson Sovereign 967 euphonium in BSP £1,495.00 test of even the finest brass bands for a very long time to come, and can N York Preference euphonium in BSP £3,395.00 only be successfully performed by those that show the utmost respect for N Bach Elkhart 100EH 3-valve euphonium, lacquer £325.00 the music as well as the composers’ intentions. N Besson Prestige euphonium, BSP £3,995.00 S/H King 4b tenor trombone, lacquer £395.00 Although written 35 years after Pageantry, in many respects the same S/H Yamaha YSL-646 Bb/F tenor trombone, lacquer £375.00 can be said about Gilbert Vinter’s Spectrum, which provided a more than S/H Bach Strad. 36 tenor trombone, lacquer £575.00 S/H Bach Strad. 36 tenor trombone, BSP £675.00 adequate test for the bands competing in the Senior Trophy – in theory N Conn 88H Bb/F tenor trombone, lacquer £1,495.00 at least, the lowest of the three Spring Festival sections. This was a deeply dissatisfying event in many respects, with very few of the competing bands offering contentions of the test-piece tailored 86 Front Street, Bedlington Northumberland, NE22 5AE T: 01670 822085 F: 01670 820592 E:[email protected] to suit the lively acoustic of the Spanish Hall. In terms of technical www.dennistoddmusic.com All major credit and debit cards accepted accomplishment alone, many were clearly equipped with players who had their parts of Spectrum well within their capabilities, but the raw and

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often grotesque sounds, produced at dynamics sometimes verging on managed to retain their composure, and the result was a clear margin of painful, did nothing to enhance the listener’s enjoyment of what is still victory that Messrs Read and Brownbill agreed “would have been around regarded as one of Vinter’s finest brass band works, and one that, like five or six points, had we given any.” Pageantry, deserves more respect than it got in Blackpool. There would also appear to have been little point in setting tempi in the Speaking after the contest, John Ward said: “I was very much aware of Red, Blue and Indigo movements that were so fast that virtually none the liveliness of the venue, and we have recently been working as a of the moving semiquavers were decipherable once they had travelled band on enhancing the quality of our sound without going ‘over the beyond the end of the players’ bells. Did the guilty conductors really think top’ dynamically, so we are very pleased that our approach paid off. that they could get away with it in such a well-known piece, especially There is so much inner detail in Spectrum that we had to make sure that with two judges as experienced as David Read and Malcolm Brownbill? it was heard in order to achieve the maximum effect, but the soloists all There will be those who will argue, no doubt, that a venue in which played outstandingly too, so the first prize is just reward for a lot of hard bands can’t play at full volume without sounding ugly or blurred isn’t work and personal sacrifice from all the players. We have been steadily really fit for purpose, but at least 12 of these bands had played Percy improving for almost two years now and I hope that this will provide a Fletcher’s An Epic Symphony in the same hall last year and encountered major boost both to the band’s confidence and its profile.” similar difficulties. Bizarrely, few appear to have learned much from that Ian Robinson and NASUWT Riverside was the first to make an experience. impact, taking second place from the number four draw with a fairly energetic performance, while Keith Leonard and Derwent Brass took None of the above, however, applies to the winning performance by a similar approach on their way to third prize. One of the more artistic United Co-op Milnrow under John Ward, who provided a rare breath of performances of the day came from the Northern Irish contender, fresh air for the hardy souls who braved the 20 performances (there was Laganvale (Metal Technologies) under the wily Ernest Ruddock, which a healthily large audience present throughout the contest). Playing from was justly rewarded with the final passport into next year’s Senior Cup the number 12 draw position, and simply by taking a fraction off the level in fourth place. Performances from Beaumaris, Glossop, Camborne of the louder dynamics and playing close to the printed tempi, Milnrow and Wantage all had much to commend them, but none of them quite immediately offered a level of clarity and detail otherwise unheard on the completed the seven movements with the consistency and style of the day. In addition, every one of its soloists rose to the occasion, none more prize-winners. so than the excellent Adam Snape on euphonium, who was outstanding It turned out to be a less fruitful day, however, for Easington Colliery on his way to being awarded the Best Soloist prize. Quite simply, it was (Ray Farr), Point of Ayr (Roy Newsome), Besses o’ th’ Barn (Carl Whiteoak) a commonsense approach to music making on a day when few others and Mossley (Duncan Byers), all of which will now drop out of the British

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Open qualification system following itself, the venue is showing a few signs of disappointing performances. Of these, wear and tear these days, but the appetite Point of Ayr may consider itself the to compete for a place at the British Open least fortunate, as there were many fine Championship appears to be as insatiable moments in its tasteful performance. Alas, as ever among the competing bandsmen for the resurgent Welsh outfit, the errors and women. Of the 59 bands that made were of the catastrophic variety and these it to the Winter Gardens last weekend, all are the ones that tend to get punished but six of them are expected back for more hardest at band contests these days. next year when, if past form is anything Running an event of the magnitude of to go by, the music chosen is likely to be the Spring Festival is no mean feat, and of the familiar variety. On that basis, one organiser Martin Mortimer’s thanks to or two conductors might do well to study the sponsor, Leisure Parcs, as well as the what style has been successful in the past multitude of volunteers led by Frank with the repertoire on offer, rather than Hodges and Derek Atkinson, were warmly looking enviably at the achievements of and genuinely offered at the conclusion of Rothwell, Marsden and Milnrow. Then it John Ward, conductor of United Co-op Milnrow proceedings. Like the town of Blackpool really will be an event to savour.

Full results from Blackpool 10. Ratby Co-operative (M. Fowles) 14 11. Ashton-under-Lyne (M. Evans) 10 Grand Shield 12. Dalmellington (A. Hutchison) 17 Test-piece: Contest Music (Wilfred Heaton) 13. Cwmaman Institute Silver (D. Evans) 3 Adjudicators: William Relton and Nigel Boddice MBE 14. Stocksbridge (M. Davison) 11 *1. Rothwell Temperance (D. Roberts) drawn 13 15. United Co-op Crewe (J. Sparkes) 2 *2. Virtuosi GUS (J. Berryman) 5 16. Unison Kinneil (P. Drury) 9 3. Mount Charles (A. Duncan) 8 **17. Aldbourne (M. White) 12 4. Tredegar (I. Porthouse) 18 **18. Bournemouth Concert Brass (J. Camps) 13 5. Flowers (G. Cutt) 11 **19. Knottingley Silver (Dr. O. Wedgwood) 6 6. Newstead Brass (D. Beckley) 3 **20. Lindley (N. Payne) 1 7. Bactiguard Wire Brass (P. Andrews) 7 Best Soloist: Jason Evans, cornet, Marsden Silver Prize (Ossett Brewery) 8. Sovereign Brass (T. Jones) 4 * denotes qualification for 2010 Grand Shield 9. Reg Vardy (R. Gray) 10 ** denotes relegation to 2010 Senior trophy 10. Redbridge (J. Wise) 15 11. Thoresby Colliery (I. McElligott) 9 Senior Trophy 12. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB (M. Bentham) 14 Test-piece: Spectrum (Gilbert Vinter) 13. Freckleton (G. Pritchard) 19 Adjudicators: Malcolm Brownbill and David Read 14. Wingates (J. Hinckley) 16 *1. United Norwest Co-op Milnrow (J. Ward) 12 15. Jaguar (Coventry) (D. Lea) 1 *2. NASUWT Riverside (I. Robinson) 4 16. Tongwynlais Temperance (P. Harper) 12 *3. Derwent Brass (K. Leonard) 8 **17. East Yorkshire Motor Services (F. Violet) 6 *4. Laganvale (Metal Technology) (E. Ruddock) 16 **18. Kibworth (J. Hudson) 2 5. Beaumaris (G. Evans) 15 **19. Aveley and Newham (N. Taken) 17 6. Glossop Old (P. Pavey) 6 **Yorkshire Imperial Urquart Travel withdrew 7. Camborne Town (K. McKenzie) 14 Best Soloist: Dewi Griffiths, cornet, Tredegar 8. Wantage Silver ‘A’ (P. Bailey) 13 *denotes qualification for 2009 British Open 9. Blackburn and Darwen (N. Sheppard) 20 ** denotes relegation to 2010 Senior Cup 10. Yorkshire Co-op (S. Kerwin) 3 11. Johnstone Silver (R. Tennant) 11 Senior Cup 12. Northop (T. Wyss) 1 Test-piece: Pageantry (Herbert Howells) 13. Friary Guildford Brass (C. King) 5 Adjudicators: Frank Renton and Roger Webster 14. Wrexham Brass (W. Ruston) 10 *1. Marsden Silver Prize (Ossett Brewery) (G. Williams) 4 15. Felling (G. Tindall) 19 *2. Skelmanthorpe (J. Roberts) 7 16. Newbridge Celynen (R. Griffiths) 9 *3. Kingdom Brass (C. Anderson) 20 **17. Easington Colliery (R. Farr) 18 *4. Burry Port (C. Roberts) 19 **18. Point of Ayr (Dr. R. Newsome) 7 5. Fishburn (A. Morrison) 5 **19. Besses o’ th’ Barn (C. Whiteoak) 2 6. SWT Woodfalls (Dr. N. Childs) 16 **20. Mossley (D. Byers) 17 7. Powerfuel Hatfield Colliery (G. O’Connor) 18 Best Soloist: Adam Snape, euphonium, United Norwest Co-op Milnrow 8. Staffordshire (H. Thomas) 15 * denotes qualification for 2010 Senior Cup 9. Bo’ness and Carriden (S. Sykes) 8 ** denotes relegation from Senior Trophy

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We take every possible precaution to ensure the accuracy of RICHARD ADAMS. Conductor, Adjudicator, Head of Music, ALAN HOPE. Conductor, Teacher and adjudicator. 113A Fatfield the details given below. However, we cannot be responsible for Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, 151 Bencoolen Street, Singapore Park, WASHINGTON, Tyne & Wear. NE38 8BP. Tel/Fax 0191 189656. Phone: +65 9451 8398. [email protected] changes to stated times or running order. 4161008 Mob: 0776 5656729 E-mail: [email protected] DEREK ASHMORE. www.hallamshiremusic.co.uk DAVID W. HORSFIELD. Adjudicator and Music Publisher. Friday, 22 May, 2130-2200. BBC Radio 2 Tel: 01507 358141 Fax: 01507 358034. ‘Ravenswood’ 50 Wyke Old Lane, Bailiff Bridge, Brighouse, West Listen to the Band. Frank Renton presents the final programme BRETT BAKER. BSc. ARCM. Soloist, Teacher, Conductor, Yorkshire. HD6 4EH. Tel (01484) 722855. Mobile: 07710 208340. of music and conversation from the 2009 European Brass Band Adjudicator. 35 Yewtree Drive, Barnton, Northwich, . E-mail: [email protected] Championships held in Ostend. CW8 4NH. Tel. (01606) 783869. (Mob.) 0777 320 1736. E-mail [email protected] ALAN JENKIN. B.Sc., LTCL, BBCM, Cert. Educ., Conductor, Listen to the Band is also available all week via Radio 2’s website www. MAURICE BALE. BSc, Arranger, Godiva Music. Adjudicator. 4 Beauchamp Close, Neath Hill, Milton Keynes, bbc.co.uk/radio2. Click on the playback section to hear the show, on 18 Raleigh Road, Coventry CV2 4AA. Tel. 024 76 459 409. Bucks MK14 6HZ. Tel/Fax. (01908) 604818 (Home), 224251 demand, for a week following transmission. (Music Centre) 07901 552235 (Mobile), PETER BASSANO FRCM HonRCM North Lodge, Potter Row, near E-mail [email protected] Gt. Missenden, Bucks HP16 9LT. Tel.01494 868240 mobile; 07985 World of Brass Radio. John Maines introduces a weekly one-hour 101244. E-mail :[email protected] www.peterbassano.com TERRY JOHNS. A.R.A.M. programme of the best of international banding. Commencing on Composer/Conductor/Adjudicator Fridays, the rolling programme of the most recent four shows can be DUNCAN A. BECKLEY. BA. Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator. 26 Ruskin Avenue, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield 55/6 Waterfront Avenue Edinburgh EH5 1JD accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year on WF1 2BD (MOB) 07973 389707 E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: 07777603675 www.worldofbrass.com (then click on the WOB Radio link) or www. E-mail: [email protected] worldofbrass.com/wobradio SIMON KERWIN. BA (Hons) 07740 583801 JOHN BERRYMAN. ALCM, LTCL, Conductor, Adjudicator. 12 website: www.staveslimited.com Beaufort Drive, Barton Seagrave, Kettering, Northants. NN15 6SF email: [email protected]. This week’s programme includes: Household Troops Band of The Tel. (01536) 722991. Salvation Army (John Mott): Stand to Arms (Marshall), Deeds of Valour DEREK M. BROADBENT. Conductor and Adjudicator. NORMAN C. LAW. Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Trainer, (Coles); Sunderland Monkwearmonth Band of The Salvation Army 17 Corrance Road, Wyke, Nr. Bradford, BD12 9LH Yorks. Private Teacher. Lawholme, 4 Farfield Drive, Hepworth, (Nicholas Hall): Celebration Overture (Cordner); Stavanger (Allan Tel/Fax. (01274) 670459. Huddersfield, W. Yorks HD7 1TU. Withington): What a Wonderful World (Douglas - soloist: Neil Gallie); Tel. (01484) 685354. Brighouse and Rastrick (David Hirst): Morgenblatter (Strauss); Sellers MALCOLM BROWNBILL. Band Tutor, Conductor, and Adjudicator. 49 Pike House Road, Eccleston, St. Helens, Merseyside. ALAN R. LEWIS. B. PHIL. LTCL. Head of Brass, Sedbergh School, (Phillip McCann): Truth Aflame (Norbury); Leyland (Richard Evans): WA10 5JZ. Tel. (01744) 28642. ‘Till There Was You (Wilson - soloist: Russell Gray); Foden’s (Bramwell Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HG. Tel. (015396) 22230 (w), (015396) 20001. Tovey): Pictures in the Smoke (Tovey); Grimethorpe (Allan Withington): C. BRIAN BUCKLEY. C.Chem., FTCL, LTCL, ALCM, Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Teacher. ‘Egmont’, 81 Gabalfa Road, Sketty, Bohemian Rhapsody (Mercury); Black Dyke (Nicholas Childs): Shine as Swansea, West Glamorgan SA2 8ND. Tel. (01792) 205896. STAN LIPPEATT. B.A., L.R.S.M. Conductor, Adjudicator. the Light (Graham). 60, Sixth Avenue, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Notts. NG21 9PW. BOB CHILDS. DMA, M.Mus(dist), ARCM(hons), FLCM, PGCE, Tel (01623) 822672 Mobile 07875 138776 Local Radio for next week Euphonium Soloist, Conductor, Teacher. 13 Parc Plas, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 1SJ. Tel 01495 226106 (home), 07966 263881 Sunday, 17 May, 1905-2000. Sounds of Brass. FM frequencies: (mobile). [email protected] http://www.bobchilds.co.uk/ JANE LLOYD. MA FVCM, LGSM, ALCM, PGCetEd, Dip Mus. Bristol 94.9, Cornwall 95.2, Devon 103.4, Gloucestershire 104.7, Conductor, Performer, Arranger, Teacher. Northampton & East Guernsey 93.2, Jersey 88.8, Swindon 103.6, Wiltshire 104.3. ROY W. CURRAN. Conductor, Adjudicator. 6 Mary Street, Burnley, Midlands Area. Tel: 01604 675188 Lancs. BB10 4AJ. Home: 01282 426203;Mobile: 07973 788812. Available on the World Wide Web at 1905 British time or at any time for KEITH MacDONALD. N.A.B.B.C., A.L.C.M. Conductor, Band seven days after the broadcast. To hear the programme, access www. DR. KENNETH DOWNIE. DMA. BA(Mus) Dunelm. Kantara, Trainer, Adjudicator, Author (see website). 20 North Haven, bbc.co.uk/devon and click onto Listen Live or Listen Again. 8 Downs Road, South Wonston, Winchester, SO21 3EU. Tel: (01962) 883031 Internet: www.kantaramusik.com Seaham, Co. Durham SR7 0DS. Tel: 0191 581 4224 (home), 07949 947703 (mobile) Email: [email protected], info@ Phillip Hunt presents a programme of brass band recordings and JOHN DURRANT. MA. Soloist, Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator. keithmacdonald.co.uk Website: www.keithmacdonald.co.uk news. This week’s edition is the last of three special programmes 3 Todmorden Road, Lytham St. Annes, Lancs. FY8 2QL. Tel: 01253 721903. Or 07985 191623 (Mob). exploring the music of Gilbert Vinter and includes: Williams Fairey MAJOR IAN McELLIGOTT. Conductor, Adjudicator, Composer/ Arranger, Brass Teacher. 41 Weaver Moss, Sandhurst, Berks. Engineering (Peter Parkes): Portuguese Party (Vinter); GUS (Footwear) J. STUART FAWCETT, OAM, LDBBA. Conductor, Adjudicator. 23A GU47 9BQ. Mobile: 07903 137659 Quartet (Gilbert Vinter): Elegy and Rondo (Vinter), Alla Burlesca (Vinter); Mill Moor Road, Meltham, Holmfirth, HD9 5JT. Tel: 01484 309500. GUS (Footwear) (Harry Mortimer): Waltzing With Sullivan (Sullivan ALAN FERNIE. DRSAM, Dip NCOS Craiglea, 48 Mill Street, Selkirk, JOHN MAINES. Conductor, Adjudicator. 46 Hill Crest Road, arr. Vinter); GUS (Stanley Boddington): James Cook-Circumnavigator TD7 5AD. Tel. 01750 725213. (Mob.) 0794 7254961. E-mail: Offerton, Stockport. SK2 5QL. Tel. 0161 292 9443. (Vinter). [email protected] (Mobile) 07901 528059. Website: www.johnmaines.co.uk BRUCE FRASER. Adjudicator, Conductor, Composer. STEVEN MEAD. Euphonium Soloist, Conductor, Adjudicator. Requests and comments are welcome at e-mail: brassmanpgh@ Lomond Music, 32 Bankton Park, Kingskettle, Fife. KY15 7PY. uwclub.net Tel. (01337) 830974. E-mail: [email protected] 10 Old Forge Road, Fenny Drayton, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 6BD. Tel/Fax: (01827) 711964, Mob. 07971 843668, COLIN HARDY. Member NABBC, Adjudicator and Conductor, E-mail: [email protected]. Monday, 18 May, 2100-2200. Manx Radio 25 Thirlmere Avenue, Wyke, Bradford, W. Yorks. BD12 9DS. Time for Brass. Frequencies 97.2, 89 and 103.7 FM and 1368 AM Tel/Fax. (01274) 674174. E-mail: [email protected] ALAN MORRISON. FTCL, LRAM. Soloist, Conductor and and worldwide on www.manxradio.com Adjudicator. 25 Acaster Drive, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2BH. Click on Listen FM or Listen AM for the programme at the time of DAVID HIRST. Conductor and Adjudicator. The Cottage, Main Street, Milton, Newark, Nottinghamshire. Tel. Tel. (0113) 286 3374, Fax. (0113) 287 3947, Mob. 0775 197 broadcast or on Listen Again for a week following transmission. 01777 872339 Fax 01777 872852 3176. E-mail: [email protected] Ian Cottier presents a programme of brass band music and comment. E-mail: [email protected] website.lineone.net/~alan-morrison

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BB 14-15.indd 30 12-05-2009 18:43:59 CLASSIFIED Diary Dates Adverts BandsBRITISH man the leading international brass magazine

A list of forthcoming events that have been advertised in British Bandsman. CDs The leading international brass band magazine Incorporating Brass Band News, British Mouthpiece and International Bandsman MAY Managing Director 17 - Weston-super-Mare. 41st Own-Choice Contest, for more details contact 01934 514960. MIDLAND CD We hold one of the world’s largest selections of brass & Trevor Caffull 23- Cambridge. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, 7.00pm, Salvation Army Citadel, Tenison Road. military band CDs including most BB-reviewed CDs. Finance Director 24 - Cambridge. All-England Masters International Championship and Gala Concert (featuring Foden’s and Order on-line at www.ukcd.net Gordon Camsey NYBBGB), 10.00am and 7.45pm, The Corn Exchange. E-mail: [email protected] Editor 30 - Newport. Greater Gwent Solo and Quartet Contest, YMCA. Tel: 0044 (0) 121 244 4605 or 6 Kenneth Crookston Fax: 0044 (0) 121 680 9018 Associate Editor Professor Philip Wilby JUNE Features Editor 9-10-11 - London. Royal Marines Beating Retreat, 6.15pm, Horse Guards Parade. INSURANCE Rodney Newton 14 - Leeds. NYBBGB auditions, University of Leeds. Brass Band Contributors and consultants 17 - Huddersfield. Open Day at University of Huddersfield Music Department, contact 01484 472003. Peter Wilson Insurance Services Julian Bright 17 - Twickenham. Royal Military School of Music ‘Tercentenary of Kneller Hall’ Concert in the Park, gates open 312 High Street, Harlington, Hayes, Dr. Robert Childs 6.00pm, concert starts at 7.50pm. Middx. UB3 5BT Tel: 020 8759 0825. Fax: 020 8564 9063. Graham Fraser Chris Helme 20 - Cardiff. Cory Band, Wycliffe Gordon (trombone) and Morriston Orpheus Choir, 7.30pm, St. David’s Hall. THE ORIGINAL SCHEME 20 - Milton Keynes. NABBC Young Conductors’ Competition, Chrysalis Theatre. OFTEN COPIED—NEVER BETTERED Pat Herak Lt. Col. Graham Jones MBE 21 - London. NYBBGB auditions, Royal Academy of Music. Underwritten by Norwich Union Ron Massey 24 -Twickenham. Royal Military School of Music ‘Defence of a Nation’ Concert in the Park, gates open 6.00pm, Peter Meechan concert starts at 7.50pm. Tim Mutum 28 - Rhyl. Entertainment Contest, Championship/1st to 4th Section, email: [email protected] MUSIC Frank Renton 29 - 3 July - Holland. Allan Withington’s Conducting School, email: [email protected] for more details. Robert Richardson John Stirzaker BRASS BAND MUSIC David Thornton JULY ORDER ON-LINE Carl Woodman 1 - Twickenham. Royal Military School of Music ‘Queen and Country’ Concert in the Park, gates open 6.00pm, SPECIAL OFFERS ON Malcolm Wood concert starts at 7.50pm. INSTRUMENTS Editorial 3 - Brighouse. Marsden Band and Richard Marshall (cornet), 7.30pm, Central Methodist Church. www.bandsupplies.co.uk 4 - Brighouse. Solo Championships (Under 11, Under 14 and Under 17 categories), Ebenezer Methodist Church. Telephone: 01506 882985 Tel: 0113 2453097 Fax: 01506 881596 4 - Brighouse. Easington Colliery Band, 7.30pm, Central Methodist Church. E-mail: [email protected] 5 - Brighouse. March and Hymn Tune Contest, from 1.00pm, Town Centre. CONCERTS Display and classified advertising 8 - Twickenham. Royal Military School of Music ‘Army Big Band’ Concert in the Park, gates open 6.00pm, concert John Ward starts at 7.50pm. Telephone: 01132 707214. 15 - Twickenham. Royal Military School of Music ‘Celebration of Youth’ Concert in the Park, gates open 6.00pm, Cory Band in Concert E-mail: [email protected] Accounts concerts starts at 7.50pm. Saturday 16 May 2009, 7.30pm Hazel Foster 22 - Twickenham. Royal Military School of Music ‘A Musical World’ Concert in the Park, gates open 6.00pm, at Citifaith Church, Regent Street, Swindon. Telephone: 01933 445442 concert starts at 7.50pm. Tickets: £15/£12 and £6, available from: Subscriptions and Trade Orders 26 - 1 August - Swansea. 19th International Brass Band Summer School, University of Wales. Tourist Information Office on 01793 530328, Andrew Hall 29 - Twickenham. Royal Military School of Music ‘Last Night of the Proms’ Concert in the Park, gates open Dave Bird on 01793 822025 or Telephone: 01933 445442 www.greatwesternyouth.com Typesetting and Artwork 6.00pm, concert starts at 7.50pm. GK Graphic Design VOF

AUGUST Cover price: £1.25 9-15 - Bromsgrove. Brass Band Summer School, Bromsgrove School. INSTRUMENTS SUBSCRIPTION RATES 12 months 6 months 22 - Huddersfield. Open Day at University of Huddersfield Music Department, contact 01484 472003. UK £56.00 £30.00 French horns (several) from £150.00 Europe £75.00 £45.00 22 - Slough. Recital No. 35 with Charley Brighton (euphonium) and Malcolm Stowell (piano), 12.00pm, St. Long-model cornets (various) Rest of the World £115.00 £60.00 Mary’s Church. also, Yamaha BBb 4-valve tuba - offers. (52 issues per year) 01747 828552 DIRECT DEBIT (only for subscribers living in the UK) SEPTEMBER One month: £4.85 (saving nearly 10% on the cover price) 12 months: £52.00 (saving 12 - Birmingham. The 157th British Open Brass Band Championship, Symphony Hall. 20% on the price of a weekly copy from newsagents). Contact us for a direct debit form. MUSICIANS E-Bandsman - Only available to overseas readers - online edition direct to your desktop. 20 - Cornwall. NYBBGB auditions, St. Dennis Bandroom. £52 per year or £30 for 6 months. You can subscribe to E-Bandsman with a credit or Join a winning band! debit card, or pay by a sterling cheque/bankdraft. OCTOBER United Co-op Milnrow Band, newly- log onto www.britishbandsman.com 10 - Rhyl. Black Dyke Band, 7.30pm, Pavillion Theatre. crowned 2009 Senior Trophy champion, 25 - Leicester. NYBBGB auditions, Ratby Bandroom. requires: two cornet players, a tenor horn Please make cheques payable to British Bandsman. Subscriptions, accounts and and a Bb bass, due to internal moves, work general enquiries NOVEMBER commitments and maternity leave. Telephone: 01933 445442 7 - Salford. NYBBGB auditions, University of Salford. Tel: 07748 643082 or email Fax: 01933 445435 14 - Sunderland. NYBBGB auditions, University of Sunderland. [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.britishbandsman.com Make this space work for you by advertising in British Bandsman classified. Although we welcome unsolicited editorial contributions, photographs Telephone: 01132 707214 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 ALL CLASSIFIED ADVERTS PAYABLE IN ADVANCE (inc. VAT) the publisher, its editorial advisors or consultants. Neither does the publisher 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 accept responsibility for claims made by those advertising in the magazine. Material in this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form 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. without the Editor’s written permission. Advertisements with cheques (not credit cards) payable to British Bandsman should be sent to Classified Dept., British Bandsman, British Bandsman is published weekly and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd. 66-78 Denington Road, Wellingborough, Northants. NN8 2QH to be received not later than first post on the Monday 12 days Address: 66 - 78 Denington Road, Wellingborough, Northants. NN8 2QH. before the desired publication date.

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BB 14-15.indd 14 12-05-2009 18:44:02 Brass Festival Heritage Symposium

Friday 29th May- Leeds Metropolitan University Inaugural lecture “History of Brass Bands”

Saturday 30th May - Leeds Metropolitan University Lower Brass Spotlight - led by David Thornton and Joseph Cook

Saturday 30th May - Leeds Metropolitan University Gala Concert Black Dyke Band, Gandhi Hall Conductors Dr. Nicholas Childs, Prof. Philip Wilby and Prof. Peter Graham

Sunday 31st May - Leeds Town Hall British Trombone Society Workshop - Leeds Town Hall

Sunday 31st May - Leeds Town Hall Gala Concert Black Dyke Band with special guests Yorkshire Youth Brass Band Conductors Dr. Nicholas Childs and Prof. Philip Wilby

Tickets £5 available from Leeds Town Hall Box Office 0113 224 3801 Festival Administrator Alison Childs 07802 771735 [email protected]

‘Supported by Heritage Lottery Fund’

‘Partnering the Past and Fostering the Future’

29th - 31st May 2009 Gandhi Hall, Headingley Campus, Leeds Metropolitan University Leeds Town Hall

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