www.britishbandsman.com

Issue no. 5594 – 2 January 2010

“Don’t it mean a thing If it ain’t got that swing?”

Price £1.25

BB 1.indd 1 23-12-2009 18:05:34 MAILBOX HaveHave your your say say

CPD clarification from ABBA A satisfied customer

I thought it might be helpful to confirm a May I congratulate the Editor and staff of British Bandsman on a quite magnificent issue no. 5589. few points that were addressed in the article, The article on Bramwell Tovey was extremely entertaining and the choices for CDs of the Year made Continually developing professionally?, which by the distinguished panel couldn’t have been better in my opinion. BB has come a long way in the appeared in issue no. 5589. past few years, notably in the standard of its presentation, but the hard-hitting articles and in-depth reviews are a match for any music magazine available in the UK today, many of which I am a regular 1. Professional Institutions quite properly reader. regard continuing professional development Keep up the good work in 2010! (CPD) as an essential requirement that enables B. Wilson members to identify and review aspects of Wolverhampton areas of expertise that impinge upon their professional roles, so that personal knowledge and/or experience is always kept abreast of 90th year and still playing! he played euphonium in the Territorial Army changes and current directions in such areas. Royal Engineers Band and, when on leave, Normally, CPD is formally described as a At the age of 11 years in 1931, Cyril Turner he played in the SA’s Castleford Band (at that range of learning activities or opportunities commenced playing the trombone and, time, a young man called Ray Bowes, who went through which professional members (of being self-taught, later became a member of on to become Bandmaster of the ISB and an relevant Institutions such as accountancy, the Salvation Army band at Uckfield, Sussex, SA Colonel, was playing cornet in the Young engineering and science - where members which at that time had six members. He then People’s Band). have achieved chartered status), maintain went on to teach younger members of the During the war years, he carried a trumpet and, where appropriate, further develop skills SA corps, especially those who needed extra around with him but, when instructed that he and competences throughout their careers. encouragement. During his time in the forces, could only carry a rifle and his kit, and being This ensures that they retain their capacity involved in a German ambush, he had to operate effectively within their chosen to leave his precious instrument on the sphere of activity. Such members should beach at Dunkirk. After the war, Cyril continue to learn and develop to keep their returned to Uckfield and played cornet, professional knowledge up to date, to enhance as well as taking up the position of knowledge and understanding, skills, aptitude, Young People’s Band Leader, later competency and breadth of experience, all becoming the Bandmaster with a band of which may be required to address specific of 16 players. needs and possible changes. It will also help to In 1960, he moved to Brighton and strengthen perceived weaknesses. joined the Brighton Congress Hall Band Members of such Institutions can usually make on cornet then moved on to baritone. their own decisions about the type of activities He has been very versatile and has or learning opportunities they pursue. Records played most instruments except for have to be kept of the type and content the soprano cornet. Cyril also took relevant to the activities pursued. on the responsibility of the Young Consequently, CPD is totally different to the People’s Band again at this corps. He ‘detailed strategy and structured format over has completed 75 years as a senior a measured time frame’ that you described bandsman and his playing has been in your article. Your description was more his service to God and the SA. akin to the structured learning pathway On the anniversary of his 65 years, a applied to potential high-fliers in commercial special solo was written for him to play organisations. (on trombone) based on the hymn I suggest that, for the sake of accuracy, your tune, Ascalon, this being written by readers should have this important difference retired Songster Leader, Michael Babb. highlighted to them. Apart from playing in the band, 2. Your article emphasises that Steven Mead Cyril has held various positions in has written to ABBA twice. It is critically the corps, one being the leader of important to acknowledge that, while this a very large over sixty’s club (300+ may be so, as Secretary of ABBA, at the time of members). He also took on the writing this, I have still not received any such responsibility of visiting members form of communication from Steven and would when ill or if they needed shopping. be prepared to swear this fact on oath. Asked when he might retire, his C. Brian Buckley response was, “Not until I have played Secretary – Association of Brass Band Soprano!” Adjudicators Bram Warren by email

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BB 2-3.indd 2 23-12-2009 17:59:08 NEWS EBBA announces Linz tests

The European Brass Band Association (EBBA) supplement their programme with works of Percussion, details of which can be found on has announced the test-pieces for this year’s their own choice. the organisation’s website at www.ebbc2010.at European Championships, which will be held in The bands that have so far accepted invitations the Brucknerhaus, Linz, Austria from 24 April to to compete are: 2 May. Championship Section: Brass Band Oberösterreich (Austria), Brass Austrian composer, Thomas Doss, has written Band Buizingen (Belgium), Concord Brass Band the Championship test-piece, Spiriti, a work (Denmark), Black Dyke Band (England), Brass in three sections based on the Bach chorale, Band Nord Pas-de-Calais (France), Brass Band Für deinen Thron tret’ ich hiermit, and is also De Wâldsang (Holland), Eikanger-Bjørsvik influenced by the style of Bruckner and includes Musikklag (Norway), Bon-Accord Silver Band a quotation from his 5th symphony in the (Scotland), Valaisia Brass Band (Switzerland) and triumphant finale. Bands in the Championship Cory Band (Wales – defending champion). Section will also perform an own-choice work. Another Austrian composer, Albin Zaininger, B-Section: has provided the intriguingly-titled ‘B’ Section Austrian Brass Band of the University of Graz test-piece, Up my Alley - an energetic, five- (Austria), Töölö Brass (Finland), 3BA Concert minute work that, according to the composer, Band (Germany – defending champion), Brass ‘contains the various parameters expected of Band Wipptal (Italy). a test-piece – virtuosity, different tempi and The EBBA also invite entries for the fifth Thomas Doss, composer of Spiriti exposed solo parts.’ ‘B’ Section bands will European Solo Championship for Brass and

All change at Mount New signings at B&R secures Charles for 2010 Black Dyke Lingard on flugel

Mount Charles Band has announced Following a number of recent departures Brighouse and Rastrick Band has announced significant conducting appointments from its cornet section, Black Dyke Band has the signing of former YBS Band principal in preparation for the 2010 contesting announced the signing of two new cornet cornet, Stuart Lingard, on flugel horn, replacing season. players. the departing John Lee. Also joining Brighouse Speaking to BB, the band’s Chairman, Neil Day, formerly principal cornet of EYMS is former member, Mick Morris, who returns Derek Thomas, commented: “Mount Band, will play on the front row, and joining on on Eb bass and replaces Martin Gill, who has Charles Band has a busy schedule of 3rd cornet is David Smith, formerly of Carlton served the band for 12 years. Brighouse and contests and engagements planned, and is Main Frickley Colliery Band. Both Neil and David Rastrick has also announced that Matthew delighted to be working with some great have been playing with Black Dyke for the last Gledhill, formerly of Hepworth (Cookson conductors in the New Year. Engagements few weeks. Homes) Band, has joined the band on assistant include working towards local and The band’s Music Director, Professor Nicholas principal cornet. national contests, as well as accepting an Childs, commented to BB: “Neil Day has vast invitation to attend the Grenland Festival experience and a beautiful sound and will be a in Norway.” great asset to the cornet section, while David Richard Evans will conduct the band at Smith is a talented young player who has a the Yeovil contest and Phillip McCann promising career ahead of him.” will prepare and direct it at the West of England Regional Championships and Grand Shield events. Derek Thomas continued: “We are David Read MBE visits very pleased to be working alongside Richard again at the Yeovil contest. He Buckingham Palace has selected a typically entertaining Leading brass band adjudicator, David Read, programme, which the band is already recently attended an investiture at Buckingham enjoying. Later on in the year, the band Palace, where he was presented with his MBE by will work with Phillip McCann on English HRH The Prince of Wales, having been honoured Heritage, a piece with which he had great in June by Her Majesty the Queen in her Birthday success with Sellers in 1990.” Honours. Phillip McCann added: “I am really Speaking to BB, David Read, who formerly served looking forward to working with Mount in the Band of the Welsh Guards, commented: Charles, a band with which I have had “It was a marvellous day at the palace, and I was the great pleasure of being guest soloist extremely impressed with the Prince of Wales’ in recent years. It also seems to me to knowledge on the subject of brass bands and have a wonderful set-up, which focusses with the interest he showed in my personal quite correctly on a very strong youth career as a guards bandsman, teacher and my life development strategy, but is also a true in banding.” example of what the grass roots of brass bands are and should be about.” BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 3

BB 2-3.indd 3 23-12-2009 17:59:10 2010 REGIONALS

Yorkshire Brass Band Championships North West Regional Championships St. George’s Hall, Bradford Winter Gardens, Blackpool Saturday 6 March: 2nd and 1st sections Sunday 14 March Sunday 7 March: 4th, 3rd and Championship sections Commences at 10.00am Information from the Secretary, Peggy Tomlinson Five sections – three halls – one day Tel: 0114 2468102 All-day ticket: Adults £9.00, Concessions: £5.00, Programme £2.00 Email: [email protected] Come along and experience the atmosphere of a full day’s brass band Tickets available from 4 January contesting, under one roof, and for one ‘all-day ticket’ price St. George’s Hall Box Office on 01274 432000 Adjudicators: C. Brian Buckley, Barry Thompson, Roy Roe, Patrons please note the Championship Section is allocated seats only. Ian Brownbill and Steve Pritchard-Jones For more information about the contest, local facilities and transport, Further information from the Secretary, Peter Bates log-on to www.regional-contest.org.uk/yorkshire 643 Liverpool Road, Eccles, M30 7BY Tel: 0161 707 3638 Email: [email protected]

Midlands Regional Championships Civic Hall and Nicholas Chamberlain Technology College (NCTC), Bedworth Championship Section: Sunday 14 March pm (Civic Hall) Scottish Championships Adjudicators: David Read MBE and Dr. Robert Childs Rothes Halls, Glenrothes 1st Section: Saturday 13 March (Civic Hall) (Supported by York Instruments & Fife Flagship Funding) Adjudicators: Kevin Wadsworth and Philip Harper Saturday 13 March: 4th, 3rd and 2nd sections (commences 10.00am) 2nd Section: Sunday 14 March am (Civic Hall) Sunday 14 March: 1st and Championship sections (commences 10.30am) Adjudicators: Malcolm Brownbill and Paul Norley Adjudicators: Brett Baker, Chris Wormald, Dave Barringer, 3rd Section: Saturday 13 March (NCTC) David Thornton and Nigel Seaman Adjudicators: Malcolm Browbill and Paul Norley Contact the Secretary, Tom Allan 4th Section: Sunday 14 March (NCTC) Email: [email protected] Adjudicators: Chris Davis and Kevin Wadsworth Contact the Secretary, Lesley Bentley Tel: 01509 672029 or 07786 604552 Mrs Lesley Bentley, 21 Gables Lea, Sutton Bonington, Leic. LE12 5NW Email: [email protected]

Welsh Regional Championships London and Southern Counties Regional Championships Brangwyn Hall, Swansea Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March Saturday 20 March: 3rd and 4th sections Closing date for entries: 17 January Sunday 21 March: 2nd, 1st and Championship sections For further information, contact the Secretary, Philip Morris Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent, C. Brian Buckley and Simone Rebello Tel: 02920 704325 Closing date for entries: Saturday 23 January 2010 Tickets available on the day Further information from the Secretary, David Hobbs Tel: 01473 631591

West of England Regional Championships North of England Regional Championships Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay The Dolphin Centre, Darlington Saturday 13 March: 3rd and 1st sections (in the Forum), Saturday 20 March: 2nd and 1st sections (commences 12.00pm) 4th Section (in the Arena) Sunday 21 March: 4th, 3rd and Championship sections Sunday 14 March: 2nd and Championship sections (in the Forum) (commences 10.00am) Information from the Secretary, Brian Elliott Closing date for entries: Saturday 30 January Tel: 01752 892056 For further information, contact the Secretary, Alan Hope, Email: [email protected] 113A Fatfield Park, Washington, Tyne and Wear, NE38 4BP Enjoy a weekend on the English Riviera Tel: 0191 4161008 Email: [email protected]

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BB 4-5.indd 4 23-12-2009 17:58:27 RANKINGS WORLD OF BRASS RANKINGS

Rankings hat-trick for multiple champion

The final World of Brass – British Bandsman Rankings for 2009 see Cory Band finish the year on top for the third year in succession, a feat that was marked at the band’s recent concert with Honley Male Voice Choir in Huddersfield, where BB Editor, Kenneth Crookston presented the World Rankings Trophy to Dr. Robert Childs. For the second year running, Cory was also the band that picked up the most points during the past 12 months, having won the Welsh, British Open, European and World championships, while the highest new entry into the top-200 was the newly-crowned Swiss champion, Brass Band Valaisia. The other Leicester Open – won by Ratby Co-op, Wessex BBA – won by Woodfalls and the Dutch National Championships – won by Brass Band de Wâldsang.

As at the start of 2009, the top four bands still form an elite group that is proving hard to catch for the chasing pack. The first opportunity for any challengers to make up some ground is at Butlins in three weeks, while the lucrative regional championships are already just around the corner in March.

2009 was a good year for… Pos 01 January 2010 TOTAL 2008 2009 Band Total +/- 1 Cory Wales 1,832.43 - 1 1 Cory 1,832.43 198.72 2 Foden’s North West 1,479.64 - 26 11 Brass Band Treize Etoiles 228.50 163.01 3 Black Dyke Yorkshire 1,287.68 - 17 7 Rothwell Temperance 305.67 138.33 4 Grimethorpe Colliery Yorkshire 1,190.90 - 4 3 Black Dyke 1,287.68 125.15 5 Brighouse and Rastrick Yorkshire 509.79 - 23 17 Eikanger-Bjørsvik 191.72 102.06 6 Leyland North West 407.31 - 22 15 Reg Vardy 204.35 94.33 7 Rothwell Temperance Yorkshire 305.67 - 46 24 Fountain City Brass Band 113.91 87.50 8 Stavanger Norway 242.13 - 3 2 Foden’s 1,479.64 80.43 9 Fairey North West 240.60 - 59 25 Brass Band Rijnmond 80.07 60.08 10 Desford Colliery Midlands 230.01 - 18 13 Hepworth (Cookson Homes) 212.27 59.89 11 Brass Band Treize Etoiles Switzerland 228.50 - 52 29 Pemberton Old Wigan DW 68.58 45.21 12 Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Yorkshire 217.65 - 74 35 Burgermusik Luzern 44.15 28.08 13 Hepworth (Cookson Homes) Yorkshire 212.27 - 291 53 Valaisia Brass Band 24.30 23.34 14 Tredegar Wales 207.49 - 170 55 Oslo Brass Band 23.93 19.84 15 Reg Vardy North 204.35 - 47 34 Camborne Town 44.83 19.23 16 Co-operative FuneralCare Scotland 191.97 - 28 26 Virtuosi GUS 75.47 18.70 17 Eikanger-Bjørsvik Norway 191.72 - 51 36 Beaumaris 42.59 18.63 18 Brass Band Willebroek Belgium 185.73 +1 57 42 Wire Brass 38.70 16.43 19 Whitburn Scotland 175.47 -1 73 48 Newstead Brass 31.33 14.97 20 Kirkintilloch Scotland 145.27 - 27 27 Wingates 72.80 14.26 21 Hammonds Saltaire Yorkshire 133.98 - 22 Flowers West 125.64 - 23 BTM Wales 114.06 - 24 Fountain City Brass Band USA 113.91 - …and a bad year for… 25 Brass Band Rijnmond Netherlands 80.07 - 26 Virtuosi GUS Midlands 75.47 - 2008 2009 Band Total +/- 27 Wingates North West 72.80 - 2 4 Grimethorpe Colliery 1,190.90 -284.24 28 Buizingen Belgium 71.17 +4 7 8 Stavanger 242.13 -184.95 29 Pemberton Old Wigan DW North West 68.58 -1 9 18 Brass Band Willebroek 185.73 -143.17 30 Mount Charles West 63.08 -1 11 21 Hammonds Saltaire 133.98 -132.15 31 Brass Band Fribourg Switzerland 62.27 -1 5 5 Brighouse and Rastrick 509.79 -122.90 32 Brass Band Oberösterreich Austria 54.44 -1 8 9 Fairey 240.60 -122.10 33 Tongwynlais Temperance Wales 47.09 - 10 12 Carlton Main Frickley Colliery 217.65 -69.74 34 Camborne Town West 44.83 - 15 19 Whitburn 175.47 -63.70 35 Burgermusik Luzern Switzerland 44.15 +14 16 20 Kirkintilloch 145.27 -55.96 36 Beaumaris Wales 42.59 -1 21 31 Brass Band Fribourg 62.27 -50.91 37 Lyngby Taarbaek Denmark 41.52 -1 14 16 Co-operative FuneralCare 191.97 -48.97 38 Brisbane Excelsior Australia 40.13 -1 13 14 Tredegar 207.49 -41.72 39 Burry Port Town Wales 39.25 -1 6 6 Leyland 407.31 -38.91 40 Festival Brass Band Belgium 39.13 +5 12 10 Desford Colliery 230.01 -35.59 41 Redbridge Brass London & SC 38.99 -2 29 45 Manger Musikklag 34.11 -22.03 42 Wire Brass North West 38.70 -2 35 54 Aeolus 24.13 -20.99 43 Northop Wales 36.27 -2 19 23 BTM 114.06 -17.63 44 EYMS North 35.25 -2 39 64 Brass Band of Central Florida 19.89 -15.36 45 Manger Musikklag Norway 34.11 -2 24 30 Mount Charles 63.08 -14.85 46 Skelmanthorpe Yorkshire 32.84 -2 30 37 Lyngby Taarbaek 41.52 -13.96 47 Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan A Switzerland 32.27 +11 48 Newstead Brass Midlands 31.33 -2 49 Marsden Silver Yorkshire 28.73 -2 Ten best new entries 50 Kingdom Brass Scotland 27.81 -2 51 Kew Band Melbourne Australia 25.23 -1 53 Valaisia Brass Band Switzerland 24.30 52 Fishburn North 24.96 -1 108 City of Holroyd Australia 8.12 53 Valaisia Brass Band Switzerland 24.30 New 113 National Band of New Zealand New Zealand 7.82 54 Aeolus France 24.13 -1 125 City of Cardiff (Melingriffi th) Wales 6.56 55 Oslo Brass Band Norway 23.93 -3 131 Norfolk Brass London & SC 6.42 56 Gunnedah Shire Band Australia 23.57 -2 135 Nord-Pas-de-Calais France 5.78 57 Brass Band de Wâldsang Netherlands 22.42 +18 156 Hade Edge (J&E Dickinson) Yorkshire 4.41 58 Windcorp Sweden 22.08 -3 167 Goodwick Brass Wales 3.93 59 Noord Limburgse Belgium 21.78 +51 172 Deiniolen Wales 3.74 60 Woolston Brass New Zealand 21.70 -4 177 Rogerstone Wales 3.45 61 Cwmaman Institute Wales 20.51 -4 62 Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel Yorkshire 20.33 -2 63 Aveley & Newham London & SC 19.95 -2 64 Brass Band of Central Florida USA 19.89 -2 65 Krohnengen Norway 19.88 -6

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BB 4-5.indd 5 23-12-2009 17:58:28 FEATURE Greater Gwent Youth Br In the 1950s, a brass group was formed in the county of Monmouthshire that grew to become Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band. Fifty years on, as it prepares to celebrate its half-century, Rodney Newton looks at the band’s history and its achievement with the help of the Head of Gwent Music Support Services, Alun F. Williams

It seems impossible, but this year, the award- among a number of conductors. This ensured this honour, he remarked, “This is recognition winning Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band that the young band members experienced a of all the people who are so supportive in celebrates its 50th anniversary. This fine youth variety of conductors along with new repertoire. this part of Wales in developing young brass band has been the training ground for many The attendance on the courses grew until over players and youth bands: the Music Support who now occupy principal positions in top 130 players would meet each year, making it Service, teachers, parents, Unitary Authorities, British brass bands, but its history goes back necessary to hold auditions. Over the 50 years the local youth bands and the commitment and to the early 1950s, when young players from of the band’s existence, it has seen changes and enthusiasm of all the young musicians.” various town bands in Monmouthshire were reorganisation in local government, resulting in invited to form a youth band for a one-off BBC the band being known as the Monmouthshire Over the last 20 years, the band has achieved broadcast. The conductor was a Mr. Probert of Youth Brass Band, the Gwent Youth Brass Band much distinction in contests, winning the Gold the historic Blaina Band (considered to have and currently, the Greater Gwent Youth Brass Award at the 1991 Gower Music Festival in been be the first British all-brass band), a well- Band. During the 1960s and early 1970s the Valkenburg, Holland and achieved Outstanding known figure on the Welsh banding scene. The band made a considerable number of radio and Performance Awards at the Music for Youth success of this venture led, in the mid 1950s, tele vision broadcasts, both for the BBC and National Festival in 1992, 1999, 2002, 2003, to Monmouthshire County Council Youth independent television stations and, in 1977, it 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 (Sponsors Committee deciding to loan instruments to achieved success in an all-Wales competition Award) and Highly Commended Awards in youth groups attached to town bands, which for county youth bands, held to celebrate the 1993, 1998 and 2001. As a result of these saw the formation of a number of youth brass Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. This successes, the band has performed at the bands throughout the county. However, the culminated in a concert at Swansea in the Schools Prom Wales concerts held at St. David’s big breakthrough came in September 1960, presence of the Prince of Wales. Later that Hall, Cardiff, in 1994 and 1999, and at the when Monmouthshire Education Committee year, the band played at the opening of Risca Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall in 1992, appointed Nigel Mumford as its first peripatetic Comprehensive School in the presence of Her 1999, 2002 and 2006. In 1998, the band won brass teacher with special responsibility Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the the European Youth Band Championship title for youth bands and the organisation of Duke of Edinburgh. and the National Youth Band Championships brass teaching. He took the initiative and In 1990, following the retirement of Nigel in 1994, 1999 and 2006 and, in 1999, the then established the first Monmouthshire Mumford, Alun F. Williams was appointed principal trombone player, Jonathan Pippen, Youth Brass Band course that same year. The Head of Brass. Along with his team, Alun and principal euphonium player, Steven Miles, development of the youth band movement in has continued to develop and improve the won the European Youth Best Soloist Award this part of South East Wales owes much to his structure of youth bands in the Gwent area, and the National Youth Best Soloist Award guidance. and in 2005, he was awarded the Mortimer respectively. In 1998, the band performed at From 1960, the course has been held on an Medal by the Worshipful Company of Cardiff Castle during a ceremony attended by annual basis, the Youth Committee taking Musicians, and the Brian Hicks Memorial Trophy Nelson Mandela and, in 1999 and 2000, it took responsibility for the organisation. From the together with the Certificate of Outstanding part in the semi-finals of the BBC Radio 2 Youth very first course, the committee decided that Achievement (Torfaen Education Service) in Band of the Year competition. In 2000, the band the direction of the course would not be given 2006 in recognition of services to the teaching (under the direction of Russell Gray) entered to a single person in perpetuity, but rotated of young people in brass bands. On receiving the first Pontin’s British Open Youth Brass Band

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BB 6-7.indd 6 23-12-2009 17:59:51 FEATURE rass Band’s half-century

Championships held in Prestatyn, North Wales, concert in Krakow featured all the ensembles and Nicholas Sheppard (both conducting winning first prize as well as trophies for the and concluded in a fantastic performance of bands in Northern England) and Sean Moore, Best Euphoniums and Best Bass Section, while Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture in St. Katherine’s drummer with the pop group, Manic Street in the same year, it appeared for three days Church, Krakow. Preachers, who was a soprano cornet player

at the 02 Arena in London at the invitation of with the band. The band has a very strong the London Education Authority. 2001 saw the Over the years, the members of the Greater link with the National Youth Brass Band of band coming runner-up to the St. Keverne Band Gwent Youth Brass Band have been fortunate Wales (NYBBW) with which many members of in the final, and the band’s principal cornet enough to have worked with some of the Gwent Youth Band have played over the years. player, Laura Davies winning the Best Soloist best brass band conductors in the world and In 2009, 20 young players from Gwent were trophy and, in 2005, it was invited to perform have also played alongside some of the best invited to play with the NYBBW, a remarkable once again at the National Festival of Music of soloists. During the past three years, the band achievement for one single music service youth Youth held in the Symphony Hall, Birmingham. has greatly benefited from its partnership with brass band. Important concert engagements and tours composer and conductor, Philip Harper, who also figure prominently in the band’s history has directed two of the last three courses and To coincide with Greater Gwent Youth and, in 1980, the young musicians visited led the band to three Special Awards at the Brass Band’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Woschbach in Karlsruhe, Germany, where they National Festival of Music for Youth, held at the band has recorded a CD, produced by were received with great enthusiasm by all Symphony Hall in Birmingham. For the band, World of Sound, bearing the title of Philip concerned. Many other visits were made to the Philip Harper has written Kingdom of Dragons, Harper’s Kingdom of Dragons. Conducted twinned area, including the visit of 1983 during commission by Gwent Music Support Service by Philip Harper, the CD (currently available which the members of the band experienced a and Ty Cerdd -Music Centre Wales to celebrate from World of Brass) features, along with dreadful coach accident, but, like true troopers, the 50th anniversary this year. the newly-commissioned work, Renaissance continued to complete their tour, despite Over the last half-century, many players passed by Peter Graham and a selection of Welsh several injuries, some serious, to players and through the Gwent Youth Brass Band who later music. The 50th anniversary concert will take members of staff. In 2001, the band toured went on to make names for themselves in the place tomorrow (Sunday 3 January) at Ebbw the east coast of North America with visits world of brass bands. Past members include Vale Leisure Centre, where both Greater to New York, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Dr. Robert Childs, Professor Nicholas Childs, Gwent Youth Brass Band and Greater Gwent Washington, while 2004 saw a trip ‘down under’ Matthew Routley and Neil Edwards (Black Dyke), Intermediate Band will be conducted by Dr. to Australia and New Zealand, during which Owen Farr and Lucy Rogers (Cory), Jonathan Robert Childs. At 3.00pm a Gwent Reunion Band the band appeared in joint concerts with bands Pippen (formerly with Tredegar and Brighouse will perform. This promises to be a fantastic from New Zealand. Nobody on that tour will and now BTM), Steven Miles (formerly with event, and many players, teachers, parents, forget the memorable final performance of the Brighouse and now in New Zealand), Nigel officers and councillors from the last 50 years tour in front of an audience of 1,600 at Brisbane Weeks (currently teaching and conducting in are hoping to be present. To continue the year City Hall. In August 2008, the band travelled New Zealand), Paul Holland (formerly with Black of celebration, Greater Gwent Youth Brass Band to Poland with the Greater Gwent Youth Dyke and now conducting Flowers), Gareth will be combining with Cory Band at 7.30pm Choir and Orchestra with the whole party, Ritter (who recently conducted City of Cardiff to on Saturday 22 May at the Riverfront Theatre, inclusive of staff, numbering over 170. The final 2nd Section National victory), Jamie Meredith Newport for a celebratory concert.

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BB 6-7.indd 7 23-12-2009 17:59:56 FEATURE Getting into t Brass bands are often criticised by those outside the fraternity for not being able to play swing and jazz in an authentic manner. Rodney Newton considers this topic with the help of Dr. Robin Dewhurst, Tony Fisher and Allan Withington

“When is someone going to teach your brass bands how to swing?” So said a jazz-playing gentleman (not a brass bander) to me in the interval of a Brass on Sundays concert at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall a few years ago. As someone coming from the ‘other side’ of music, I could give no answer, but, having heard the ‘real thing’, both in New Orleans and at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the 100 Club in London, I knew what the critical gentleman meant. This is evident when one hears an (photo: public domain USA) American brass band playing in swing or jazz Duke Ellington showed us what swing is style, and the Norwegians seem to be able to make a better fist of it than the average British brass band. The Americans swing with ease bands, well-arranged jazz and swing pieces play in a jazz style is contagious. In order to because that music is in their blood (the same were decidedly thin on the ground. Then along improve the situation, I think we need more as a Whit Friday-style road march is in ours); came the James Shepherd Versatile Brass and good jazz arrangements in the repertoire and jazz is all around them, it is part of their culture things began to change. The Salvation Army, the willingness of conductors to listen to, and and they absorb it from their earliest years. with its songster brigades and timbrel groups learn from, ensembles like The Brazz Brothers Here it is not quite so prevalent. alongside its brass bands, has always had a and Mnozil Brass, who are showing the way As the brass band repertoire now contains certain amount of jazz-inflected arrangements, forward (Stavanger Band, for instance, has a number of jazz-based compositions and and many of the European bands, particularly modelled itself on the music of the former). arrangements (many coming to my attention those in Norway, have had music directors Jazz improvisation has been very slow to seep as a reviewer), I thought it would be interesting with swing band and big band backgrounds, into brass bands, although great soloists like to ask the experts what they thought of this whereas the average British ‘secular’ brass Wycliffe Gordon and James Morrison have matter. Dr. Robin Dewhurst, Senior Lecturer in band conductor usually has a background of helped to open ears in this respect.” Popular Music and Head of Jazz Performance traditional brass band playing. Added to this, Top session trumpet player, Tony Fisher, has at Salford University, has a lifetime’s experience brass band people usually have a very narrow a background of brass banding, having lived as a jazz composer, arranger and performer (as definition of the meaning of the term, ‘swing’. as a youngster around the corner from the many readers will know, his jazz trio made a Our own jazz tradition began in the music halls Fairey bandroom in Stockport and having been, considerable contribution to Cory Band’s 125th and continued through the great dance bands along with his bass-playing father, a member anniversary concert in Cardiff earlier this year) of the past such as that of Geraldo, but it really of a number of brass bands throughout his and offered the following observations: has European roots. Often, when brass band formative years (including, at one time, at least “Until about three decades ago, the brass people talk of ‘swing’, what they really mean is three at once!). When asked whether or not band repertoire contained little swing or jazz the style of Count Basie, but the whole genre brass bands can ‘swing,’ he replied, “I dont music of any great distinction. The Salvation is very much broader than that. It is difficult think that brass bands can swing - probably Army probably had the best arrangements in to play against one’s inbuilt traditions and the because I guess the situation is as it was in the genre, but for the secular world of brass stiffness of some players when attempting to my young days in brass bands - they are very

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BB 8-9.indd 8 23-12-2009 18:02:16 FEATURE the swing of things

steeped in their traditions of playing - and conductor, Allan Withington (a member this until we actually sit down and study it - and rightly so - and anything that meant phrasing of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in this is just like the phrasing in light music. We in a jazz style was certainly not appreciated. Norway), agrees with Robin Dewhurst as grow up thinking that dotted rhythms should Again, I stress that I think this is correct - to my to the root cause of the perceived problem be played in a triplet style. Well, they should, ears there is nothing worse than a brass band and commented, “I think the reason is to a but only ‘triplet-ish’. This is new territory for us trying to play swing - or jazz time as I like to large extent bound up in tradition. I can only so it has to be studied. If we devoted as much call it. They do a marvellous job playing in their compare the Norwegian scene and think it safe time to the lighter elements in our programmes own way and it should stay that way. I also to say that some Norwegian bands can ‘swing’ think that the reason the American brass bands better than some British bands, but I am sure as we do to the more serious, we would see an can swing is because of their teaching systems the opposite is also true.” improvement.” - all American colleges teach jazz playing and Expanding his theme, he continued, Allan Withington concluded, “In lighter music, phrasing just as much as they do ‘legitimate’, “Norwegian bands simply don’t have the two elements have to be segregated: the on a perfectly equal footing - in other words, century-long tradition that British bands constant drive of the bass line and percussion the ‘legit’ people do not in any way look down possess. This tradition is of course fantastic has to do exactly that, while the melody line on the jazz people, as I am afraid they certainly when playing solid ‘band’ music, but can be and ends of phrases have to relax. So, simply do in my own experience in this country (I am restrictive when tackling other musical idioms. put, we are moving forwards and backwards at talking about the teaching staff here, not the Norwegian bands, in general, are less restricted the same time. This is a very difficult exercise players) - hence the American players start to by this tradition and therefore by definition to perfect and almost impossible if we are play with both systems in mind and develop probably more flexible when tackling ‘light constantly playing music that collectively goes accordingly. Many of the very best brass band music’. A lot of Norwegian bands are situated players - for example my good friend Maurice in or around large towns, and these towns forwards or collectively backwards. Expanding Murphy - love to play alongside me, and play could have a professional symphony orchestra, slightly on this, the ability to ‘change camps’ is with my jazz phrasing - just as I love to play a professional wind band and a professional sometimes hampered by our production and alongside Maurice. Its all good music and both big band (for example, Bergen, where I live and articulation. This long tradition I mentioned sides appreciate that.” work). Conductors and instructors will often above is both a blessing and a curse. British I suggested that maybe it had something to have a role in one or more of these. The music band players usually have a very unique do with not having improvisation as part of scene in Norway is very small, so first-hand way of producing a note. It’s a strike, some the staple diet of brass band training, but Tony contact between these professional performers vibrato to warm up the tone and a decay. It’s and band members is usually impossible to responded, “I don’t think that is the case - it a great contribution to the fantastic sound is much more to do with actually phrasing avoid. In Britain, contact between different we have been making for the last 150 years, the notes. The classic example is the quaver musical organisations is more restricted. It could but unfortunately, it doesn’t suit all styles. Try followed by a crotchet - the brass band person be lack of interest in other peoples’ business, would play a short note followed by a long note but some top British bands simply do not have speaking in different accents or languages - the - quite correct - whereas the jazz player would the time to mingle. They work much harder difference in articulation is incredible. I can’t use automatically play a long quaver followed by a with a sometimes ridiculous concert schedule. my English articulation to speak Norwegian as short crotchet - which of course is totally wrong “Talking of concerts, Norwegian bands give it would sound comical (or even more comical in music theory, but that is the way it is, and relatively few. There is only one brass band than it does already!). So, we have been using the way it has been since jazz appeared on the in Norway that can guarantee an audience of the same articulation for 150 years which scene all those years ago. I am not saying that more than 150 for every concert, while the makes it difficult to adapt or modify, but not this has to be done in every jazz arrangement - rest struggle. We still don’t really have a ‘brass impossible. but in 99 percent of them, that is the required band audience’, so often, guest artists, which We are not talking heart transplantation here; approach - hence this is extremely difficult for tend to come from the lighter side of music, are the level of talent sitting around the music the brass band musician - it goes completely invited to make the concerts more appealing stands of my English band is extremely high, as against all he has learnt. I am afraid I don’t to potential punters. In Britain, we have lots of see any answer to solve it; long may the brass talented conductors, but they tend to be born it is in other bands. I refuse to believe that, with bands continue to play their way and the jazz and bred within brass bands. In comparison, the right approach, British bands cannot swing musicians their way - but please, don’t let the the resident conductors of Stavanger, Manger with the best of them. Just think what else they brass bands play jazz arrangements - they and Eikanger all have a background of ‘big have mastered. Put a talented exponent of light do themselves more harm than good in my bands’ in addition to brass bands. Of course, we music for a couple of hours in front of Stavanger humble estimation. However, here is one thing can listen and copy, but that is easier said than and then Grimethorpe and the result will not be I must add; I started in brass bands as a kid and done. When we listen to light music, we tend to much different (I now know one of the themes had many years along with my dad in various listen with a less critical ear than, say, classical for my conducting course next summer!)” bands. I think that all the hours playing in those music or brass band test-pieces. It becomes In summing up, this is a subject that sharply bands stood me in good stead for the last 50 general background while we drive down the divides opinion (as we have seen above) and is years or so I have had in studios and other motorway and is a bit like the ‘colours in nature’ likely to be discussed for a long time. However, musical situations - so I personally owe brass question. I recently asked my seven year-old bands a big thank you for building my ‘chops’ stepdaughter what colour the sea was; ‘blue’ where music with a jazz inflection is concerned, - it’s the greatest start in the world for any she replied. We grow up thinking the sea is blue whoever the players are, I think it would be true aspiring brass player!” or green but, believe you me, out here it’s a very to paraphrase Duke Ellington and say, ‘it don’t Grimethorpe Colliery Band’s professional sad-looking transparent grey! We don’t realise mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!’

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BB 8-9.indd 9 23-12-2009 18:02:16 FEATURE …just like playing football!

people doing it for the love of the game rather BB meets former Nottingham workhorses. In addition, brass bands are than the fame and glory.” separated into leagues, just like football. Having Although Steve Sutton’s first choice is Forest star, Steve Sutton, who still said that, none of the members of a band drive the trombone, he tries his hand at other Bentley Continentals!” instruments, depending on who is missing at manages to combine his coaching Steve continued: “You prepare yourself to do rehearsal nights. That’s not to say he is immune the best for the game or a concert, and in a to jibes aimed at players of instruments career in the Football League with brass band it also happens that no matter how without valves. In fact he even has a favourite hard you try to do your best, sometimes you trombonist joke - an oldie but a goodie: “What a life-long love of brass bands. fall short.” is the definition of a gentleman? Someone who Sutton, who played under the managership owns a trombone but doesn’t play it.” of the legendary Brian Clough at Nottingham “Conducting a brass band is like being a Forest between 1979 and 1992 before stints at professional footballer.” So says trombonist, Derby County and Birmingham City, adds that conductor and former Nottingham Forest he never divulged his hobby to his teammates. goalkeeper Steve Sutton, who was part of It was not through embarrassment, but he Fairfield (Buxton) Band, which finished fifth in didn’t want his band mates to be exposed to the 4th Section at last year’s National Finals in the often raucous banter that flies around the Harrogate. training ground of a football club. He said: “I Brought up in a banding family, Steve, who never used to let it be known also conducts the Warslow Brass Band in among my team mates that I Staffordshire, started playing trombone when was in a brass band. I mean, it he was about 14. “It wasn’t as if I just started on didn’t bother me at all if they my own account,” he began, adding, “My dad found out and if they wanted was in brass bands and so was my grandfather. to come along to a concert, It runs in the family; my daughter plays in a then they were welcome, but band, as does my wife.” I didn’t broadcast it when I was He has combined his love of music with a playing. Put it this way, I didn’t go career as a professional footballer – to the point around and put up flyers at the training of leaving post-match celebrations early to get ground! If I did, then it wouldn’t have been to a concert – and he sees many similarities fair on the rest of the band – they wouldn’t between the two. The banter and demographic understand the football mentality. The players may be different, but he said: “Sometimes would be only there to take the ‘rip’ out of me. I conducting a band is a lot like playing football. would understand that it is part of the banter of There are a lot of parallels, which some people a football team, but it wouldn’t be fair to expect may be surprised to hear. In both you have the rest of the band to take it as that.” the manager, the star player and also your He was nothing if not committed to both his chosen paths, as he recounts a story from the 1988 FA Cup. “We beat Arsenal away at Highbury,” he recalled, continuing, “It was a great day, but I had to leave straight after the game, because I was due to conduct a concert at 7.30pm in Haughton, Staffordshire. I made it, although I was ten minutes late.” For all the commitment he showed as a player, Sutton, 48, more than matches it in his current role at the Forest Academy. He also admits that his day job these days is far more demanding than playing football for a living, adding: “The coaches work long days, a bit of a change from playing when we used to get in at 10.00am and be finished by 12.30pm. Some people at the club are here from 8.30 in the morning until nine at night. It shows people’s commitment to the game, because in the Football League, unlike the Premier League, you get a lot of

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 10

BB 10-11.indd 10 23-12-2009 18:00:48 CHARTS WoB and WoB Tunes chart, December 2009

by Carl Woodman

World of Brass CD top 10 Kingdom of Dragons (Greater Gwent Youth Band) New entry Rathamataz (Brett Baker with Black Dyke Band) New entry Now That’s What I Call Brass Volume 7 (compilation) + 4 World Class Marches of The Salvation Army (Black Dyke Band) + 5 Within Blue Empires (Black Dyke Band) - 3 Heritage Series Vol. 1 – The 1930s (International Staff Band) Re-entry Classically Enfield (Enfield Citadel Band) - 6 Essential Dyke Volume IX (Black Dyke Band) + 2 Basso Bravissimo! (Steve Sykes) Re-entry Enter the Galaxies (Cory Band) Re-entry

Kingdom of Dragons has been produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Greater Gwent Youth Band in 2010 and goes straight to the top of our chart. Rathamataz is the title of Brett Baker’s latest solo CD, each track of which is dedicated to a person or group who have been influential in his life and career to date. Brett is accompanied by Black Dyke Band and all three of the band’s other 2009 releases appear in this month’s chart.

Highlights from the 2008 www.worldofbrass.com Brass in Concert Championship and World of Brass in Concert World of Brass DVD top 10 Brass & Voices...and all that jazz (Cory Band) Unchanged Brass in Concert 2008 + 3 European Brass Band Championships 2009 - 1 Gospel Arts Concert 2009 - 1 Epic Brass II (Black Dyke Band and ISB) - 1 Black Dyke Band LIVE! (Black Dyke Band and James Morrison) Re-entry Black Dyke 150th anniversary concert (Black Dyke Band and James Morrison) Re-entry European Brass Band Championships 2007 Re-entry Expressions (Regent Hall Band and Songsters) Unchanged RSA 85 – A Birthday Celebration (ISB and ISS) - 3

Brass & Voices...and all that jazz, Cory Band’s 125th anniversary concert, retains its place at the head of the chart, while there are quick returns to the top 10 for the two Black Dyke Band / James Morrison DVDs. Brass in Concert 2008 continues to sell strongly while our highlights DVD from this year’s event is being prepared in readiness for a launch in March 2010.

World of Brass Tunes, the top 10 downloads Within Blue Empires (Black Dyke Band) Unchanged Celtic Charm (David Childs with Cory Band) Re-entry Regionals 2010 (Black Dyke and Cory) + 1 Walking with Heroes (Black Dyke Band) + 3 World Class Marches of The Salvation Army (Black Dyke Band) Re-entry Christmas Song (Foden’s Courtois Band) Re-entry (bc ) Gregson Volume 2 (Black Dyke Mills Band) Re-entry (bc) Classically Enfield (Enfield Citadel Band) - 6 Rococo Variations (Foden’s Band) - 1 Courtois Showcase (Foden’s Courtois Band) - 5 (bc)

Within Blue Empires is in top spot for the third consecutive month, although pushed hard by David Childs’ most recent recording, Celtic Charm. The names of Black Dyke and Foden’s dominate the chart while Classically Enfield is the only Salvation Army band in the chart this time around. www.worldofbrasstunes.com

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 11

BB 10-11.indd 11 23-12-2009 18:01:19 REGIONALS 2010

Championship Section; English Heritage (George Lloyd)

1st Section; A Moorside Suite (Gustav Holst)

2nd Section; The Kingdom of Dragons (Philip Harper)

3rd Section; Labour and Love (Percy Fletcher)

4th Section; Saint-Saëns Variations (Philip Sparke)

MASTER CD 21386 £13.95 £9.99

SERIES www.worldofbrass.com www.worldofbrasstunes.com Telephone order line: +44 (0)1933 445 445

All orders for UK (incl. N.I.) delivery, irrespective of size, are subject to a £2.95 postage charge. Overseas charges available on request.

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 12

BB 12-13.indd 12 23-12-2009 17:58:48 CRITICS CORNER Gung-Ho – Virtuoso Works for Trombone

David Bremner Sarah Watkins (piano) National Band of New Zealand (Howard Taylor) New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (James Judd) Atoll Recordings ACD109 Available from World of Brass, 4barsrest and Midland CD Over the years, the antipodes have yielded up a significant number of great musicians: Joan Sutherland, Kiri te Kanawa, Charles Mackerras and brass players of the stature of Barry Tuckwell, Gordon Webb, Warwick Tyrell, Ken Smith and David King. To these, and other great names, we must now add David Bremner. This young man will already be known to followers of Desford, with which he has been appearing over the last couple of years. His album, Gung-Ho, stakes his claim to a position in the world-class, with a pleasing mix of challenging and accessible repertoire. Creston’s Fantasy has been around for half a century, but owing to its huge demands on stamina has hitherto remained quite a rarity. David Bremner not only tackles it with apparent ease, but makes a convincing case for its musical value with his rich, flexible sound, variety of colours and sheer energy. He is matched at the piano by Sarah Watkins, who tackles the weighty orchestral accompaniment with impressive virtuosity. In transcriptions of two arias from Strauss and one by Brahms, we hear Bremner making the instrument sing with his flawless legato, imperceptible breath control and sensitive phrasing. Inspiring composers to produce new works for your instrument is an almost indispensable part of being a renowned soloist. Of the four such pieces on the album, the title track Gung-Ho by Chris Gendall, is by far the most notable. Written for trombone, piano and percussion in equal measure, it explores the similarities between the protagonists with much imitation of its short, detached phrases: trombone and piano, for the most part, hiding their lyrical and harmonic strengths to stand on a par with the small but effective range of percussion instruments. For me this piece ‘works’ where the other new pieces are, for me, less successful. They do, however, provide the soloist with a platform to display his considerable technical skills. Clouds by Anthony Ritchie, performed with the National Band of New Zealand, begins promisingly enough with a dialogue between cruelly high cornets and the soloist, before launching into a fairly guttural and arid allegro. The tortured high cornets eventually return before the work fades out with trombone alone, in such a way as to trick this listener into thinking the next track was in fact an extended cadenza. When the piano entered, I realised I was actually a couple of tracks further on. The cadenza is actually Ken Young’s unaccompanied Panic. However, David Bremner doesn’t at all! He takes the hugely extended range and technique in his ample stride. The final track is entitled Funambulistic Strains. A Funambulist is a high-wire acrobat, and composer, Gareth Farr, in his rather monochrome work, sends the soloist to extremes, but he yet again refuses to be fazed by the altitude. If I seem unduly negative about some of the repertoire recorded here, it is due to the sense that a trombonist the calibre of David Bremner cries out for music of real enduring value. And what of that calibre? Firstly, there is a consistency of sound across the entire range, as ringing and vibrant a texture in forte as it is warm and velvety in lower dynamics. Secondly, the singing quality of his lyrical playing is enhanced by a tasteful vibrato that never impinges on the character of the instrument. Thirdly, his considerable abilities never do more than serve the music, a perfect illustration of the conundrum: to make it sound so easy is hugely difficult. Dudley Bright

That’s What I Call Brass Vol. 7

Black Dyke, Foden’s, Cory, The Household Troops, Leyland, Sunderland Monkwearmonth, Stavanger, Williams Fairey and The International Staff bands, plus Eminence Brass, Belgian Brass, Bert Van Thienen (soprano), Bramwell Tovey (piano), Katrina Marzella (baritone), Russell Gray (cornet), Ingvild Rosenberg (trombone) and Owen Farr (horn). World of Brass WOB 144CD Available from World of Brass, 4barsrest and Midland CD If you are looking for something to give you a bit of a lift from the post-Christmas blues, look no further than the annual ‘present’ from World of Brass, That’s What I Call Brass, which has now been released for the past seven years and still proves as popular as ever. Although every track on this double CD collection, which provides almost two hours and 20 minutes of top-class entertainment, appears elsewhere on recordings released during the past 12 months, there is more than enough music of substance to make it a valuable addition to collectors of brass band recordings. Among the highlights are a terrific performance of Gilbert Vinter’s Variations on a Ninth, Pictures in the Smoke by Bramwell Tovey (with the composer at the piano), both played by Foden’s, and Black Dyke’s winning performance of Kenneth Downie’s Concertino for Brass Band from the Royal Albert Hall in 2008. Eminence Brass also rediscover the ‘lost’ art of quartet playing in Vinter’s Elegy and Rondo, while there are also outstanding solos from the aforementioned stellar cast of leading brass band performers. The performance of Salute to Youth by Fairey may seem a bit out of place to some (it was recorded in the mid-1990s), but its inclusion as the 2009 Regional Championship test-piece probably provides some justification. One minor criticism is the omission of any programme notes, but being a ‘taster’ CD, this would seem a small point. Kenneth Crookston

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 13

BB 12-13.indd 13 23-12-2009 17:58:50 WIRELESS BRASS PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

RICHARD ADAMS. Conductor, Adjudicator, Head of Music, Nanyang DAVID HIRST. Conductor and Adjudicator. We take every possible precaution to ensure the accuracy of Academy of Fine Arts, 151 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189656. Phone: The Cottage, Main Street, Milton, Newark, Nottinghamshire. Tel. 01777 +65 9451 8398. [email protected] 872339 Fax 01777 872852 the details given below. However, we cannot be responsible for E-mail: [email protected] changes to stated times or running order. DEREK ASHMORE. www.hallamshiremusic.co.uk Tel: 01507 358141 Fax: 01507 358034. ALAN JENKIN. B.Sc., LTCL, BBCM, Cert. Educ., Conductor, Adjudicator. 4 Beauchamp Close, Neath Hill, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK14 6HZ. Tel/Fax. Friday, 8 January, 2130-2200. BBC Radio 2 MAURICE BALE. BSc, Arranger, Godiva Music. (01908) 604818 (Home), 224251 (Music Centre) 07901 552235 (Mobile), Listen to the Band. Frank Renton presents highlights from Brass in 18 Raleigh Road, Coventry CV2 4AA. Tel. 024 76 459 409. E-mail [email protected] Concert 2009. Defending champion, Cory and conductor Robert Childs, PETER BASSANO. FRCM HonRCM North Lodge, Potter Row, near Gt. ALAN HOPE. Conductor, Teacher and adjudicator. 113A Fatfield Park, include a new piece, Into the Light, by Philip Wilby, and a spectacular Missenden, Bucks HP16 9LT. Tel.01494 868240 mobile; 07985 101244. Washington, Tyne & Wear. NE38 8BP. Tel/Fax 0191 4161008 Mob: 0776 tribute to Glenn Miller. Philip Littlemore won one of the most coveted E-mail :[email protected] www.peterbassano.com 5656729 E-mail: [email protected] prizes at the competition - Best New Work or Arrangement - this year DUNCAN A. BECKLEY. BA. Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator. 26 Ruskin TERRY JOHNS. A.R.A.M. Composer/Conductor/Adjudicator for his arrangement of O Magnum Mysterium, originally written for the Avenue, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield 55/6 Waterfront Avenue Edinburgh EH5 1JD Tampa Bay Chorale by Morten Lauridsen. The work is played by Leyland, WF1 2BD (MOB) 07973 389707 E-mail: [email protected] Mobile: 07777603675 conducted by Jason Katsikaris. Conductor Richard Evans has won the E-mail: [email protected] NORMAN C. LAW. Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Trainer, Private title of ‘Best Conductor’ more times than anyone else, and he leads JOHN BERRYMAN. ALCM, LTCL, Conductor, Adjudicator. 12 Beaufort Drive, Teacher. Lawholme, 4 Farfield Drive, Hepworth, Huddersfield, Brighouse and Rastrick band in a barnstorming arrangement of Henry Barton Seagrave, Kettering, Northants. NN15 6SF W. Yorks HD7 1TU. Tel. (01484) 685354. Mancini’s It Had Better be Tonight. The programme ends with the mad Tel. (01536) 722991. STEWART LEWINS, BA (HONS) Conductor dash which is Belford’s Carnival March, played here by Flowers Band. NICLAS BLIXT. Music Director, 74 Southampton Street, READING Listen to the Band is also available all week via Radio 2’s website www. Band of the Swedish Home Guards, Uppsala Telephone mobile: 07786694491 Ingvarsgatan 28 Uppsala bbc.co.uk/radio2. Click on the playback section to hear the show, on Email: [email protected] Telephone home: 46018267613 demand, for a week following transmission. Email: [email protected] ALAN R LEWIS. B.Phil, LTCL. Website: arlmusic.com Website: http://www.niclasblixt.info Akay Lodge, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5SH. Tel: (015396) 22230 (w) World of Brass Radio. John Maines introduces a weekly one-hour DEREK M. BROADBENT. Conductor and Adjudicator. 17 Corrance Road, Wyke, Nr. Bradford, BD12 9LH Yorks. programme of the best of international banding. Commencing on STAN LIPPEATT. B.A., L.R.S.M. Conductor, Adjudicator. Tel/Fax. (01274) 670459. 60, Sixth Avenue, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Notts. NG21 9PW. Fridays, the rolling programme of the most recent four shows can be Tel (01623) 822672 Mobile 07875 138776 MALCOLM BROWNBILL. Band Tutor, Conductor, and Adjudicator. accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year on 49 Pike House Road, Eccleston, St. Helens, Merseyside. WA10 5JZ. Tel. JANE LLOYD. MA FVCM, LGSM, ALCM, PGCetEd, Dip Mus. Conductor, www.worldofbrass.com (then click on the WOB Radio link) or www. (01744) 28642. Performer, Arranger, Teacher. Northampton & East Midlands Area. worldofbrass.com/wobradio Tel: 01604 675188 C. BRIAN BUCKLEY. C.Chem., FTCL, LTCL, ALCM, Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Teacher. ‘Egmont’, 81 Gabalfa Road, Sketty, Swansea, West KEITH MacDONALD. N.A.B.B.C., A.L.C.M. Conductor, Band Trainer, This week’s programme includes: Fairey (Peter Parkes): Shining Star Glamorgan SA2 8ND. Tel. (01792) 205896. Adjudicator, Author (see website). 20 North Haven, Seaham, Co. Durham (Graham); Black Dyke (Nicholas Childs): Ruslan and Ludmila (Glinka), SR7 0DS. Tel: 0191 581 4224 (home), 07949 947703 (mobile) Email: DOUG CLARKSON. MISM Conductor/Arranger/Composer [email protected], [email protected] Website: www. Forgotten Dreams (Anderson); Foden’s (Elgar Howarth): Arizona Belle 33 Ings Mill Avenue Clayton West Huddersfield keithmacdonald.co.uk (Rimmer); Cory (Robert Childs): Life Divine (Jenkins), The Promised Land Telephone mobile: 07872539378 (Downie); YBS (David King): Frosty the Snowman (arr. Smith - soloist: Telephone work: 01484437437 Fax: 01484437436 Email: [email protected] MAJOR IAN McELLIGOTT. Conductor, Adjudicator, Composer/Arranger, Toby Bannan), Gaudete (Newton); Ransome (Peter Parkes): The Star of Brass Teacher. 41 Weaver Moss, Sandhurst, Berks. GU47 9BQ. Mobile: Bethlehem (Adams - soloist: George Thakray); International Staff Band of BOB CHILDS. DMA, M.Mus(dist), ARCM(hons), FLCM, PGCE, Euphonium 07903 137659 The Salvation Army (Stephen Cobb): A Starry Night (Webb). Soloist, Conductor, Teacher. 13 Parc Plas, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 1SJ. Tel 01495 226106 (home), 07966 263881 (mobile). [email protected] JOHN MAINES. Conductor, Adjudicator. 46 Hill Crest Road, Offerton, http://www.bobchilds.co.uk/ Stockport. SK2 5QL. Tel. 0161 292 9443. Local Radio for next week (Mobile) 07901 528059. Website: www.johnmaines.co.uk Sunday, 3 January, 1905-2000. Sounds of Brass. FM frequencies: ROY W. CURRAN. Conductor, Adjudicator. 6 Mary Street, Burnley, Lancs. BB10 4AJ. Home: 01282 426203;Mobile: 07973 788812. STEVEN MEAD. Euphonium Soloist, Conductor, Adjudicator. Bristol 94.9, Cornwall 95.2, Devon 103.4, Gloucestershire 104.7, 10 Old Forge Road, Fenny Drayton, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 6BD. Guernsey 93.2, Jersey 88.8, Swindon 103.6, Wiltshire 104.3. DAVID DAWS. Cornet Tutor, Conductor Tel/Fax: (01827) 711964, Mob. 07971 843668, E-mail: [email protected]. Available on the World Wide Web at 1905 British time or at any time for 3 Chevalier Close, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4YW Telephone home: 02089583288 seven days after the broadcast. To hear the programme, access www. Telephone mobile: 07956844364 ALAN MORRISON. FTCL, LRAM. Soloist, Conductor and Adjudicator. bbc.co.uk/devon and click onto Listen Live or Listen Again. Email: [email protected] 25 Acaster Drive, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2BH. Tel. (0113) 286 3374, Fax. (0113) 287 3947, Mob. 0775 197 3176. DR. KENNETH DOWNIE. DMA. BA(Mus) Dunelm. Kantara, E-mail: [email protected] Phillip Hunt presents a programme of brass band recordings and news. 8 Downs Road, South Wonston, Winchester, SO21 3EU. website.lineone.net/~alan-morrison This week’s edition includes: Black Dyke (Nicholas Childs): Torchbearers Tel: (01962) 883031 Internet: www.kantaramusik.com Dr. ROY NEWSOME. PhD, B.Mus, FRCO, ARCM. (Ball), An Untold Story (Lovatt-Cooper - soloist: Sandy Smith), JOHN DURRANT. MA. Soloist, Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator. 17 Belmont Drive, Seddons Farm, Bury, Concertino for Brass Band (Downie); Cory (Robert Childs): Aspects of 3 Todmorden Road, Lytham St. Annes, Lancs. FY8 2QL. Manchester BL8 2HU. Tel. 0161-764 2009. Adiemus (Jenkins arr. Graham); International Staff Band of The Salvation Tel: 01253 721903. Or 07985 191623 (Mob). PHILIP NEVILLE. MIMIT. Army (Stephen Cobb): A Sunbeam (Catelinet). J. STUART FAWCETT. OAM, LDBBA. Conductor, Adjudicator. Brass Instrument Repair Technician 23A Mill Moor Road, Meltham, Holmfirth, HD9 5JT. Tel: 01484 309500. 74 Babington Lane, DERBY Requests and comments are welcome at e-mail: Telephone mobile: 07790676282 BRUCE FRASER. Adjudicator, Conductor, Composer. Telephone work: 01332290762 [email protected] Lomond Music, 32 Bankton Park, Kingskettle, Fife. KY15 7PY. Fax: 01332290762, Email: [email protected] Tel. (01337) 830974. E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.nevillebros.com Monday, 4 January, 2100-2200. Manx Radio MORTEN E. HANSEN. Conductor and Adjudicator. GRAHAM O’CONNOR. Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Trainer. Time for Brass. Frequencies 97.2, 89 and 103.7 FM and 1368 AM Fjelldenden 10, Stavanger, Norway. 19 Rosehill, Mosborough, Sheffield S20 5PJ and worldwide on www.manxradio.com Tel 0047 9901 4386. E-mail: [email protected] 0114 2514425 Mobile: 07903 310951 Click on Listen FM or Listen AM for the programme at the time of E-mail: [email protected] COLIN HARDY. Member NABBC, Adjudicator and Conductor, broadcast or on Listen Again for a week following transmission. 25 Thirlmere Avenue, Wyke, Bradford, W. Yorks. BD12 9DS. MAJOR PETER PARKES. ‘Kamet’, Holme Lane, Rockley, Ian Cottier presents a programme of brass band music and comment. Tel/Fax. (01274) 674174. E-mail: [email protected] Retford DN22 0QY. Tel: 01777 839 144 Mobile: 0781 800 6965

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BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 15

BB 14-15.indd 15 23-12-2009 17:59:28 www.britishbandsman.com www.britishbandsman.com

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BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 16

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