Issue no. 5550 – 28 February 2009

Price £1.25

Carrying on the family business Sykes junior captures premier BBC brass title PLUS BB’s preview of the 2009 Regional Championships

BB 1.indd 1 24-02-2009 17:28:00 BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 2

BB 2-3.indd 2 24-02-2009 17:29:19 NEWS Kapitol announces York as principal ‘National’ sponsor for third consecutive year

Kapitol Promotions Ltd. has announced that it has awarded the principal band movement’s most prized sponsorship platforms, John Rogers sponsorship of the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain to enthused: “York Brass is extremely proud to again be the principal sponsor York Brass for the third consecutive year. of the 2009 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, which Speaking about the sponsorship agreement, Philip Morris of Kapitol gives this internationally acclaimed brand the opportunity to further Promotions Ltd., said: “Over the past three years, Kapitol has developed enhance the close connection that it has established with British bands, a close working relationship with York Brass, which has had a positive as well as with the worldwide brass band movement, over the past three impact on the National Finals events. The sponsorship has enabled Kapitol years.” Promotions to increase its grant aid to the eight regional committees and He added: “We would like to thank Kapitol Promotions Ltd. for allowing to add new and valuable events to the Harrogate-based ‘Finals’ for bands us to sponsor the ‘National’ for the third consecutive year, as well as to in sections 1 to 4. Last year, these included clinics and recitals by David pay tribute to the Company’s expertise in presenting the world’s most Childs, Owen Farr and Angelo Bearpark, as well as a recital by the British significant and prestigious brass band event. Army Band. Kapitol Promotions is, therefore, pleased to welcome York “York wishes the bands competing in the forthcoming Regional aboard again as principal sponsor.” Championships good luck. We would also like to thank the bands and their Also commenting for York Brass on winning one of the worldwide brass supporters for their hard work in preparing their performances.”

Ancient times provide inspiration for European test

From Ancient Times by the Belgian composer, Jan van der Roost, has been announced as the test-piece for this year’s European Brass Band Championships, which will be held in Ostend, Belgium in May. Inspired both by the 15th century Flemish Polyphonists and the 19th century musical instrument pioneer, Adolph Sax, the piece is, in the composer’s words, “Modern in style, with contrapuntal techniques and a strong Medieval influence, although the slow movement is romantic in style, reflecting the life and times of the great Belgian instrument maker, Adolph Sax.” Many readers will be familiar with Jan van der Roost’s Albion, which was used as the test-piece for the 2001 National Championships in the Royal Albert Hall, but this work is “very different in style – less aggressive, more spectacular and virtuosic, with every player in the band tested to the full,” according to the composer. The music is published by De Haske. The test-piece for the ‘B’ Section has been announced as Catedrales by the Belgian composer, Bert Apermont, published by Beriato Musica. Further details of the line-up and adjudicators for the event will be announced in due course.

The sound of Grimethorpe aimed at family audience

The current English National Champion band, Grimethorpe Colliery, is Belsvik, joining the band for the true story of Maria von Trapp. The show to tell the story of Maria von Trapp, the subject of one the most popular was first produced for the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra by Classic Music musicals of all time, The Sound of Music, in two family-oriented concerts to Withington Zubicky, and it has since been performed, to full houses by the take place at The Sage Gateshead and Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and Stavanger Brass Band. 28 and 29 March respectively. The story traces the life of Maria von Trapp, from her time as a nun in The concerts, which will also feature students from Hemsworth Arts and a convent in Salzburg, through her family’s escape from Austria to her Community College and will be narrated and presented by Camilla Belsvik, settling in America to start her own music school. The programme consists are the brainchild of the band’s Musical Director, Allan Withington, who of music from The Sound of Music and also light classical pieces including will also conduct. The Blue Danube, Cavalleira Rusticana and Bach’s famous Air from his 3rd Both concerts will begin by Grimethorpe providing a programme with orchestral suite. an Austro-German flavour in preparation for the second half. The band Speaking to BB, Allan Withington commented: “The concert was first will perform music by Wagner, Mendelssohn and Richard Strauss, with designed as a ‘family concert’ and we would love to use this opportunity euphonium player, Michael Dodd, as one of the featured soloists. The to introduce audiences of all ages to not only the music we play but to second half provides a piece of musical theatre with students from demonstrate how flexible a brass band is in a new and exciting guise.” Hemsworth Arts and Community College and Norwegian actress, Camilla Both concerts start at 7.30pm.

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BB 2-3.indd 3 24-02-2009 17:29:20 2009 YOUNG BRASS SOLOIST Trombonist to the fore Words and pictures by John Stirzaker

In a programme recorded at Manchester’s Royal Seaman, made their decision. Northern College of Music (RNCM) last Saturday Leyland Band’s young euphonium star, Matthew and due to be broadcast last night (Friday) White, was the first to take the stage, opening during the Listen to the Band programme at with his own composition, Improvisation for 9.30pm, Stephen Sykes was crowned BBC Radio Euphonium, a modern piece featuring multi- 2’s Young Brass Soloist of 2009. Possibly one of phonics and inspired by the music of Nat the highest-quality finals in the competition’s McIntosh. He followed this with Lament on short history since it began in 2004 saw Stephen the Death of the Reverend Archie Beaton by Sykes compete against David Moore (flugel John Mason and arranged by Frode Ryland, horn), Lauren Reeve-Rawlings (French horn) completing his technically outstanding and Matthew White (euphonium) to become programme with another arrangement by the the first trombonist to take the title and join an same Norwegian composer, Two folk Tunes from illustrious group of previous winners in Katrina Valdres. Marzella, Brenden Wheeler and Ben Thomson. The talented flugel horn soloist, David Moore, Black Dyke Band, with Dr. Nicholas Childs opened with Michael Nyman’s excellent work, conducting, was in sparkling and enthusiastic Flugelhorn and Piano, effectively arranged for form as it accompanied the four young brass band by John Parkinson, although it would musicians, as well as providing some be fair to say that there were times during the this with the popular Chuck Mangione film entertainment for the large invited audience performance when the soloist was lost among theme, Children of Sanchez, which was, once as the adjudicators, Edward Gregson and Nigel the strident sounds of Black Dyke. He followed again, very assured in execution, if lacking slightly the ‘Latin’ feel that the music requires to sound truly authentic. The first French horn player to reach the final of the competition, Lauren Reeve-Davies, rather topically chose to play Gilbert Vinter’s Hunter’s Moon in an arrangement by former Black Dyke solo euphonium, Denzil Stephens. This piece is a tour-de-force for the horn, and Lauren gave a performance of real aplomb, which suffered only from the normal difficulties of balance allied to orchestral soloists when accompanied by a brass band. These appeared to have been dispelled, however, as she followed it up with an assured performance of the familiar Rondo from Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 to complete her excellent programme. A confident Stephen Sykes, a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and former player with Leyland and Fairey bands, was the last to play, opening with a stylish reading of Bill Geldard’s arrangement of Hoagy

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BB 4-5.indd 4 24-02-2009 17:28:21 2009 YOUNG BRASS SOLOIST e in thrilling BBC Final

of the past three decades. Both judges were worth it in the end, especially to hear such great in full agreement that musicianship, style and comments from the judges.” the ability to sell that style to the audience Currently in his final year at Strode College, were crucial factors in their decision, and where he studies music and music technology, that Stephen Sykes possessed these qualities Stephen Sykes now looks forward to studying by the spade load, as well as a rare sense of music full-time before hopefully entering to performance and commitment to the music, a career as a professional musician. Younger which tipped the balance in his favour on the brother, Carlton, is following in his father’s night. footsteps, so perhaps we’ll see another tuba- The packed RNCM Concert Hall saw a delighted playing member of the family in this event in the Steve Sykes receive his award from the event’s years ahead. first winner, the baritone horn virtuoso, Katrina As ever, the ‘voice of Listen to the Band’, Frank Marzella. After he had closed the evening with Renton, was the master of ceremonies, and a reprise of Stardust, he celebrated with his speaking to British Bandsman after the event parents, tuba virtuoso, Steve, and his mother, expressed his thanks to everyone concerned for Joanne. The delighted winner commented to BB: “yet another fantastic night in the history of this “I couldn’t have played better, but I needed to great competition.” Plans are already afoot for Carmichael’s Stardust. Rather appropriately, be at my very best to have a chance against such next year’s competition and full details will be the final piece played in the competition was strong competition from the other fantastic announced in British Bandsman as soon as they arguably the event’s highlight, as young Mr. soloists. It was very hard work, but it was all become available. Sykes finished with a committed rendition of Phillip Wilby’s White Knuckle Ride, a piece originally written for another great brass banding trombonist, Nick Hudson, and played in Manchester by an undoubted star of the future. Prior to the announcement of the results, the judges, Edward Gregson and Nigel Seaman, spoke effusively of the high standard of musicianship displayed by all the competitors in the final, with Professor Gregson also paying tribute to the commitment shown to the event both by the young musicians and by the BBC, with the Corporation coming in for special praise for its continued support of such an important event. Nigel Seaman, who studied the tuba at the RNCM in his youth, was delighted to return to the College for the competition, as well as taking the opportunity of catching up with one of his old student colleagues, Philip Goodwin, a stalwart of Black Dyke’s bass section for most

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BB 4-5.indd 5 24-02-2009 17:28:31 Yellow -brass bell : YCR 8335 Gold -brass bell : YCR 8335G Silver-plate finish : YCR 8335S / YCR 8335GS www.yamaha-europe.com Xeno Cornets come with a David King Signature mouthpiece and in deluxe cases.

BB 6-7.indd 6 24-02-2009 17:35:20 NEWS BFBB reveals English National test

The British Federation of Brass Bands (BFBB) has announced that a Moon for the 2008 Scottish Championships. Graham became immediately new work by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, entitled Within Blue Empires, will be inspired by my music and wanted to commission a piece from me on the the test-piece for its flagship event, the English National Brass Band subject of whales, which are a great passion of his. We first met to discuss Championships, which will take place in Preston’s Guild Hall on Saturday the project in March 2008 and the work started life as a concert piece, but 27 June. when Derek Atkinson of the BFBB expressed interest, I was happy to do the necessary work to make it suitable as a Championship test-piece.” The BFBB’s statement reads: ‘The composition follows a programmatic Paul Lovatt-Cooper has confirmed that, as the Composer-in-Residence brief, focusing on the sea and, in particular, the life of whales. Within Blue and percussionist with one of the competing bands, Black Dyke, he will Empires explores the various aspects of the sea and whales, including be relinquishing his commitments from the band two months prior to the sections entitled: The Deep, The Mother and Her Baby Calf, Feeding, Prepare contest, as well as having no contact with either the band or its conductor, to Set Sail, Out at Sea, Calm Waters, The Breach and The Finale.’ Dr. Nicholas Childs, regarding the piece. Commenting on his work Paul Lovatt-Cooper said: “Within Blue Empires The competing bands in the 2009 English National Championships are: is an exciting, modern score that pushes the boundaries of brass band Brighouse and Rastrick, Black Dyke, Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Fairey, music. While performing this work, bands will be required to play a CD Flowers, Foden’s, Grimethorpe Colliery, Hammonds Saltaire, Hepworth track of sea sounds and whale songs, which will be provided. Some (Cookson Homes), Leyland, Mount Charles, Redbridge, Reg Vardy, musicians will also be required to emulate the whale ‘spouts’ as the great Rothwell, Wingates and Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel. mammal blows out air by the water’s surface.” The adjudicators have been announced as William Relton, David Horsfield Speaking directly to BB, Paul Lovatt-Cooper added: “I am overjoyed that and Steve Sykes. this is to be my first major test-piece. I had a terrific break in Switzerland recently, where Antarctica went down a storm when it was played as an own-choice test-piece, but to have the finest bands in England all playing Correction In our front-page article on the Yorkshire Youth my new work will be very thrilling.” Adjudication Panel in last week’s edition of BB, the date of the Paul Lovatt-Cooper added: “Within Blue Empires is a work commissioned by Graham Taylor, who is a successful design consultant from Lesmahagow in 2nd Section contest was incorrectly stated as ‘Saturday 7 March’. It Lanarkshire. Graham came across my music when his son, Colin, who plays should, of course, have read ‘Sunday 8 March’. We apologise for any bass trombone with Coalburn Silver Band, was working on Dark Side of the inconvenience this may have caused.

EBBC winner in Gateshead Allan Withington’s Conducting Summer School Mathias Wehr, the talented young with guest lecturer, Robin Dewhurst , composer and arranger German winner of the organised in conjunction with Soli Brass, Holland European Conductors’ Venue : Leeuwarden, Parnas, Holland Competition, held Period: 29 June – 3 July 2009 last May in Stavanger, Norway, travelled to the North of England Aim of the course recently to carry To provide conductors with a chance to further develop their out the conducting conducting skills with emphasis on technique, score reading, engagement that was rehearsal and performing techniques, creative programme part of his prize for planning and exploration of new musical territory. winning the event. Open to all nationalities and age groups. Travelling to England on 8 February and Possibility to rehearse and perform with Soli Brass band. staying for one week Fee - Euro 350 working with various groups at Durham University and attending conducting Fee includes : classes and workshops, Mathias’ evenings were occupied with rehearsals for the 1. All tuition. Massed Brass Band Concert on Sunday 15 February, which featured Reg Vardy, 2. Accomodation. Fishburn and Wansbeck Ashington bands, as well as the Northern Youth Brass 3. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Band. The guest soloist for the concert was David Childs, who gave the first concert 4. Transport to and from Schiphol International Airport. performance of Rodney Newton’s Concertino for Euphonium and Band. 5. Cost of postage - all course material will be sent out one During his week at the University, Mathias attended concerts, took part in workshops and masterclasses and had the opportunity to conduct and record new month before start of course. music compositions. Score study sessions and lessons in conducting technique were led by Ray Farr each day. Mathias commented: “It was a fantastic experience Applications, together with up-to-date CV to be received by for me. Discussions with conducting students and visiting trombone soloist, 15 March 2009. Please send name, address and all relevant Richard Brown, were also valuable and inspiring.” personal details to: The focus was mostly on brass repertory, but Mathias also conducted a string orchestra Allan Withington, Apeltunveien 54c, 5222 Nesttun Norway in Simple Symphony by Benjamin Britten and a contemporary mixed ensemble. or email: [email protected] The concert hall at the Sage, Gateshead was nearly full to capacity for the Massed Band Concert. At which Mathias shared conducting responsibilities with Ray Farr. or to Mathias Wehr conducted Entrance of the Mastersingers by Wagner, Air (from Suite in Anja Abma, Tsjerkebuorren 56 D) by Bach, Salute to Youth by Vinter and the finale from Orpheus in the Underworld 8843 KE Spannum Holland email [email protected] by Offenbach.

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BB 6-7.indd 7 24-02-2009 17:35:23 BB 8-9.indd 8 24-02-2009 17:33:45 BRASS EDUCATION Learn from one of the very best by John Ward

Those present at the Brass in Concert (BiC) methods, especially in relation to programme the fi nal concert.” Throughout the week, Robin Championship last year will have witnessed planning.” It is also planned that discussion Dewhurst will be on hand to help students the unique and groundbreaking presentations forums will take place on how to get the best develop these ideas and hold masterclasses of by Stavanger Band. At the heart of both out of your players, rehearsal technique and his own. performances was the band’s professional the selling of new musical ideas to players and Soli brass will be available during the week also Musical Director, Allan Withington, one of the audience. and the course will end with a gala concert banding world’s most successful conductors. featuring the work that has been done during Having won six British National titles, his Another direct infl uence on Stavanger’s the week. experience is much sought-after, and everyone recent BiC contention was Robin Dewhurst, a now has the opportunity to work alongside talented jazz musician and Senior Lecturer in Allan concluded: “It is important to stress Allan this summer. Popular Music at the University of Salford. Allan that the course is open to people of all ability Withington fi rst worked with him last autumn and experience. Once we have the fi nal list Allan Withington’s Conducting Summer School in Stavanger. “We made a good team and, over of participants then we will design the fi nal is a new initiative in conjunction with Soli Brass, many tasty steaks, discovered that we shared model and repertoire for the course to suit and will take place in Leeuwarden in Holland. some of the same visions,” commented Allan, the applicants we have. I fi rmly believe that BB spoke to him, to fi nd out a little more about continuing, “We both come from diff erent the week will be challenging, interesting and the course: “The week has several aims,” he angles - classical and jazz - but share the same educational, as well as providing a chance to commented, adding, “The fi rst being to teach passion for music.” make new music friends.” basic technique, based on very clear, economic movements. It is important to be able to use At the beginning of the course, an outline of To apply for this course, send your name, physical gestures to express one’s musical diff erent musical ideas and concepts will be address and up-to-date CV to: Allan Withington, wishes. You don’t have to subdivide everything presented. Allan Withington continued: “From Apeltunveien 54c, 5222 Nesttun, Norway or to be a good conductor!” He continued: “At there, each course will be divided into small email: [email protected] or to Anja Abma, the other end of the scale, I want to try and groups and each group will work with, develop Tsjerkebuorren 568843 KE, Spannum, Holland encourage students to think ‘new’ rather than and hopefully make a fi nished product out of or email [email protected] the endless repetition of previously tried one of these ideas, which will be presented at The deadline for applications is 15 March.

STUDY FOR A BMUS (HONS) DEGREE FIRST CLASS TRAINING EXCELLENT PROMOTION PROSPECTS VARIED SPORTING ACTIVITIES HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PENSION GENEROUS SALARY

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BB 8-9.indd 9 24-02-2009 17:33:48 FEATURE

by Professor Philip Wilby snow falling freely, I found myself joined in conversation by three appropriately wise As I write these lines, I fi nd myself marooned men, John McCabe, Edward Gregson, and Paul by the worst snowfall for 18 years. These proto- Hindmarsh. We were all interested in Vinter’s Christmas scenes are perhaps best seen from music, of course, but in a Festival that featured a secure distance, but I have just attended the new music as well as historic repertoire, I hugely enjoyable annual Festival of Brass at wondered what his legacy appeared to be. the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). All of us had been delighted by the presence Along with the heroic players of Brighouse of some members of the Vinter family during and Rastrick Band, we stepped out into the the proceedings, and the composer’s son, Dr Manchester night to fi nd our escape route back Andrew Vinter, spoke to us during the pre- into Yorkshire virtually impassable. However, concert talk on Saturday evening. His memories there is no doubt that it was all worth it, for of his father revealed a picture of a man that the Festival richly deserves its reputation as was at once nervous, sensitive and, occasionally, a showcase for much that is positive about rather unsure of himself. After the composition brass bands. Strangely, a Martian observing the of his masterpiece, Spectrum, Dr. Andrew event from afar might well see a festival that revealed that his father knew that he had done celebrates music written by youngsters, listened something truly special, but feared that it would to by a large crowd of enthusiastic pensioners never be accepted. How times have changed! (like myself), but such is life! There is always His long-term publisher and friend, Stan an excellent choice of balanced repertoire on Kitchen of Studio Music, described Vinter’s truly off er, all of it challenging and all of it given exceptional working method. Writing in pencil, vibrant and committed performances by some his habit was to compose at breakneck speed, their impact on his most well-known pieces. of the world’s best bands. The surroundings are in a single span, working through the night Variations on a Ninth, with its ‘Cinderella’ comfortable, and the company convivial - little without sleeping. In Mozart’s day, speedwriting cadenzas for soprano cornet and baritone wonder that patrons of all ages book early to was more common, but the intensity of Vinter’s amongst others, suggest a very refi ned attitude enjoy the various musical delights on off er. As working habits can certainly be heard in to sound rather than a slavish tribute to the Festival Director, Paul Hindmarsh, observed, his fi nest and most concentrated music. His broad traditions on band scoring. Solos abound, there were many people to thank, not least professional experiences, making brilliantly and short sections for small ensemble are retiring administrator, Philip Biggs. However, fl uent arrangements for both the BBC Concert created seamlessly from the texture. it is the bands’ own continuing support of this Orchestra and the Midland Light Orchestra, My own thoughts, concerning the support Festival that has made this such a valued event combined to produce exceptional fruit in his of his harmonic colour by passing orchestral in the annual calendar. Without the players who later years. touches, may be simply illustrated from his fi rst have committed themselves to huge musical contribution to the repertoire, Salute to Youth challenges over many years, enormously What, then, of our conversation? What musical (1961). important chunks of the brass band repertoire legacy did Vinter leave to the next generation of The fi rst movement is rhetorical, consisting of would remain both unplayed and unheard. composers? Not surprisingly, opinions diff ered. short contrasting musical gestures. The harmony This year’s Festival marked three anniversaries. John McCabe’s formative years were spent is always logical in its preparation, starting John McCabe was in sprightly attendance to playing the piano and immersing himself in the simply and adding complexity by incremental mark his 70th birthday, I’m celebrating my own more serious-minded side of modern classical degrees. Here are three examples, showing an 60th, and there was a major retrospective of repertoire. Professor Gregson’s Salvation increase of harmonic density, moving from a the work of Gilbert Vinter. Roy Newsome’s 2006 Army background was rather diff erent, and pentatonic unison phrase (bar 1) to a polytonal Ashgate publication, The Modern Brass Band, he remembers Vinter’s music as a personal repetition, combining C major with B fl at (bar summarises Vinter’s career thus: ‘The years inspiration. Roy Newsome’s observation that 17), and ending (bar 37) with a characteristic between 1961 and 1970 were dominated by Eric Vinter had ‘breathed new life’ into a traditional whole-tone phrase in unison rhythm. (examples Ball and Gilbert Vinter. The latter breathed new sound world has some resonance here. Vinter’s on facing page) life into a repertoire still largely 19th century in novel approach to colourful harmony, as well as style, and guided the brass band gently forward the freedom of his approach to orchestration, A second harmonic fi ngerprint, as found at with such works as Symphony of Marches, fi nds eager successors in the early pieces of both the opening of the slow movement, is the Triumphant Rhapsody and Spectrum.’ Gregson and Philip Sparke. combination of diatonic melody and sweetly One of the serendipitous pleasures of the Paul Hindmarsh observes that Vinter’s fondness chromatic inner voices. Many critics think that Festival is being able to meet old friends, and for composing chamber music (there are it is this particular technique that places Vinter’s as befi ts such a post-Christmas festival with three classic scores for brass quartet) make music most particularly in his own time, and has

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BB 10-11.indd 16 24-02-2009 17:34:10 FEATURE

the least to off er to the future. gratuitous entertainment. The darkly polytonal mention Gregson’s Trumpets of the Angels, all His 1964 score, Symphony of Marches, is the one moment that occurs just before the fi nal share a commonality with the heroic stature that most closely approaches the style and wit peroration is as logical as any radical statement of this music. The percussion writing, greatly of fi lm music. Here, his imagination is given full found in mainstream twentieth century music. expanded from that found in his band scores, is license, as he uses the repeating conventions of As Andrew Carnegie famously said: “My advice epic, and the solo trumpet part showcases the traditional marches to create a kaleidoscope of to you all is to ensure that you put all your eggs talents of Maurice Murphy at his searing best. ever-changing accompaniments. Like a military into one basket, and then watch it closely!” Here Vinter’s music owes much to Verdi’s Requiem parade that puts the Brigade of Guards cheek- is genuine focus and real concentration. and, most closely, Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, but by-jowl with Norman Wisdom, this is a score Logistical problems conspired against the we must look forward keenly to a revival of this worthy of the Ealing fi lm studio at its best. Here Festival this year in the organisers’ desire to high water mark from his late output. a harmonic setting, supported by matching programme Vinter’s late choral work, The percussion sounds (is this, perhaps, the fi rst Trumpets. The closest that we got was the My discussion with messrs McCabe, Gregson band score to use brushes on the snare-drum?) production of Tim Mutum’s excellent Doyen and Hindmarsh was genial and frank. We all are entirely characteristic, and suggest a mind CD, featuring a sequence of historic recordings. owe Vinter a certain debt, with some of us more by turns respectful and sparklingly humorous. Conducted by Geoff rey Brand, Black Dyke Mills aware of his work than others. Peter Graham For myself, the fi nest and most complete score Band give really special readings of a sequence and Bram Tovey, each of whom featured is Spectrum. Composed for the 1968 National of pieces, but it was a genuine surprise to hear magnifi cent pieces in 2009, might also join our Championships but dropped when it came to this 35-minute choral work from Vinter’s last number. However, this Festival off ers a chance the attention of the ‘National’ organisers that years. If there is one moment in his music that for younger composers to enjoy high quality he was composing John O’Gaunt for the Belle sounds as if I might have written it myself, it is performances in concentrated circumstances. Vue contest, it is the one moment in his output the pentatonic fanfare which opens this piece. Simon Dobson’s Penlee is a real gem of invention where formal process and musical content are My own fanfare at the beginning of and practical experience. Would it be pushing entirely fused. They serve to create a work of rare …Dove Descending (and, by extension, Paul the argument too far to suggest that his consistency with no need for spare material or Lovatt Cooper’s Walking with Heroes), not to cluster harmony, folk-inspired melodies and magnifi cent soundscapes would not have been possible without Gilbert Vinter’s extended orchestral and harmonic pallet? What of the jazz

3HQWDWRQLF %DU2QH  infl uences that lie behind the excellent works of 5  5 Peter Meechan and Andy Scott? Might Vinter’s G 5 5 5   B 5 5 5 5 5 5 =4 pioneering use of Latin percussion have opened 5 JJEULOOLDQWH 5 a door for us all to walk through?

At Sunday’s pre-concert talk, John McCabe and I %DU6HYHQWHHQ3RO\WRQDO& %IODW agreed that much of our early music was heavily 5 5 5 infl uenced by the music that we had heard as  5 ==5 4 5 5 =4 children. Indeed, it would be hard to argue any G    other point of view. For us, Vinter’s legacy was  JJ re-interpreted and passed on in our own terms.  B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 The new generation of writers live in a new 5 5 5 5 = 4 age, forming musical icons from their own lives, == 4 = populated by dance culture and fi lmic musical 5 5 5 5 4   5  images. We all, in our diff erent ways, pass on to the next generation the best as we see it.

- %DU7KLUW\6HYHQ:KROH7RQH+DUPRQ\ The 2009 RNCM Festival off ered a feast of newly- minted creative work from many generations.  =4 I am reassured that banding is alive and well, G 5 5 5 5: 5 5 5 and that composers who follow me will pick up 5 !5 5 ! 5: 5 5 5 5 5 JJPROWRPDUF the relay-runner’s baton and take it forward. We simply cannot imagine the direction in which it 5: 5 5 5 =4 will be carried.  That prediction is an uncertain as the current snow-laden weather forecast! - BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 11

BB 10-11.indd 17 24-02-2009 17:34:13 COMPANY NEWS Banks adapting to the 21st century market

by John Ward

Banks Music is one of the oldest music shops in the country – it celebrated its 250th birthday in 2006 and is now looking to the future with a facelift for its York premises. The refurbishment took place throughout the middle of last year and Banks now boasts a new-look store to meet the demands of the modern market. The company was sold to Music Sales Ltd. by the fi nal member of the Banks family involved in the business, and the ‘new’ owner immediately saw the potential that existed within the York business, as Manager, James Pertwee take you every step of the way, from novice “This development of our IT ‘arm’ will aff ord explained: “Banks has been long-established to virtuoso, with its vast range of musical us the opportunity to be more proactive with as a music retailer, but it needed to adapt to instruments and dedicated focus on musical our stock holdings, to identify slow-moving the 21st century market. Music Sales is a huge tuition. lines and make sure we have enough stock organisation that runs 20 shops across the UK In specifi c relation to its brass band department, of the more popular products.” As a result of and it is that level of impetus that drove it to James told BB: “The fi rst fl oor area has also this, Banks will shortly be having a ‘massive’ purchase and invest heavily in the Banks name.” undergone some changes. Essentially, the clearance sale: keep an eye on its website, With over 10,000 sq. feet of retail space, layout is very much the same, but we have www.banksmusic.co.uk, for more details. Banks has one of the largest selections of freshened up the stock and with our new According to James, Banks appears to be musical instruments, accessories, sheet music, display-look, customers can fi nd their titles so “riding out” the diffi culties that the current examination material, tutor methods and much easier.” fi nancial climate posts. He concluded: “We have instructional DVDs available in the world. It also Banks is also pleased to announce plans for a worked to keep our very loyal customer base houses a specialist classical CD department and new website dedicated to brass bands, where happy, and in Music Sales, we have a parent a dedicated digital and stage piano showroom. the entire library of band music can be sourced. company that is both strong and secure in the Banks has a staff of 25 music professionals Details will be announced soon. marketplace. It has invested its huge resources with over 150 years of combined experience. With this new-look store comes a new in the fi rmly established Banks name and we Its experienced and enthusiastic staff aim to computer system. James Pertwee elaborated: look to the future with confi dence.”

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BB 12-13.indd 12 24-02-2009 17:26:18 PRODUCT NEWS Besson launches its new Prestige baritone British Bandsman has enlisted the help of two and something I would need to get used to. Mark Gauci, from Malta, is currently a student leading baritone players from opposite sides No longer a ‘huggable’ baritone, but one which at the Royal Northern College of Music. He of the banding spectrum to ‘road test’ the new requires a different set-up to incorporate the commented: “One thing I like about the new BE 2056 baritone model from Besson, the latest new 4th valve system. The quality of sound is Besson Prestige baritone is its darker and richer addition to the brand’s Prestige range. great throughout the range, although I have to tone (due to its wider bore) when compared Iain Parkhouse, principal baritone of the admit to having to work a little harder to achieve with previous baritones, such as my old Besson International Staff Band of The Salvation Army, that unique, full baritone sound - a sound that is Sovereign. Having a bigger bore means that you is forthright in his opinion: “Having played in clearly evident from the top exponents of today. can achieve a fuller sound on the horn and it many bands over the years, the instruments I Once you get to the stage of understanding also helps you to project even more. There is no have played have normally been provided out what is needed to produce the sound you want, doubt that the BE 2056 has a superior response of their own stock, but I’ve never before been in then it becomes a very satisfying experience. that makes playing easier, cleaner and more a position where I’ve been asked my opinion of In the higher range, I was amazed to be able enjoyable. The way this horn responds and their quality and certainly never asked to publish to play a top E with relative ease - a note that adapts to the musical demands of a particular my thoughts for all to see. But here goes, a simple usually ‘passes me by’! piece is remarkable. straightforward view! “I encountered one or two intonation problems, “The instrument feels good in your arms and the “The quality of craftsmanship of the current in particular Eb in the top space, requiring valves are outstanding. When pressing down the Besson range is terrific as we have come to alternative 2/3 fingering to sharpen the note valves for the first time, you immediately notice expect, and is certainly in evidence on this into tune. The need for a 4th valve will always the smooth quiet action that reassures you that particular model. The larger case with pouches be open to debate, but I imagine those facing they will never let you down. Intonation is a very means, at last, we have an opportunity to store the demands posed by modern solo repertoire difficult area to assess, simply because no horn has a bit of music rather than carrying it around available for baritone now will welcome this extra perfect intonation. However, the Prestige baritone separately, similar in style to that of the Prestige facility for a wider range. has improved in this aspect, especially in the lower euphonium. “The valves are fantastic, probably the most register. The high G and A are also much improved. “My initial reaction, having been used to the responsive set I’ve ever encountered, requiring There are one or two notes that I find slightly Sovereign baritone for a number of years, was very little effort and completely reliable. The one better with alternative fingerings and players will the increased size and, particularly, the weight remaining un-ticked item on my wish list would quickly find the best solutions to these; any slight of the instrument, and the extra tubing to be the option of a tuning trigger, now treated as concerns can be resolved quickly. facilitate the 4th valve meaning a much wider standard on the cornet, euphonium and horn “In summary, I believe that the new Besson body. In practical terms, I have to admit to models, but, in short, it is a lovely instrument Prestige baritone has all the qualities needed for finding it a little uncomfortable to start with which the soloists out there will enjoy!” a baritone player to perform at the highest level.“

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 13

BB 12-13.indd 13 24-02-2009 17:26:23 Issue no. 5549 – 21 February 2009 BRITISH Bandsthe leading internationalman brass magazine Price £1.25 THE LEADING CIRCULATING MAGAZINE IN THE WORLDWIDE BRASS MARKET

A rare treat for the young players of Youth Brass 2000, winner of the Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championships, as Major Peter Parkes conducts the band at the recent Convention of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors in Lincoln. Turn to page 3 for the full story. Yorkshire to continue with Issue no. 5547 – 7 February 2009 youth adjudication experiment Issue no. 5548 – 14 February 2009 Issue no. 5546 – 31 January 2009 Price £1.25 British Bandsman is once again to team up with St. George’s Hall with the rest of the press corps, at the 2008 Yorkshire Championships, I am the website, 4barsrest, and the organisers of with the opportunity to browse through their delighted that British Bandsman, together with Action and artistry on the Yorkshire Brass Band Championships at St. own scores and write their own remarks on 4barsrest, have agreed join with us to continue Lancashire’s George’s Hall in Bradford on the weekend of 6 sheets specially prepared by Yorkshire Regional with this initiative for the 2009 Yorkshire and 7 March, in attempting to discover the next Secretary, Peggy Tomlinson. Regional contest.” the Golden Mile generation of adjudicating talent at this year’s ‘compulsive regional championships. Travel costs will be met, a buffet lunch will She added: “We had very positive feedback be provided and parents and guardians are after last year and I know that at least one of Four volunteers, aged 16 or under, will be given welcome. As in the previous experiment last the participants has continued with his interest composer’ the opportunity to sit in judgement of the 2nd year, each of the judges’ written remarks will be in adjudication. This is very encouraging, and Section bands, as they tackle Dan Price’s work, published in full, as well as their own results. the Yorkshire Regional Committee is pleased New World Sketches on Saturday 7 March. Chris Wormald commented to BB: “I’m and eager to support the involvement of back to The four participants will get to meet the two delighted to be involved in the project. Last youth in our event. We consider this panel official judges for the contest, Chris Wormald year’s was a tremendous success and I’m sure an opportunity for young people to widen and Malcolm Brownbill, who have both agreed everyone will enjoy the experience this time their experience and hopefully continue their prominence to pass on all-important tips about what to around. Perhaps Malcolm and I will pick up a interest into adulthood and thereby continue listen out for. few tips in return!” their involvement in our movement.” Fairey Band’s solo euphonium, Mark Bousie, will also be on hand to offer his expert insight Speaking to BB, an excited Peggy Tomlinson Anyone interested in participating on the panel as the contest progresses, and the four lucky commented: “After a most successful should contact [email protected] or youngsters will be perched up in the first tier of introduction of the Youth Adjudicating Panel [email protected]

Price £1.25 Price £1.25 Rachel at the double Youth Brass 2000 takes premier Young cornet star scores second success in thrilling Scottish final youth entertainment title

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BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 14

BB 14-15.indd 14 24-02-2009 17:32:07 2009 REGIONALS

by Dr. Roy Newsome

The recent announcement that Black Dyke’s Freedom of the City of Bradford has been reaffi rmed has inspired me to put together an article about a decade that seems to have been forgotten, and one The world’s biggest celebration of brass year in particular that seems never to have been really highlighted as much as it deserves. band contesting gets underway tomorrow I’m referring to the years between 1967 and 1977, during most of which I was Bandmaster / Resident (1 March), when the regional qualifying Conductor of the then Black Dyke Mills Band. Geoff rey Brand was the Professional Conductor from rounds of the 2009 National Brass Band 1967 to 1975, to be succeeded during that year by Peter Parkes. Championships of Great Britain begin at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. Over the next few We often read about certain ‘grand slams’ achieved in particular years and the double hat-trick at the weeks, venues from Dundee to Torquay will Crystal Palace by Foden’s in the 1930s, but during the period I’m referring to, Black Dyke completed resound to the music of Gilbert Vinter, Graham three ‘doubles’ (British Open and ‘National’ in the same year), a hat-trick at the ‘National’ and, in eff ect, fi ve-in-a row at the Open (a hat-trick followed by one year barred, and then two more wins Cole, Dan Price, Andrew Baker and Frank in succession). For good measure, there was also a so-called World Championship title. During the Hughes, and the competition ‘roller coaster’ period in question, there were no European Championships (they commenced in 1978) and Black is guaranteed to provide the usual blend of Dyke was hardly ever called upon to compete in the ‘Area’ contests, byes being granted because thrills, spills and shock results. of the ‘National’ results. However, had the band competed at these contests, no doubt the list of We begin our preview of the events with Dr. honours would have been even greater. Roy Newsome’s personal look back to one of Geoff rey Brand conducted the band to victories in the National Championship in 1967, the ‘Open’ in the most dominant periods in the history of 1968, the World Championship in 1970 and the ‘double’ in 1972. I took the band to its British Open the current National Champion, Black Dyke, wins in 1973 and 1974 and then along came Peter Parkes, taking everything before him to achieve and Rodney Newton completes his analyses the extremely rare ‘double-double’ of 1976 and 1977. The only other time this has been achieved was of this year’s Regional Championship test- in 1906 and 1907, when Wingates Temperance did it under William Rimmer, who, in fact, achieved pieces with Gilbert Vinter’s Salute to Youth, as fi ve successive personal ‘doubles’ between 1905 and 1909, before retiring from contest conducting. well as meeting one of the most successful In the last of the years I’ve been talking about, the completion of the ‘double-double’ was just the euphonium players of his generation, Mike icing on the cake of a remarkable year for Black Dyke, my last as its Resident Conductor. We began Kilroy. In addition, we have our full spectator’s the year with the presentation of our 1976 double championship medals during a short concert we guide to the eight regional contests, all of gave at St. George’s Hall, Bradford, following the Yorkshire Regional Championships from which, of which will be covered in depth by British course, we were barred. This was followed by another event that began with a concert in St. George’s Hall prior to Bandsman in the weeks ahead, so be sure to celebrations in the Town Hall. This was when we were honoured by being given the Freedom of the order your copy today! City of Bradford; I’m so happy for the current band that this honour is being re-affi rmed and off er my warmest congratulations. During May, we had one of several memorable Swiss tours, at the conclusion of which we fl ew into London to participate in a concert in the Royal Albert Hall commemorating the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Six bands took part, the others being Cory, Fairey, Foden’s, Hanwell and Morris Motors, conducted by Walter Süsskind and Harry Mortimer. On our return to Queensbury, we were soon headlong into preparations for a recording in which I shared the conducting with former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Edward Heath. Called European Brass, the recording contained a piece specially composed for the occasion by Robert Farnon, Morning Cloud, named after Mr Heath’s yacht. We then prepared to travel to London again for another appearance in the Royal Albert Hall, sharing the stage with the London Symphony Orchestra. This came about through a TV documentary made in the previous year, one of a two-part series called Previn Meets Brass Bands. The Maestro was so impressed with the band that he arranged this London concert, complete with live TV and Previn himself conducting Black Dyke in The Corsair by Berlioz. The climax of the concert came with orchestra and band combining in Walton’s Crown Imperial. For our fi nal big occasion, to round off this marvellous series, we were invited to play in Leeds Town Hall, sharing the platform with Huddersfi eld Choral Society on the occasion of the visit of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at the conclusion of the Silver Jubilee tour. Of course, these were just the highlights of a year in which the band completed 50 concerts and three broadcasts, and made three more LPs in addition to European Brass. It’s little wonder that it was in good enough form to secure the completion of its double-double and ‘National’ hat trick in October!

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 15

BB 14-15.indd 15 24-02-2009 17:32:09 2009 REGIONALS Kilroy was there!

In the first of a two-part profile, Rodney Newton meets the Hammonds Saltaire euphonium star, Mike Kilroy (soon to retire from playing for health reasons), and learns about his life and his outstanding career in brass bands.

(according to our coach driver), we walked knowledgeable man indeed, and even at that back to our transport to go to the next contest, age, I knew that here was a seriously important but stopped by the roadside as the next band and dignified person; I respected him deeply. started up at the bottom of the street. The I did get my chance to shine every now and players marched past imperiously in their again, playing principal euphonium at a massed black uniforms with lavish gold braid on their band concert with Stanshawe Band, standing to backs playing Punchinello, our contest march, play a duet with another hero of mine, Lyndon but producing a sound the like of which I Baglin, at a packed Colston Hall, and again, had never heard before. I stood on the kerb in Plantagenets at the 1973 North West ‘Area’ open mouthed and looked up at my father in contest, where the band won by a fair margin. speechless wonderment. He looked down at “In 1972, there was a major tour to Canada, me and said, “Aye lad, we’re rubbish,” and that featuring the top four UK bands of that time: Mike Kilroy seems as ubiquitous as his mythical was it! I wanted to be like them, I wanted to play Black Dyke, Fairey, GUS (Footwear), and CWS namesake, whose name used to be scrawled in a band like that. Dad went the very next day (Manchester). The conductors for the massed upon walls throughout the length and breadth to get a recording of the band so I could hear band concerts were Geoffrey Brand, Eric Ball of the United Kingdom. The current principal more. The band? Black Dyke, of course.” and Harry Mortimer and, before we left, we euphonium with Hammonds Saltaire (formerly “Our record collection was quite small and gave a farewell concert at the Free Trade Hall. YBS) Band can look back on a career in brass consisted at first of two bands’ recordings - As a young boy of 16, I suddenly became aware banding that has seen him play with the very Black Dyke and Munn and Felton’s. I knew all that I was sitting in the same band as all my best and enabled him to be a part of many the players’ names and faces, the instruments heroes, who previously I had only seen on memorable concerts, contests and tours. they played, everything you could glean off a LP covers. I knew who they were, I had heard He was born in 1955 in a small village called record sleeve. In 1968, Dad came home with a them all play, but never in my wildest dreams Springhead, which is part of Saddleworth, record of Black Dyke entitled The Champions, had I imagined that I would ever meet them and was educated at Saint Edward’s Primary which celebrated the band’s success at the 1967 in person, never mind sit on the same concert School, then Saint Alban’s Comprehensive ‘National’ on Journey into Freedom. We put it on platform. Around me on euphonium were John School in Oldham, followed by a Professional straight away and the first track was the march, Clough, Trevor Groom and Marcus Cutts, and Management Diploma and other business The Contestor. The second track was another I had a grandstand view of the cornets: James qualifications through day release at UMIST. As defining moment, George Doughty’s (then) Shepherd, David Read, Norman Ashcroft and a ‘day job’, Mike manages a team of people who new arrangement of Grandfathers Clock, with the young bloke who had taken over from work closely with the Regional Development the amazing John Clough on solo euphonium, him on principal, Phillip McCann. On baritones Agency, looking at creating inward investment featuring sophisticated, understated artistry, were Cyril Howarth and John Slinger, and the opportunities and the promotion of an control throughout the range of the instrument more I looked around, the more overawed and enterprise culture across Yorkshire and and blistering technique, all wrapped up in a overjoyed I became. We played through the Humberside. His grandfather was a well-known feeling of consummate ease and security. My last piece of the concert, 1812 Overture, and as choirmaster and semi-professional singer, and jaw had scraped itself on the floor yet again - we got to the end of the big descending scale his father, Dennis, became an accomplished that’s what I wanted to be, a euphonium player, passage, tears poured unashamedly down my tuba player. Mike’s early exposure to brass like him. I wouldn’t say that I played that track a cheeks and I bawled along to the music in sheer bands consisted of a series of ‘defining lot, but according to my mother, even the birds joy. John Clough put a comforting arm around moments’, as he put it. He recalled: “In 1963, I in our garden began singing “that flaming tune”. my shoulder while he carried on playing to the attended a concert given by the Zion Methodist I got my chance to play euphonium for Delph end with one hand (which, of course, confirmed Band at my school, and I knew straight away Band in time for the Whit Friday march contests my belief that he was indeed a god!). I thought that I wanted to play in a brass band. Then, on in 1969, and have loved it ever since.” that, if my life had ended right there and then, Sunday 6 September 1964, my father took me In 1971, Mike was invited to audition for I would already have fulfilled all my banding to the rehearsal room of Delph Band, which Hammonds Sauce Works Band, then conducted aspirations and ambitions in the one evening. was struggling for players at the time. The by Geoffrey Whitham, and was offered the I had realised my dreams of playing with the conductor took one look at me and gave me a position of principal euphonium. He recounted: very best and, that night, I decided that was tenor horn, then picked up a single Eb tuba and “I was still at school and the travelling was where I was going to stay. Since that time, I thrust it into my father’s hands. Even though going to prove too difficult, so I declined the have had the good fortune to be the principal Dad protested that he was only there to give me offer (well, my parents declined it for me). euphonium of Wingates, Yorkshire Imperial a lift, it was to no avail - he was now in the band However, Geoff recommended me to Alex Metals, Leyland DAF, Fairey, Grimethorpe and that was that. We obtained Tune a Day Book Mortimer at CWS (Manchester) and I started Colliery, Brighouse and Rastrick, Desford One and started to learn together. there later that year on 2nd euphonium at the Colliery and, for the past year, Hammonds “After a couple of years, the band was age of 15. One of my main jobs was to push Saltaire (which, strangely enough, takes me considered good enough to go out to the Alex around in his wheelchair at contests and back to where I started from in 1971). I also Whit Friday contest. The second year that we concerts, and go to fetch his drinks of water. played with the James Shepherd Versatile Brass went, we played Slaidburn up the street and This gave me a unique opportunity to speak for four years. Most of my learning has involved Punchinello on the stand. At the Top Mossley to him on a personal level about playing and listening, asking and listening again, taking contest, where we had played brilliantly his experiences. He was a very sensitive and the advice and then shaping that information

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 16

BB 16-17.indd 10 24-02-2009 17:33:19 2009 REGIONALS

into a template that suits me best. I have found Freya and Toby. I intend to play at the Yorkshire inspiration from almost everyone that I have Regional Championships with Hammonds come into contact with in one way or another. Saltaire Band in March, which will be my last I have been fortunate enough to win all of the contest appearance in the UK. It is also the 20th major contests in my time and I have been anniversary of my first visit to New Zealand, so awarded many personal honours. Picking I am going there in April to play for Dalewool out the memorable ones, however, is not Band, the band with which I played on my first particularly difficult. My first appearance at visit (we won the contest!) to team up with the National Championships in 1972 was my long-time friend and euphonium-playing particularly memorable; my job was to push partner, Ken Cant, at the New Zealand National Alex Mortimer on to the stage and then, at Contest, and also spend some quality time the end of the performance, get up from my with the many friends that I have made in that seat and turn him round to acknowledge the part of the world over the years, not least, of applause of the audience. In my enthusiasm, course, Riki McDonnell who has been one of I spun him round and missed the handles, my best friends. Unfortunately, I have been sending Alex into an impromptu pirouette. I experiencing health problems over the past managed to catch them next time around, and couple of years or so. I had surgery to attempt when I brought him to a halt he just looked up to correct a problem that I was experiencing with his impish smile and said, “Steady on, my in November 2007, which had been affecting Beatle friend (a reference to my long hair), let’s me since the end of 2006. I had an MRI scan in not have any more of this excitement on the December last year and, following analysis of way off!” and then just waved to the audience this, it was explained to me that continuous as though nothing had happened. Winning the the various elements of the contest, and I also pressure created by playing a brass instrument ‘National’ in 1993 with Fairey on The Devil and became the first ever player from outside of had caused considerable damage to muscle the Deep Blue Sea also stands out, because it was New Zealand to win the Outstanding Soloist tissue, the parotid gland and sensory nerves in one of the very few note-perfect performances Award. the right side of my face and neck (this all stems I have been part of in a contest. When I hear “Some of my proudest moments, however, have from a birth defect in the eustachian tube in my the recording of the live performance, I am not been winning contests. In 1981, along with right ear). If I continue to play, this condition always surprised how good it is - the cornets Ken Cant and Garry Cutt, I formed a band called will steadily worsen and I could suffer partial or and the basses are absolutely awesome. The High Peak Charity All-Star Brass. This ran for 20 full paralysis in the affected area. My balance New Zealand National in 1999 was very special years, fulfilling at least two engagements a year. is also affected and I suffer constant nausea also. I played with Waitakere, which won all The players, who gave their services for free, when the effects of this condition are at their came mainly from the High Peak district, and worst. I was advised by my consultant to stop we were lucky enough to have musicians from playing straight away, and he also explained Fairey, Black Dyke, Yorkshire Imps, Brighouse, that a full recovery is now not possible, but Foden’s and Grimethorpe. We had a wealth of further damage is avoidable. My hearing riches in talent and enjoyed the contributions remains unaffected thank goodness, so partial of various guest principal cornet players over deafness is no longer an excuse I can use for not the years, including Phillip McCann, John answering my wife, Emma, while I’m watching Hudson, Alan Morrison, Russell Gray, Richard Match of the Day on TV! I will therefore look Marshall and Mark Wilkinson. Over the years, at the possibility of adjudication, conducting, these players raised over £50,000 for various brass band journalism or perhaps teaching. charities. The biggest concert we organised was Whatever it is, I can assure you that I will be given to a packed Buxton Opera House for Roy around and about enjoying myself as usual. Castle’s Cause for Hope Campaign, featuring I have so many memories and great moments Ben Castle, Richard Evans as compère and from my playing career, so many tales and Gordon Higginbottom as guest soloist. To all the experiences that I could not possibly do any players and supporters who gave their time to other than give a small flavour of that here. be involved in these events, a huge ‘thank you’! If I was asked what aspect of brass banding has Other memorable events included playing in given me more pleasure than any other over front of an estimated 1,000,000 people during the years, I would have to say it’s the people Pope John Paul II’s visit to the UK in 1982, that I have had the pleasure to meet along playing with German Brass at the Lucerne Music the way. If I could pass on any lessons that I Festival in 1997 and playing as a soloist along have learned from all this experience, I can tell with Bob and Nick Childs for Harry Mortimer’s you that the very top players that I have ever memorial concert in York in 1992. However, one met over the years have been humble and of the strangest things I have ever done was gracious people, who set themselves apart to go to EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in London simply by maintaining their basic foundation to record some tracks for Bill Geldard and Don skills first and foremost, often practising using Lusher in late 1986. One of these was used as a metronome and giving 100 percent of their the background music for the engagement effort 100 percent of the time, an attitude from of Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue on which we can all learn in all walks of life. Would Neighbours!” I have done anything differently? Probably not. Have I enjoyed the experience? Absolutely. If Looking to the future, Mike revealed, “I have anyone can show me an activity or hobby that no real immediate plans at the moment, apart can provide anything like the huge spectrum of from finishing off my playing career in the experiences that playing in a brass band can, I best way that I can and spending more time would love to see it, because I don’t think that with my wife and my children, Andrew, Rachel, it exists.”

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 17

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Cornets (B flat) Sterling (lacquer) in gig bag Used 350.00 Getzen Eterna (silver-plate) large bore Used 375.00 Besson Sovereign (lacquer) 1990 build, not original case Used 550.00 Besson Sovereign (lsilver-plate) 2002 Used 750.00 Besson Sovereign (lacquer) 2003 approximately Used 775.00 Getzen 850 Custom (silver-plate) good condition Used 800.00 Besson Prestige (lacquer) in Sovereign case Used 850.00 Yamaha YCR-8335 Xeno (silver-plate) Used 975.00 Courtois AC106 Chambord (silver-plate) 2 available New 995.00 Besson Prestige (silver-plate) 2007 approximately Used 1,250.00 Willson Celebration 410 (silver-plate) Used 1,475.00 Cornets (E flat soprano) Yamaha YCR-8620 (silver-plate) New 1,599.00 Flugelhorns Conn Vintage One (lacquer) one year old Used 1,475.00 Tenor Horns Courtois 180R (lacquer) in gigbag Used 1,050.00 INSTRUMENT York Preference 3049 (lacquer) no trigger Ex-demo 1,680.00 York Preference 3050 (lacquer) with trigger Ex-demo 1,895.00 Baritones Amati (lacquer) Used 385.00 OFFERS Courtois 169 (lacquer) Nearly new 1,650.00 Yamaha YBH-621 (lacquer) 4-valve Ex-demo 1,695.00 York Preference (lacquer) 3-valve Ex-demo 1,995.00 York Preference (silver-plate) 4-valve Ex-demo 2,555.00 Euphoniums New, used and ex-demonstration brass instruments Jupiter JEP-570L (lacquer) 4-valve Ex-demo 775.00 at attractive prices. Courtois 167II (lacquer) trigger on main Used 1,500.00 Courtois 167II (lacquer) trigger on main Used 1,850.00 Miraphone M5000 (lacquer) case not included Ex-demo 2,750.00 Prices include workshop check and set-up, York Preference (lacquer or silver-plate) Ex-demo 2,995.00 delivery and VAT. Willson 2950 (silver-plate) large bore Ex-demo 3,995.00 Tenor Trombones (B flat) Bach Stradivarius LT16M virtually as new Used 1,050.00 Bach 42G large bore, gold brass bell Used 1,500.00 King 3B Silversonic medium/large, nearly new Used 1,500.00 Bass Trombones Holton TR181 double plug Used 1,250.00 Yamaha YBL-622 Ex-demo 1,799.00 Tubas (E flat) rosehillinstruments.co.uk Besson Sovereign 981 (silver-plate) 4-valve Ex-demo 4,275.00 64 London End, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2JD Tubas (B flat) Showroom: (01494) 671717 Mail Order: (01494) 685131 B&H Imperial (silver-plate) 3-valve, 17-inch bell, no case Used 750.00 B&H Imperial (silver-plate) 4-valve, 19-inch bell Used 2,000.00 Email: [email protected] York Preference (lacquer or silver-plate) 4-valve Ex-demo 4,995.00 Miraphone M9000 (lacquer) Ex-demo 4,995.00

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 18

BB 18-19-20-21.indd 18 24-02-2009 17:24:30 2009 REGIONALS THE BANDS COMPETING IN THE EIGHT REGIONAL BATTLEGROUNDS

NORTH WEST 12. Morecambe (A. Warriner) 10. Stocksbridge (M. Davison) 10. Sovereign Brass (P. Parkes) 78 bands 13. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB ‘B’ (P. Ashley) 11. Wakefi eld Metropolitan (N. Law) 11. Staff ordshire (H. Thomas) Winter Gardens, Blackpool 14. Ramsey Town (R. Quane) 12. Yorkshire Co-op (S. Kerwin) 12. Thoresby Colliery (G. Stevens) Sunday 1 March 15. Skelmersdale Prize (J. Ludden) 2nd Section 13. Virtuosi GUS (J. Berryman) Championship Section 16. Stalybridge Old (J. Binns) Sunday 8 March 1st Section Opera House 17. Trinity Girls (B. Harper) Draw: 11.15am. Commences: 1.00pm approx. Saturday 14 March. Draw: 2.30pm. Commences: 18. Uppermill (A. Widdop) Adjudicators: Malcolm Brownbill and First draw: 10.00am. Second draw: 11.00am. After 4th Section awards. 19. Valley Brass (Haydock) (D. Chadwick) Christopher Wormald Commences: 11.00am Adjudicator: David Read 20. Whitworth Vale and Healey (J. Binns) 1. Barnsley Building Society (W. Rushworth) Civic Hall * denotes pre-qualifi ed for ‘Final’ 4th Section 2. Clifton and Lightcliff e (J. Clay) Adjudicators: C. Brian Buckley and Derek 1. Bactiguard Wire Brass (P. Andrews) Opera House 3. Dodworth Colliery MW (E. Darwin) Broadbent 2. Fairey (P. Chalk) Split draw: 9.00am and 11.15am. 4. Elland Silver (P. Shaw) 1. Bedworth Brass (G. Bennett) 3. Foden’s (G. Cutt)* Commences 10.00am. 5. Frickley/South Elmsall (D. Nicholas) 2. Brackley and District (J. Glynn) 4. Leyland (J. Katsikaris) Adjudicator: C. Brian Buckley 6. Grange Moor (M. Bentham) 3. Carlton Brass (W. Richie BEM) 5. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB (M. Bentham) 1. Barnton Silver (S. Yates) 7. Holme Silver (Disposables UK) (D. Beckley) 4. City of Coventry (S. Cooper) 6. Poulton-Le-Fylde (G. Westwood) 2. Besses Boys (J. Holt) 8. Horbury Victoria (tba) 5. Foresters Brass 2000 (P. Collins) 7. Roberts Bakery (C. Cranson) 3. Blackley (A. Smith) 9. Kippax (S. Lippeatt) 6. Foss Dyke (A. Keegan) 8. Timperley (M. Fowles) 4. Carrbrook Brass (J. Smith) 10. Rockingham (S. Shimwell) 7. Gresley Colliery (S. Shimwell) 9. United Co-op (Crewe) (J. Sparkes) 5. Cheshire Constabulary (D. Woollam) 11. South Yorkshire Police (K. Wadsworth) 8. Harborough (C. Groom) 10. United Co-op Milnrow (J. Ward) 6. Coppull and Standish (A. Baker) 12. Strata (D. Hirst) 9. Hathern (D. Newman) 11. Wingates (A. Berryman) 7. Darwen Brass (S. Hartley) 3rd Section 10. Hopkins Blidworth (K. Steward) 1st Section 8. Denton Brass (G. Smith) Saturday 7 March 11. Ibstock Brick Brass (K. Ferguson) Empress Ballroom 9. Eccles Borough (L. Webb) Draw: 9.00am. Commences: 10.30am 12. Langley (C. Parker) Draw: 9.30am. Commences 10.30am 10. Farndon and District Brass (M. Robinson) Adjudicators: Simone Rebello and Ian 13. Phoenix West Midlands (D. Maplestone) Adjudicator: Colin Hardy 11. Farnworth and Walkden (P. Ashley) Brownbill 14. Shirley (A. Green) 1. Ashton-Under-Lyne (M. Evans) 12. Friezland (T. Haslam) 1. Barnsley Metropolitan (A. Francis) 15. Towcester Studio (H. Thomas) 2. Blackburn and Darwen (N. Sheppard) 13. Golborne (D. Houghton) 2. Chapeltown (A. Dennis) 16. Wigston (G. Sleath) 3. Blackpool Brass (A. Warriner) 14. Greenfi eld (S. Black) 3. Crofton Silver (T. Sidwell) 2nd Section 4. Bollington Brass (P. Christian) 15. Hazel Grove (N. Beasley) 4. Emley (G. Hallas) Civic Hall 5. Diggle (K. Wadsworth) 16. Nelson Brass (D. Holland) 5. Garforth (S. Bailey) Saturday 15 March. 6. Freckleton (P. Dalton) 17. Parr (Richardson Ltd.) St. Helens (R. Prescott) 6. Gawthorpe (S. Bradnum) Draw: 9.00am. Commences: 10.00am 7. Haydock (M. Quinn) 18. Pilling Jubilee Silver (B. Porter) 7. Gawthrope Brass ’85 (J. Edward) Adjudicators: Colin Hardy and Christopher 8. Longridge (S. Tarry) 19. Rivington and Adlington (M. Wilson) 8. Lofthouse 2000 (A. Whitaker) Wormald 9. Manx Concert Brass (I. Clague MBE) 20. St. John’s Mossley (S. Corbett) 9. Oughtibridge (D. Corker) 1. Arrow Valley (D. Stanley) 10. Mossley (D. Byers) 21. Sale Brass (J. Dickinson) 10. Skelmanthorpe ‘B’ (P. Garlick) 2. Bilton Silver (Rugby) (B. Clarke) 11. Tyldesley (R. Taylor) 22. Tarleton and District (G. Bould) 11. West Yorkshire Police (Captain G. Clegg) 3. Leicestershire Co-op (G. Jacklin) 12. Vernon Building Society Poynton (K. Gibbs) 12. Wetherby and District Silver (D. Ashworth) 4. Long Eaton Silver Prize (S. Stansfi eld) 13. Wardle Anderson Brass (S. Conway) YORKSHIRE 4th Section 5. Matlock (R. Jepson) 2nd Section 57 bands Sunday 8 March 6. Oddfellows Brass (R. Boulter) Empress Ballroom St. George’s Hall, Bradford. Draw: 8.00am. Commences: 9.30am 7. Shirland (A. Dennis) Draw: 2.00pm. Commences after 1st Section Championship Section Adjudicators: David Horsfi eld and Roy Roe 8. Stourport (M. West) results Sunday 8 March. Draw: 3.30pm. Commences: 1. Armthorpe Elmfi eld (H. Griffi ths) 9. Tintwistle (P. Denton) Adjudicator: Malcolm Brownbill 5.30pm 2. Deepcar (G. Somerset) 10. Wellington Telford (S. Curtis) 1. Besses o’ th’ Barn (C. Whiteoak) Adjudicators: Nigel Boddice and Steven Sykes 3. Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge) (C. Caton) 11. West Mercia Constabulary (S. Pritchard-Jones) 2. Delph (P. Goodwin) * denotes pre-qualifi ed for ‘Final’ 4. Huddersfi eld and Ripponden (S. Platten) 3rd Section 3. Eccleston Brass (I. Bateson) 1. Black Dyke (Dr. N. Childs)* 5. Linthwaite (C. Askew) Nicholas Chamberlaine Technology College 4. Flixton (A. Hobbins) 2. Brighouse and Rastrick (G. Cutt) 6. Maltby Miners Welfare (T. Cliff ord) Saturday 14 March. 5. Haslingden and Helmshore (D. Holland) 3. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (R. Gray)* 7. Thrucroft (K. Vernon) First Draw: 10.00am. Second draw: 12.00 6. Hoover (Bolton) (L. Dunkly) 4. Grimethorpe Colliery (A. Withington) 8. Wilsden (K. Lee) noon. Commences: 11.00am 7. Middleton (M. Stinger) 5. Hammonds Saltaire (M. Griffi ths) 9. Worsbrough Brass (J. Hopkinson) Adjudicators: Colin Hardy and Christopher 8. Old Hall Brass (J. North) 6. Hepworth (Cookson Homes) (I. Porthouse) Wormald 9. Oldham (Lees) (J. Collins) 7. Marsden Silver (Ossett Brewery) (G. Williams) MIDLANDS 1. Amington (W. Kendrick) 10. Rainford (N. Samuel) 8. Powerfuel Hatfi eld Colliery (G. O’Connor) 77 bands 2. Avonbank (Evesham) (N. Smith) 11. Silk Brass (Macclesfi eld) (J. Cant) 9. Rothwell Temperance (D. Roberts) Civic Hall and Nicholas Chamberlaine 3. Bakewell Silver (M. Wilcockson) 12. United Co-op 2000 Brass (J. Meredith) 10. Skelmanthorpe (J. Roberts) Technology College, Bedworth 4. Burbage Buxton (S. Critchlow) 3rd Section 11. Stannington (D. Renshaw) Championship Section 5. City of Birmingham (W. Belshaw) Spanish Hall 12. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (R. Evans) Civic Hall 6. Cubbington Silver (G. Smallwood) Split draw: 10.00am and 12.30pm. 1st Section Sunday 15 March 7. Daventry (N. Howard) Commences: 11.00am Saturday 7 March Draw: 12 noon. Commences: After 2nd 8. Hucknall and Linby (P. Whyley) Adjudicator: Derek Broadbent Draw: 1.00pm. Commences: 2.45pm Section results 9. Kirkby Colliery (S. Berrill) 1. BMP Europe Goodshaw (I. McKnight) Adjudicators: Malcolm Brownbill and Colin Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent and C. Brian 10. Moulton ’77 (M. France) 2. Boarshurst Silver (D. Ashworth) Hardy Buckley 11. Porthywaen (M. Parry) 3. City of Chester (P. Mottershead) 1. Cornerstone (G. Lamplough) 1. Derwent Brass (K. Leonard) 12. Rushden Windmill (J. Fletcher) 4. Dobcross Silver (G. Moore) 2. Drighlington (K. Belcher) 2. Desford Colliery (R. Gray) 13. Shirebrook (M. Wilcockson) 5. Dobcross Youth (B. Lamb) 3. Hade Edge (S. Wood) 3. Enderby (J. Mott) 14. Stamford (R. Prew) 6. Douglas Town (G. Higginbottom) 4. Hebden Bridge (D. Hadfi eld) 4. Glossop Old (P. Pavey) 15. University of Warwick (S. Hogg) 7. Eagley (T. Halliwell) 5. Knottingley Silver (O. Wedgewood) 5. Jackfi eld (S. Platford) 16. WEM Jubilee (R. Thorne) 8. Formby (L. Hough) 6. Lindley (N. Jowett) 6. Jaguar (Coventry) (D. Lea) 9. Greenalls (K. Stott) 7. Meltham and Meltham Mills (S. Fawcett) 7. Kibworth (J. Hudson) 10. Hawk Green (Marple) (A. Wilson) 8. Old Silkstone (A. Exley) 8. Newstead Brass (D. Beckley) 11. Lostock Hall Memorial (J. Wood) 9. Slaithwaite (B. Hudson) 9. Ratby Co-operative (M. Fowles)

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 19

BB 18-19-20-21.indd 19 24-02-2009 17:24:32 2009 REGIONALS

4th Section 3rd Section 2nd Section LONDON AND SOUTHERN COUNTIES Nicholas Chamberlaine Technology College Draw: 10.30am. Commences: 11.30am The Forum 76 bands Sunday 15 March. Saturday 14 March Saturday 14 March The Arts and Leisure Centre, Stevenage First draw: 9.30am. Second draw: 11.30am. Adjudicator: David Read Draw: 8.45am. Commences: 10.00am Championship Section Commences: 10.30am 1. Crosskeys Silver (K. Bowden) Adjudicators: Nigel Boddice and Alan Fernie Sunday 22 March Adjudicators: David Hirst and Derek Southcott 2. Goodwick (C. Hogg) 1. Bristol East and Kingswood (J. Griffi n) Draw: 2.30pm. Commences after 1st Section 1. Bestwood Welfare Black Diamonds (B. Draper) 3. Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen (G. Davies) 2. Camborne ‘B’ (A. Pope) awards. 2. Burbage Silver (A. Ellis) 4. Royal Buckley Town (P. Lovatt-Cooper) 3. Cinderford (D. Lea) Adjudicator: Philip Sparke 3. Ceramic Brass (S. Churchill) 5. Ogmore Valley Silver (I. Barnett) 4. City of Bristol (C. Thomas) 1. Aveley and Newham (N. Taken) 4. Corby Silver (G. Riseley) 6. Ynyshir (D. Evans) 5. Filton Concert Brass (B. James) 2. Bedford Town (P. Mayes) 5. Croft Silver (I. Needham) 4th Section 6. Forest of Dean Brass (J. Gwynne) 3. City of Cambridge (D. Wilson) 6. Dronfi eld (J. Davis) Sunday 15 March 7. Gillingham Imperial Silver (A. MacRae) 4. Clacton-on-Sea Co-operative (L. Morgan) 7. Fairfi eld (Buxton) (C. Kitchen) Draw: 10.00am. Commences: 11.00am 8. Heyl Town (D. Johnston) 5. Ipswich and Norwich Co-op (R. Norman) 8. Ilkeston Brass (D. Jones) Adjudicator: Alan Hope 9. Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) (P. Slator) 6. Kidlington Concert Brass (C. Underwood) 9. Ireland Colliery Chesterfi eld (I. Knapton) 1. Corus (Port Talbot) (C. Hogg) 10. Shrewton Silver (M. Dunford) 7. KM Medway (M. White) 10. Malvern Hills and District (J. Swindells) 2. Crwbin (R. Davies) 11. Solent Concert (H. Garner) 8. Milton Keynes Brass (Broseley) P. Fensom 11. Market Raisen RPC (S. Askew) 3. Ebbw Vale (C. Thomas) 12. South Molton town (D. Marshall) 9. Redbridge Brass (J. Wise) 12. Melton (G. Sutton) 4. Newport Borough (A. Hathaway) 13. St. Pinnock (J. Willcock) 10. Staines Brass (N. White) 13. Newhall (K. Holdgate) 5. Pontypool Brass (P. O’Leary) 14. Verwood Concert Brass (D. Johnson) 11. Wantage Silver ‘A’ (P. Bailey) 14. Pleasley Colliery Welfare (D. Cutting) 6. Upper Rhondda (T. Davoren) 3rd Section 12. Zone One Brass (R. Ward) 15. Ratby Co-operative Mid (G. Newman) 7. Ystradgynlais Public (P. Williams) The Arena 1st Section 16. Rolls Royce (Derby) (G. Cardwell) Saturday 14 March Sunday 22 March 17. Ruskden Town (P. Vine) WEST OF ENGLAND Draw: 10.45am. Commences: 12 noon Draw: 9.00am. Commences: 10.00am 18. Shipston Town (H. Gibbs) 74 bands Adjudicators: Paul Norley and Simone Rebello Adjudicator: Paul Cosh 19. Thoresby Colliery Youth (C. Gent) Riviera International Conference Centre, 1. A. W. Parker (Drybrook) (K. White) 1. Cawston (C. Swaep) 20. Trentham Brass (M. Caveney) Torquay 2. Bath Spa (D. Haywood) 2. Denham Hendon Brass (G. Davies) 21. Whitwell (D. Fretwell) Championship Section 3. Bream Silver (H. Cole) 3. Egham (G. Green) The Forum 4. Brunel Brass (J. Winterfl ood) 4. Epsom and Ewell Silver (T. Howard) WALES Sunday 15 March 5. Bugle Silver (D. Pope) 5. Friary Guildford (C. King) 41 bands Draw: 1.30pm Commences: 3.30pm 6. Corsham (D. Barringer) 6. Grimsdyke Brass (S. Broughall) Brangwyn Hall, Swansea Adjudicators: Nigel Boddice and Alan Fernie 7. Denmead Brass (E. Flood) 7. Haverhill Silver (M. Ager) Championship Section 1. Aldbourne (M. White) 8. Launceston town (D. Dobson) 8. Horsham Borough (K. Maxwell) Sunday 15 March 2. Bournemouth Concert Brass (J. Camps) 9. Pendennis Brass (Falmouth) (S.. Thomas) 9. Jersey Premier Brass (T. Pritchard) Draw: 12.00pm. Commences: after 4th 3. Camborne Town (G. Cutt) 10. Pillowell Silver (S. Ruck) 10. Norfolk Brass (D. Stowell) Section awards. 4. Flowers (Dr. R. Newsome) 11. Sidmouth town (A. Harvey) 11. Northfl eet Brass (A. Austin) Adjudicator: David Read 5. Helston Town (J. Hitchens) 12. St. Stythians (J. Burns) 12. Regent Brass (A. Duguid) * denotes pre-qualifi ed for ‘Final’ 6. Lydbrook (S. Sykes) 13. Torbay Brass (M. Faro) 13. Sandhurst Silver (I. McElligott) 1. Beaumaris (G. Evans) 7. Mount Charles (A. Duncan) 14. Weston Brass (A. Osborne) 14. Soham Comrades (K. Schroeter) 2. BTM (J. Katsikaris) 8. St. Dennis (B. Minear) 15. Wincanton Silver (B. Kelloway) 15. St. Albans City (D. Shead) 3. Burry Port Town (C. Roberts) 9. St. Keverne (J. Maines) 16. Wotton and District Silver (D. Grant) 16. Welwyn Garden City (J. Marshall) 4. Cory (Dr. R. Childs)* 10. SWT Woodfalls (Dr. N. Childs) 4th Section 2nd Section 5. Cwmaman Institute (G. O’Connor) 11. Yeovil (D. Barringer) The Forum Saturday 21 March 6. Newbridge (Celynen) (P. Holland) 1st Section Sunday 15 March Draw: 2.00pm. Commences after 3rd Section 7. Northop (T. Wyss) The Forum Draw: 8.45am. Commences: 10.00am Adjudicator: Philip Sparke 8. Parc and Dare (G. Pritchard) Saturday 14 March Adjudicators: Paul Norley and Simone Rebello 1. Alder Valley Brass (R. Burke) 9. Penclawdd Brass (A. Small) Draw: 1.00pm. Commences: 3.00pm 1. Bideford Town (R. Ashby) 2. Becontree Brass (G. Chambers) 10. Tredegar (I. Porthouse) Adjudicators: Nigel Boddice and Alan Fernie 2. Bratton Silver (M. Fricker) 3. Brighton and Hove City Brass (M. Hackett) 11. Wrexham Brass (W. Ruston) 1. Chalford (S. Tubb) 3. Chalford Academy (S. Tubb) 4. Chichester City (M. Grace) 1st Section 2. Hyde (I. Hutchinson) 4. Cheltenham Silver (D. Grant) 5. Chinnor Silver (D. Pegram) Saturday 14 March 3. Lanner and District Silver (C. Toghill) 5. Downton (R. Wright) 6. Colchester (P. Ivey) Draw: 3.30pm. Commences following 2nd 4. Lympstone South West Telecoms (C. Fleming) 6. Hatherleigh Silver (R. Wonnacott) 7. Crystal Palace (M. Gray) Section results 5. Michelmersh Silver (M. White) 7. Lostwithiel Town (D. Stephens) 8. East London Brass (J. Murrill) Adjudicator: David Read 6. Ocean Brass (N. Grace) 8. Marsfi eld (D. Jones) 9. Epping Forest (M. Easener) 1. Abergavenny Borough (G. Ritter) 7. Otterbourne Brass (Lt. Col. C. Davis OBE) 9. New Forest Brass (I. Luxford) 10. Fairlop Brass (K. Jordan) 2. Markham and District (N. Seaman) 8. Poole Borough (P. Randell) 10. Porthleven Town (E. Ralph) 11. Littleport Brass (N. Bramley) 3. Point of Ayr (J. Hinckley) 9. Portishead Town (I. Dickinson) 11. Shanklin Town (IoW) (M. Lewis) 12. Norfolk Wherry Brass (L. Purdy) 4. Pontardulais (Burns Pet Nutrition) (P. Jenkins) 10. Sherbourne Town (P. Cosh) 12. Spinnaker Brass (D. Jones) 13. Stantonbury Brass (A. Jenkin) 5. RAF St. Athan Voluntary (A. Bourne) 11. Soundhouse Brass (G. Pumford) 13. St. Breward Silver (G. Lannie) 14. Thundersley Brass (tba) 6. Tongwynlais Temperance (P. Harper) 12. St. Austell Town (G. Pritchard) 14. Swindon Brass (F. Cowley) 15. Tilbury (A. Duguid) 2nd Section 13. Swindon Pegasus Brass (P. Uzzell) 15. Test Valley Brass (S. Large) 16. Ware Brass (P. Littlemore) Saturday 14 March 14. Woodfalls Concert Brass (S. Dunster) 16. Tewkesbury Town (N. Morgan) 17. Yiewsley and West Drayton (C. Cole) Draw: 12.15pm. Commences after 3rd Section 17. Totnes (I. Wilkinson) results 18. Weymouth Concert Brass (A. Glynn) Adjudicator: Alan Hope 19. Wilton and District Youth (C. Herbert) 1. Ammanford Town (C. John) 2. Blaenavon Town (L. Price) 3. Briton Ferry (Dr. C. Jenkins) 4. City of Cardiff (Melingriffi th) (G. Ritter) 5. Deiniolen (G. Saynor) 6. Lewis Merthyr (G. Pritchard) 7. Llanrug (P. Highes) 8. Llwydcoed (R. Griffi th) 9. Newton Silver (S. Edwards) 10. Rogerstone (J. Jones) 11. Tylorstown (G. Davies)

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 20

BB 18-19-20-21.indd 20 24-02-2009 17:24:39 2009 REGIONALS

3rd Section NORTH OF ENGLAND Sunday 22 March 48 bands Saturday 21 March 42 bands Draw: 8.45am Commences: 10.00am Caird Hall, Dundee. Championship Section Draw time: 9.00am. Commences: 10.00am The Dolphin Centre, Darlington Adjudicator: Richard Evans Sunday 22 March Adjudicator: Paul Cosh Championship Section 1. Billingham Silver (V. Evans) Draw: 1.10pm. Commences: 1. BAE Systems (K. Woodger) Sunday 22 March 2. Dunston Silver (S. Murrill) Approximately 2.40pm. 2. Betteshanger Welfare (T. Vinall) Draw: 1.15pm Commences: Approximately 3. East Riding of Yorkshire (P. Andrews) Adjudicator: Alan Morrison and Lt. Col. 3. Chalgrove (M. Pegram) 3.00pm, after 2nd Section awards 4. Ferryhill Town (S. Norris) Graham Jones MBE 4. Croydon Brass (P. Martin) Adjudicator: David Read 5. Marske Brass (A. Prest) 1. Bon-Accord Silver (J. Maines) 5. Fulham Brass (S. Jones) 1. EYMS (Dr. R. Childs) 6. North Skelton (T. Oldroyd) 2. Bo’ness and Carriden (M. Marzella) 6. Great Yarmouth Brass (S. Philpot) 2. Easington Colliery (R. Farr). 7. Ripon City (M. Dibb) 3. Clackmannan (P. Kiernan) 7. Hangleton (M. Pollard) 3. Felling (G. Tindall) 8. South Milford Brass (R. Wilton) 4. Dalmellington (A. Hutchison) 8. Hitchen (C. Patterson) 4. Fishburn (G. Cutt) 9. Stape Silver (M. Breckon) 5. Dunaskin Doon (J. Boax) 9. Hungerford Town (T. Crouter) 5. Greggs Bakery (D. Beckley) 4th Section 6. Kingdom Brass (J. Gourlay) 10. LBG Brass (I. Stewart) 6. Kirkbymoorside Town (J. Woodward) Saturday 21 March 7. Kirkintilloch (S. Simonsen) 11. St. Sebastian Wokingham (J. Kelloway) 7. Lockwood Brass (J. Roberts) Draw: 1.30pm. Commences: Approximately 8. Scottish Co-op (R. Gray) 12. Tadley Concert Brass (P. Chapman) 8. NASUWT Riverside (I. Robinson) 3.30pm, after 1st Section awards 9. Unison Kinneil (A. Duncan) 13. Waterbeach Brass (J. Utting) 9. Reg Vardy (Dr. N. Childs) Adjudicator: Barry Thompson 10. Whitburn (S. Mead) 14. Watford (R. Graves) 10. Westoe Brass (D. Broadbent) 1. Backworth Colliery (D. Beckley) 1st Section 15. Woodbridge Excelsior (G. Shaw) 1st Section 2. Bearpark and Esh Colliery (V. Eckerman) Sunday 22 March 4th Section Saturday 21 March 3. Craghead Colliery (J. Robson) Draw: 9.00am. Commences: 10.30am Sunday 22 March Draw: 11.00am Commences: 12.30pm 4. Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes (S. Askew) Adjudicator: Kevin Wadsworth and Peter Draw: 11.00am. Commences: 12.00 noon Adjudicator: David Read 5. Kirkby Lonsdale (A. Greenwood) Bassano Adjudicator: Roy Roe 1. Barton Town (R. Evans) 6. Lanchester (J. Fenwick) 1. Barrhead Burgh (M. Ramsay) 1. Amersham (I. Hogan) 2. Broughtons Brass (tba) 7. NASUWT Riverside Youth (J. Bell) 2. Bathgate (tba) 2. Battle Town (J. Penton) 3. GT Group Peterlee (S. Malcolm) 8. Swinton and District Excelsior (N. Sutherland) 3. Broxburn and Livingston (T. Swainson) 3. Bletchington Silver (N. Hall) 4. Harrogate (R. Waite) 9. Trimdon Concert (B. Wright) 4. Campbeltown Brass (C. Anderson) 4. Bradwell Silver (B. Keech) 5. Murton Colliery (D. Noble) 5. Johnstone (R. Tennant) 5. Charles Church Camberley (R. Cherry) 6. Northumbrian Water Ellington (R. Farr) 6. Kirkintilloch Kelvin (C. Keenan) 6. Cobham (D. Ruel) 7. Shepherd Building Group (T. Oldroyd) 7. Lochgelly (P. Drury) 7. Cold Ash Brass (M. Clark) 8. Wansbeck’s Ashington Colliery (N. Stedman) 8. Newmilns and Galston (A. McCutcheon) 8. Harwich RBL Brass (A. Sanders) 2nd Section 9. Newtongrange Silver (N. Boddice MBE) 9. Hemel Hempstead (G. Weeks) Sunday 22 March 10. St. Ronan’s Silver (A. Knox) 10. Hilgay Silver (K. Beckett) Draw: 11.00am. Commences: Approximately 2nd Section 11. Jubilee Brass (Oxford) (C. Sadler) 1.10pm, after 3rd Section awards. Saturday 21 March 12. King’s Lynn Town (S. Ingham) Adjudicator: Richard Evans Draw: 12.45pm. Commences: 13. Letchworth Garden City (T. Welch) 1. Cockerton Silver (G. Nicklin) Approximately 2.15pm 14. Milton Keynes Development (D. Johnston) 2. Dearham (G. Williams) Adjudicators: Kevin Wadsworth and Lt. Col. 15. Royston (S. Earley) 3. Durham Constabulary (K. McDonald) Graham Jones MBE 16. Wantage Silver ‘B’ (D. Dulforce) 4. Flookburgh (tba) 1. Annan Town (APD) (D. Shanks) 5. Houghton Brass (H. Smith) 2. Arbroath Instrumental (M. Robertson) 6. York Railway Institute (D. Warley) 3. City of Discovery (B. Fraser) 4. Croy Silver (K. Blackwood) 5. Dalkeith and Monktonhall (J. Chamberlain) 6. Granite City Brass (D. Ashworth) 7. Jedforest Instrumental (C. Bradley) 8. Perthshire Brass (G. Annan) 9. Selkirk Silver (M. Bell) 10. Shotts St. Patrick’s (G. Lindsay) 11. Tullis Russell Mills (J. Hinckley) 3rd Section Saturday 21 March Draw: 8.30am. Commences: 10.00am Adjudicators: Peter Bassano and Allan Ramsay 1. Bon-Accord Silver ‘B’ (B. Wallace) 2. Buckhaven and Methil Miners (tba) 3. Coalburn Silver (G. Bowman) 4. Dundee Instrumental (tba) 5. Dunfermline Town (D. Neil) 6. Irvine and Dreghorn (D. McKellar) 7. MacTaggart Scott Loanhead (R. Duff ) 8. Renfrew Burgh (D. Hutchinson) 9. St. David’s Brass (J. Dickson) 10. Tayport Instrumental (F. Culross) 11. Turriff Silver (F. Cranna) 4th Section Saturday 21 March Draw: 4.45pm. Commences: 6.15pm Adjudicators: Allan Ramsay and Alan Morrison 1. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (A. McCorkell) 2. Dumfries Town (P. Heyes) 3. Newland Concert (tba) 4. Peebles Burgh (A. Fernie) 5. Penicuik Silver (tba) 6. Queensferry Community Brass (J. Anderson) 3rd Section SCOTLAND

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 21

BB 18-19-20-21.indd 21 24-02-2009 17:24:52 2009 REGIONALS A salute to Gilbert Vinter!

Rodney Newton concludes his appears to have had a somewhat ambivalent which introduced percussion onto the contest relationship with the BBC - his arrangements platform - considered a very bold gesture at the survey of this year’s ‘Regional’ being broadcast on a regular basis, but his time. test-pieces with a look at original works appearing in the schedules Salute to Youth was originally written in 1961 Salute to Youth infrequently, something, no doubt, which and used as the Championship Section test- Gilbert Vinter’s , caused him frustration. piece for the Regional Championships the selected for the Championship Ray Farr was appointed co-principal trumpet following year. It has three separate movements when Gilbert Vinter was chief conductor of entitled Resilience, Romance and Relaxation. It Section the BBC MLO. He recalled: “Gilbert was very opens in Eb major with a fanfare figure on solo supportive - I remember him coming to sit by and repiano cornets, marked fortissimo brilliante In the year of his centenary, we are beginning me in the trumpet seats during a break. This (sic.), answered by the full band with a jagged, to reappraise the work of the late Gilbert Vinter was when I had just started and he was so kind three-semiquaver figure, repeated and rising and the importance of his contribution to the and positive. Later he showed me his score of in the upper band and descending in contrary brass band repertoire. ‘Serious’ musicians seem Spectrum, which was about to be used at the motion in the lower (Ex. 1). The metronome to have had a problem with his orchestral British Open - I wish I had taken a copy! He speed is marked as varying between 104 music, tending to discount it as merely light had a strange beat - actually rather difficult to and 126, the movement rarely settling into a entertainment, whereas aficionados of light follow - but boy, did he make the orchestra sit steady tempo. The fanfare is repeated by the music have sometimes found it a little too up and play! He was always full of good spirits horns and first baritone in C major, followed harmonically adventurous and, perhaps, too and I remember a little confrontation between again by the semiquaver sequence, before darkly chromatic - therefore, for the ‘die-hards’ in him and the principal flute player, Jonathan the action switches to the trombones in Ab both fields, it tends to fall between two stools. Snowdon. During one recording session, he major, extended with rather pompous basses Outside the band world, his best-known work became very irritated by the way Gilbert kept descending to a low E natural. The tempo is Hunter’s Moon, for French horn and piano, smiling at the strings during one of his flute quickens slightly as chattering muted cornets a favourite among recitalists. One searches solos and snapped, “I can’t play while you are and trombones in contrary motion introduce musical dictionaries in vain for references to smiling at the strings like that!” Gilbert avoided a gentler statement of the fanfare figure on him, but there is a campaign underway, headed a confrontation by turning to the producer, the soprano cornet. This comes to rest on a by lecturer and euphonium player, Dr. Stephen Peter Haysome Craddy, and saying, “Can you soft chord of A major, before the trombones Arthur Allen of Rider University in the United take a note of that and do something about it?” and Eb basses forcefully declaim a second, States, to have Gilbert Vinter admitted to that There was laughter and a potentially explosive rather menacing fanfare in harmony derived comprehensive musical encyclopaedia, Grove’s situation was defused. Vinter’s principal horn from the whole-tone scale (Ex. 2). A solo cornet Dictionary of Music and Musicians (members for a short while was Coventry-born John Tyler gives a quiet, contemplative answer followed of the Internet organisation, Facebook, can (subsequently principal horn with the BBC by a series of false-relation triads in the horns follow the campaign’s progress via the ‘Gilbert Concert Orchestra and then English National and baritones above the euphoniums and Vinter - Composer’ page, along with a catalogue Opera), who remembers him as rather a serious, Eb basses, who toy with the fanfare idea, as if of some of his compositions and other but kindly man, always ready to offer sound, wondering what to do with it. The 1st BBb bass information). However, the music of Gilbert fatherly advice to young players. When Vinter echoes these musings, before a pause prefaces Vinter seemed to have found a comfortable died, the BBC in Birmingham organised a coach the foregoing material developed in harmony home in the world of the brass band, with to take the members of the MLO to his funeral. and marked Con fuoco, the two fanfare ideas which its creator seemed to have been very Gilbert Vinter’s involvement with brass bands seemingly in some conflict. However, this happy, once commenting to a friend, “You began in 1961 with Salute to Youth and does not last long, as a quiet canon is set up know, I have far more fun with brass bands than continued with Simon Called Peter (1963), between soprano and a solo cornet. Timpani I ever do with orchestras!” In welcoming Gilbert The Trumpets, The Dover Coach, Symphony and basses have march-like quavers as cornets Vinter into the fold, the brass band movement of Marches and Variations on a Ninth (1964), and trombones repeat the false-relation found its music changed for ever. Vinter never Triumphant Rhapsody and Lisbon Carnival triads in canon, while wisps of the fanfare ever ‘wrote down’ to bands, rather he wrote in a (1965), Taproom Ballade (1966), Vizcaya figure float aloft on soprano cornet and flugel way that brought band musicians into his own (1966/67), Challenging Brass, John o’ Gaunt horn like leaves on a breeze. This develops musical world, which included ways of scoring (1967), Entertainments (1968), Spectrum (1968/9) into a quirky passage based on the fanfare that had seldom been attempted before. and finally, James Cook - Circumnavigator figure, played softly by the cornets, then very The life of Gilbert Vinter has already been (1969). Not all the aforementioned works strongly in canon by the various sections of the documented in the pages of this magazine - were originally written for brass band, but band. There is a sequence where augmented born in 1909, a youth spent as a choirboy in he certainly seemed to have the medium harmonies are stacked up, before a coda in Lincoln Cathedral, studentship at the Royal constantly in mind and he made arrangements which the juxtaposed ideas of the movement College of Music, a career as a bassoonist with for brass band of the music of other composers. lead to a triumphant chord of C major. the BBC Military Band and a professorship of the While writing Spectrum, he became aware Trombones try to disrupt the harmony with a instrument at the RCM, then the war years spent that he was terminally ill, but a rumour that series of unrelated chords, but the movement in the Royal Air Force as a conductor, followed he did not complete the scoring of James ends on a decisive C in octaves. The problem by directorship of the ‘MLO’ - the BBC Midland Cook - Circumnavigator has been firmly denied surrounding this movement is not so much Light Orchestra, based at the old Carpenter by his publisher. His groundbreaking work in the technical demands made in the players Road studios in Edgbaston, Birmingham. He for brass band was undoubtedly Spectrum, (they are few), but the fragmentary nature of

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 22

BB 22-23.indd 22 24-02-2009 17:27:26 2009 REGIONALS

the music, and the constantly varying tempi. The The finale is entitledRelaxation but, as some opening fanfare in the final bars. This task for bands and conductors will be to weld commentators have pointed out, Vinter must movement is a piece of virtuoso writing, and an the restless ideas into a cohesive whole and to have had his tongue in his cheek. The main opportunity for a Championship Section band impart a sense of order and flow. body of the movement is marked Presto, with a to really show its paces. However, care must be The second movement, Romance, is scored footnote by the composer to the effect that the taken to ensure that detail comes through and in Bb major and begins with a gently-pulsing movement should go as fast as possible, and a that the band doesn’t run away with itself. In solo tenor horn, ushering in a ‘Tristanesque’ printed metronome marking of a dotted minim this writer’s humble opinion, Vinter’s ‘as fast as suspension. A solo cornet begins a long equal to 84 beats per minute as the minimum possible’ should be taken with a pinch of salt, cantilena (Ex. 3), accompanied sparingly by speed. If that was Gilbert Vinter’s notion of since sheer speed alone does not always equal a solo euphonium and Eb bass, with the horns, relaxation, goodness knows what his idea of good musical performance. flugel horn and back row cornets creeping in frantic activity was! The music is a mixture of a unobtrusively. The mood is intimate and the manic jig and a furious tarantella, with a solo Salute to Youth, inspired by the composer’s harmonies chromatic, making the tonal centre cornet leading the band off at a cracking pace own son, Andrew (now Dr. Andrew Vinter), has hard to pin down. The flugel horn takes up the (Ex. 5). Ideas are flung at us fast and furiously as stood the test of time as a vehicle for assessing narrative before the solo cornet resumes it’s love the dance hurls onwards, needing the cleanest the finest bands and will prove its worth yet song, sung to a background of chromatic triads of execution and snake-like tonguing. However, again in our Regional Championships this year. on soft trombones. Quietly undulating horns the whirlwind activity gradually subsides Some of the technical difficulties of the last join the solo cornet and the soprano cornet also and we arrive at a sudden Andante and an movement have already been discoursed upon makes a contribution to this ‘chanson d’amour’. unexpected oasis of real relaxation (the solo in this magazine, but the first two movements There is a crescendo to an impassioned baritone has a very sudden change of gear into should also be approached with respect, since, statement for the full band (Ex. 4) which the new tempo). The principal euphonium has although technically less demanding, they will eventually ebbs away to leave the soprano an expressive, extended solo (Ex. 6) against a need the same high standard of performance cornet and solo Eb bass to bid a fond ‘adieu’ lightly-scored background (perhaps the lovers as the finale. As we salute the memory of an before the music swells again to a passionate of the previous movement are still around). A influential figure in brass band music, let us conclusion. The salient feature here is the lyrical solo cornet joins the euphonium in duet and the also take note of the quality of his work and nature of the writing and bands will need to solo horn and baritone make it a quartet, until support campaigns for greater recognition of make this music really ‘sing’ to fully realise the the high jinks break out again in a mad dash to this outstanding musician in the wider world of composer’s intentions. the finish, just hinting at the first movement’s music.

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 23

BB 22-23.indd 23 24-02-2009 17:27:27 COMPANY NEWS New premises for Denis Wick Products

Denis Wick Products, the well-known maker of brass accessories, has seen a very large growth in sales in the last three years and has now moved to larger premises to accommodate increased production.

The new factory in Poole, Dorset, comprises a manufacturing area, a finishing shop, where the mutes and mouthpieces are checked and packaged, a warehouse, offices and a testing room. Speaking to BB, Managing Director, Stephen Wick, said: “We are very pleased to have made this move. It represents our belief that we will sustain and grow our market share in the years to come. Last year our sales grew by 15 percent in the USA and we have seen similar growth in other areas, so this extra capacity will help us keep up with increased demand.”

Further details of Denis Wick’s products and new contact details can be found at www.deniswick.com

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BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 24

BB 24-25.indd 24 24-02-2009 17:45:13 BRASS ROOTS

Cawston Band has announced the Following a highly successful debut at the appointment of new Musical Director, Leigh famous Assembly Rooms in Stroud back in Obituary Sharpe, who initially joined the band as 2001, which resulted in being offered the principal cornet in October 2007. Although prestigious Christmas Concert the following not a native of Norfolk (he began his musical year and a third sell-out concert in 2006, Neil Ferguson journey as a 12-year-old with Poulton-le- Smithills School Senior Brass Band and Chris Fylde Brass Band) Leigh has settled in the area Wormald have confirmed that they are to return following a career in the Army. to the subscription concert series at Stroud in February 2010. He joined the Army as a musician at the age of Speaking to BB, Chris Wormald commented: 16 ‘for a couple of years’. 29 years later, it was “Smithills is naturally thrilled to be returning time for him to retire! Leigh served at the Royal to Stroud for a fourth time. With concerts in Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, and with many prestigious venues, such as Manchester’s The Royal Artillery Band and Orchestra, The Bridgewater Hall, the Harrogate International Band of the Parachute Regiment, The Band Centre, Bolton’s Victoria Hall, the Reebok of the Army Air Corps and The Band of the Stadium and the Llandudno Theatre Royal Dragoon Guards as a commissioned officer all booked for 2009, and many more projects and Director of Music. Musical tours included including Kerkrade to look forward to, Smithills those to Malaysia and Singapore, Cyprus, Kenya, has a very busy schedule ahead as always.” Gibraltar, Pakistan and throughout Europe. Today (28th) sees the final concert of the Operational tours to Northern Ireland and Iraq band’s series, From Sinatra to James Bond at the did little to dampen his enthusiasm. Westholme Theatre in Blackburn at 7.30pm.

A spokesman for the band commented: “Leigh is now looking forward to continuing doing the Foden’s Band’s annual Patrons Concert was one thing he is most comfortable with – making held on Tuesday 17 February at Sandbach music to an appreciative audience, beginning School. The hall was filled to capacity, with extra with a concert in aid of the Leonard Cheshire seats having to be found to accommodate all Homes at the Octagon Chapel in Norwich. This the band’s 600 patrons, who were treated to will be followed swiftly by the London and an entertaining programme of music mainly Southern Counties Regional Championships in taken from the band’s new CD which was Stevenage. also launched on the night. Both the concert and the CD were directed by conductor, Mike With great sadness, Granite City Brass reports Fowles, who has become a favourite with the In line with other bands keen to improve their the passing of our fellow bandsman and friend, audience at Sandbach. profile, Leyland Band has taken advantage of Neil Ferguson, aged 50. Patron’s Choice II includes popular tracks and new technology and commissioned GK Graphic Neil was the finest and most faithful servant features many of the band’s soloists, chosen Design to redesign its website. The result may any band could ever wish for, having dedicated by Foden’s loyal patrons and is dedicated to be seen at www.leylandband.co.uk himself to our organisation for over 20 years. the band’s President and long-time supporter, He excelled in many roles within the band, Peter Fletcher. Principal cornet, Mark Wilkinson, including Secretary, Chairman and fundraising thanked the various people involved with the Downshire Brass, one of Northern Ireland’s organiser. Neil also served on the committee of production of the recording as well as thanking premier brass bands, based in south Belfast, the Northern Counties Brass Band Association, the patrons for their continued support. has appointed Professor Michael Alcorn as its culminating in his election as Chairman. Speaking to BB on behalf of the band, Helen new Musical Director. Neil was also a fine musician, with a natural Williams commented: “In recent months, the Professor Alcorn is currently Head of the affinity for the soprano cornet on which financial help of Mr. Fletcher has enabled School of Music and Sonic Arts at the Queen’s he performed beautifully for many years. Foden’s Band to officially drop the name of its University, Belfast. A former solo cornet player In his contribution to the band, musically, former sponsor and to purchase new stand with Agnes Street Band, he has more recently organisationally and socially, Neil will no doubt banners, blazer badges and a new design of tie shared duties as principal cornet and prove to be utterly irreplaceable. He was a true for band members and supporters, and Mark conductor with Comber Silver Band. ‘bandsman’, a generous and kindly spirit who Wilkinson presented Mr. Fletcher with a framed Speaking of his appointment to Downshire, chose to see the good in everybody, whose signed CD by the band as well as a new Foden’s Professor Alcorn said: “I am very excited to optimism, common sense and open friendliness tie as a ‘thank you’ for his continued support.” take up this position. It is a very enthusiastic will never be forgotten by those who knew him, The Patrons Concert is also the band’s and committed band and I look forward to and whose tireless efforts for the band he loved opportunity to make its annual awards, both helping it reach new heights in the future.” will perhaps never be surpassed. Neil’s courage of which are voted In the next few months, Downshire will be in the face of serious illness was an inspiration for by the members actively recruiting new players, as well as over the past few years, and even when facing themselves. Mike continuing to train the next generation of the gravest of challenges, his legendary good Fowles announced young brass players through the band’s Youth humour never faltered. 2nd cornet player, Section. Last Saturday, one of the Youth Band Neil was a devoted family man, and our deepest Andy Rolfe, as members, cornet player Anna McFarlane, was condolences go to his widow, Joyce, herself a Bandsman of the Year placed third out of 50 competitors in the Brass dedicated servant to the band of many years, and the unanimous Band League under-12 solo competition. their sons, Lloyd, Darryl and Ross, and the rest vote for Player of Downshire Brass Chairman, Gary Dodsworth of the family. the Year went to said: “I am confident that band members Neil’s funeral was due to be held at Aberdeen euphonium soloist, young and old will benefit from the Crematorium West Chapel, on Friday 27 Glyn Williams. experience and expertise of our new Musical February at 11:45 am. Director.” Alan Haggart

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 25

BB 24-25.indd 25 24-02-2009 17:45:17 19TH INTERNATIONAL BRASS BAND SUMMER SCHOOL PRESENTS WORLD CLASS TUITION BY THE SEA AT UNIVERSITY OF WALES SWANSEA ON THE GOWER PENINSULA 26th July - 1st August, 2009 £50 deposit secures your place. Course fee £395,- per person - en-suite accommodation, bed breakfast, 3-course evening dinner.

Artistic Directors: Dr. Robert and Dr. Nicholas Childs Tutors Richard Marshall and Angelo Bearpark (Cornets) Owen Farr (Horns) David Childs and David Thornton (Euphoniums and Baritones) Brett Baker (Trombones) Joseph Cook (Tubas) Alun Horgan (Percussion)

contact Alison Childs Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 42, Denshaw, Saddleworth, International Brass Band Summer School Partners Oldham, Lancs. OL3 5WQ Tel: + 44 (0)1457 820138 R mobile: + 44 (0)7802 771735 Michael Rath Royal Marines British Bandsman Leeds Metropolitan University GK Graphic Design Kapitol Promotions Rath Trombones Trevada Music York Principal Sponsors Career Partner Media Partner Education Partner Design Partner Promotions Partner

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 26

BB 26-27.indd 26 24-02-2009 17:25:43 CD 25

As the 25th anniversary of the fi rst brass band release on CD approaches this year, BB’s quest to identify the greatest one ever made continues. Last month, Tim Mutum’s choice was Wagner by Grimethorpe Colliery and Elgar Howarth, but this time Kenneth Crookston recalls the high- watermark in the history of another great combination from the past, Williams Fairey and Peter Parkes.

Double Champions accomplished The Land of the Long White Cloud (also by Philip Sparke) this Williams Fairey Band listener has ever heard, before two more of the band’s fi ne soloists display Conductor: Major Peter Parkes their wares. A young Brett Baker (trombone) gives a stylish rendition of Polyphonic QPRL 065D Gareth Wood’s very appealing Dance Sequence, and the peerless solo horn, Recorded: December 1993 Sandy Smith, gives the defi nitive performance of Peter Kneale’s Variations on a Welsh Theme, to complete an outstanding soloists’ showcase, which was In the history of any great contesting band, it’s impossible to identify even more remarkable when it is considered that there wasn’t room for Brian any particular year as the best it ever had, such are the many vagaries of Taylor (cornet) and Shaun Crowther (tuba) amongst others! competition. As a result, there may be some supporters of Black Dyke who Although great playing pervades the entire disc, the appealing and varied will argue that, although it won everything that year, the 1985 vintage nature of the programme, despite its undoubted complexity in places, is wasn’t as good as some years in which the band won considerably less, just perhaps this recording’s most enduring feature. It is quite simply a great as some of their purple and gold rivals will probably reckon that 1998 (the recording by a fabulous band at the peak of its form, with stylish soloists and year it achieved a triple of European, ‘Masters’ and National championships) a legendary conductor all combining to produce an almost ‘perfect storm’ of may just have been one of many great years in the history of Brighouse brass playing. and Rastrick. Similarly, although 2000 was an outstanding year for Cory, Although Williams Fairey went on to win the following year’s European most current supporters of the Welsh giant will be fairly sound in their Championship in judgment that the band has actually improved since then, although it hasn’t Montreaux, these yet repeated its double championship success of that year. However, in were the only the humble opinion of this reviewer at least, 1993 wasn’t just a successful major victories contesting year for Williams Fairey Band, it was also the year that Stockport’s for a remarkable fi nest reached the all-time peak of its considerable powers. partnership that, on Although Fairey had tasted success under Roy Newsome in the latter half of refl ection, probably the 1980s, the arrival of Peter Parkes in 1989 was the catalyst for the creation should have won of one of our fi nest ever ensembles. Despite some fi ne performances along more than it did. Peter the way, contesting success remained elusive in the partnership’s early years, Parkes left Fairey in but any thoughts that the Major’s unparalleled powers were diminishing the summer of 1995 were well and truly dispelled at the 1993 British Open Championship in to be succeeded Manchester’s Free Trade Hall, when a memorable performance of Philip by James Gourlay Wilby’s Masquerade took the band to an emphatic four-point victory. Four and then Allan weeks later, a fl awless Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Derek Bourgeois at the Withington, both of Royal Albert Hall saw the National Championship title in the bag, again with whom tasted success an impressive margin separating Fairey from the distant chasing fi eld. at the highest level To celebrate these occasions (and they were both ‘occasions’), a quite with the band, while stunning studio recording of Masquerade was added to the live winning the Major himself performance of ‘Devil’, to form the bookends of a fantastic showcase moved onto spend the next few years at Grimethorpe, with which his most of this great band’s abilities. As well as the year’s two major test-pieces, notable achievements were in the recording studio. However, only those of James Curnow’s Rhapsody for Euphonium is performed with ease by David us who had the misfortune of competing against the 1993 Williams Fairey Welsh, and Craig Bennett, the band’s soprano cornet, gives an eff ortless Band will recall its prowess with anything but fondness, although true rendition of Philip Sparke’s Capriccio. This is followed by the fastest and most greatness, it seems, comes in small doses.

CRITICS CORNER 150 Years of the John Foster Black Dyke Mills Band John Ireland’s A Downland Conducted by Major Peter Parkes Suite (some wonderful Compiled from Chandos CD 4516 support here from the Purchase CD or download tracks from www.chandos.net ‘Dyke’ basses, enhancing a lovely reading), Sandy The age of the download being fi rmly upon us, the Chandos CD label Smith as the tenor horn has entered the arena with its online music library, and one of the most soloist in Bellsted’s interesting of the currently available downloads from this source is a Carnaval of Naples, Handel reissue of an album entitled 150 Years of the John Foster Black Dyke Mills Parker’s old favourite, Band, recorded in 1987 with Queensbury’s fi nest under direction of Major Deep Harmony (great Peter Parkes. The programme, covering a century-and-a-half of Black basses again!), Gordon Dyke repertoire, includes traditional showpieces such as George Wilcocks’ Langford’s Famous British march, The Champions, Weber’s fi ery overture, Ruler of the Spirits, Alpine Marches and, to conclude Echoes with soloist Phillip McCann demonstrating the capabilities of his the album, the band really echo cornet (just listen to the tonguing!) followed by the Posthorn Gallop letting its hair down in the (ditto) with a few animal impressions from the band, Järnefeld’s attractive can-can from Off enbach’s Preludium, Gordon Langford’s beautiful Sonata, Serenade and Scherzo for Orpheus in the Underworld. This is vintage Black Dyke, superbly captured trombone with Norman Law as soloist, Weston Nicholl’s arrangement of by Chandos’s award-winning recording engineer, Ralph Couzens (now the the fi nale from Dvorak’s New World Symphony, the quick march, Midwest label’s Managing Director), and those who want to hear this famous band (taken at a spanking pace), Toselli’s Serenata with John Clough as the during one of its ‘golden’ periods, with outstanding soloists of not so very eff ortless euphonium soloist, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Dance of the Tumblers (an long ago, should waste no time in investigating this release. object-lesson in tight ensemble playing), the elegiac second movement of Rodney Newton

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 27

BB 26-27.indd 27 24-02-2009 17:25:49 CHANDOS BRASS Chandos – serious about brass bands Hear well-loved melodies alongside contemporary repertoire performed by some of the UK’s finest Brass ensembles

CHAN 4516 CHAN 4509 CHAN 4510 CHAN 4525 150 Years of Black Dyke Complete Champions Champions of Brass Showcase for Brass Black Dyke Mills Band Black Dyke Mills Band Black Dyke Mills Band Besses O’ Th’ Barn Band ‘…their Famous British Marches ‘…music-making of the highest ‘…this is sheer magic.’ ‘This is a cracking disc and Medley tingles the spine with order.’ Classical Collection worthy of any brass collection.’ patriotism…’ Essex Chronicle Welsh Evening Star Modern Dance

CHAN 4533 CHAN 4504 CHAN 4542 CHAN 4550 Spectrum of Brass Blitz French Bonbons White Christmas Black Dyke Mills Band Black Dyke Mills Band Grimethorpe Colliery Band Grimethorpe Colliery Band ‘…the very best of Gordon ‘colourful and brilliant effects… ‘…delightful performances… ‘Only the stoniest hear would Langford’ highly explosive and dynamic…’ you would be hard pressed to do fail to be captivated by the Brass Review Gramophone better in the brass-band idiom’ musicianship, the warmth of Fanfare tone, the technical excellence and sheer verve of it all.’ Yorkshire Post

CHAN 4552 CHAN 4543 The Melody Shop Bone Idyll Grimethorpe Colliery Band The Williams Fairey Band ‘The music-making and recording ‘The sound of the band is are top drawer.’ wonderful and the feeling for the Classic FM Magazine music is all first class.’ Brass Review

All titles on the Brass label are available as either a CD or as an mp3 download; compatible with all mp3 players – and at 320kbs! Also shop for Doyen and SP and S recordings – available as mp3s from www.theclassicalshop.net

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 28

BB 28-29.indd 28 24-02-2009 17:36:47 CRITICS CORNER Highlights from the 2008 Brass in Concert Championship

Brighouse and Rastrick (Alan Morrison), Sabbath, with a little bit of magic Stavanger (Allan Withington), Hepworth to complete what turned out to be (Cookson Homes) (Sandy Smith), Foden’s a rather spooky, but nevertheless (Garry Cutt), Fairey (Philip Chalk), enjoyable experience. Whitburn (Steven Mead), Grimethorpe Chick Corea’s Spain was Whitburn’s Colliery (Michael Garasi), Leyland (Jason spectacular opener, with conductor Katsikaris), YBS (Morgan Griffi ths), Cory Steven Mead complete with euphonium and resplendent in his (Robert Childs), Reg Vardy (Allan Ramsay), tartan ‘troos’. The Scottish Champion Desford Colliery (Nigel Seaman), Rochdale remained in an adventurous mood in Borough Youth (Eric Landon) Freddie Mercury’s Innuendo, which won the prize for the best new composition World of Brass WOB 135 DVD or arrangement for Peter Meechan. Gavin Greenway’s Music for Epcot found Available from World of Brass, Midland Brighouse and Rastrick back in fabulous CD, 4barsrest form and The Thin Red Line kept the band’s great tradition of march playing to One of any year’s highlights for the avid brass the fore before chaos broke out in Twinkle, band recordings collector is the now customary Twinkle, Little Star. DVD of the Brass in Concert Championships The perennial favourite at Brass in from The Sage Gateshead, but as anyone who Concert, Grimethorpe Colliery, is featured has purchased this set in the past will know, in Fanfare for Rocky and The Prayer, and there is always much more to it than a mere Alan Catherall’s wonderful arrangement of collector’s item. With three discs covering the MacArthur Park, which has virtually become entire weekend’s activities, there is more than the band’s calling card in recent years, ends Disc enough here to keep even the mildest of brass Champion follows with, appropriately enough, Two. band afi cionados entertained for over three The Champions. Disc One closes with the hours, and some of it is rather good! band’s remarkable tuba soloist, Les Neish, who Simon Dobson’s The Dreaded Groove and Following Frank Renton’s introduction, Disc is featured in Andy Scott’s Salt of the Earth, a Hook gets Disc Three off to a scintillating start One opens with Leigh Baker’s arrangement performance that must have been close to and Leyland Band solo cornet, Nick Walkley of Libertango, which Brighouse and Rastrick winning the best soloist award, although it oozes quality in Irving Berlin’s It’s a Lovely Day played in the Saturday evening World of Brass may have benefi ted from the outer movements Tomorrow, while YBS Band’s contribution of A in Concert. Faure’s Agnus Dei follows and B&R being included (for reasons of time in the Time for Peace and the Finale from Symphony attempts (not entirely successfully) to get into contest, they obviously couldn’t). No. 5 by Shostakovich fi nds the band on swing mode in I’ve Got You Under My Skin, but The traditional Flamenco fi nds the ladies of characteristic form. These, however, are mere the real highlights on Disc One are provided by Stavanger Band in good voice as they fall under preludes for Cory’s winning performance of Allan Withington and Stavanger Brass, with their Allan Withington’s hypnotic spell on their way Enter the Galaxies, The Waltonian, Sing, Sing, set, Edvard meets Edward, a tribute to Grieg and to second place in the contest, and the band’s Sing (in which the percussion section simply Elgar, which verges upon surrealism in places, African theme continues in Jabulani, featuring mesmerises the audience), Dan Price’s Sunrise but also features the wonderful trombone virtuoso bass trombonist, Ingvild Rosenburg. Over Blue Ridge, David Childs’ party-piece, The playing of Neil Gallie in What a Wonderful World. Robin Dewhurst’s Refl ection sees principal Hot Canary and An American Tale, all of which Other favourites such as Nimrod from Enigma cornet, Eva Bortne, in tasteful form and the leave the viewer in no doubt that the Welsh Variations and Morning from Peer Gynt feature, band lets its hair down in some style in La giant is the most versatile band around at the and the concert highlights close with Prelude Cumparsita, but one of the technical highlights moment. from the Holberg Suite by Norway’s greatest of the weekend comes in Gordon Goodwin’s composer, played by one of the country’s fi nest Hunting Wabbits, with the ubiquitous Neil Gallie Reg Vardy and Desford drew the short straw bands. once again outstanding in the central jazz riff . by following the ‘Lord Mayor’s Show’, but both Mambo to Go closes the contribution from this make signifi cant contributions nevertheless, Sunday morning’s contest gets underway very appealing band, and it’s little wonder that while the appearance by Rochdale Borough in energetic style, with Hepworth (Cookson this performance achieved the highest-ever Youth under Eric Landon must have been Homes) and Sandy Smith, with the conductor’s placing for an overseas band at Brass in Concert. thrilling for the young players and their arrangement of Fireball XL-5 Zero G, which is If ever a programme caught the imagination supporters. followed by a bit of trombone fun in Leroy of an audience, it was that of Fairey and Philip Anderson’s Waltzing Cat, while Hepworth closes Chalk, with a set that began with Michael Overall, this is another welcome addition to the its high-octane set with Danza Orgiastica by Jackson’s Thriller. A Closer Walk With Thee growing list of visual recordings from World of Respighi. features the timeless talents of Brian Taylor, Brass. Great playing from great bands in a great Foden’s Band’s contrasting programme is and Spike Jones v William Tell is four minutes of venue, all held together by the master of MCs featured next, opening with a quintet playing complete mayhem. Fairey’s groundbreaking himself, Frank Renton. Not to be missed! Eyes of a Child, which the British Open programme closed with Berlioz’s Witches’ Kenneth Crookston

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 29

BB 28-29.indd 29 24-02-2009 17:36:49 WIRELESS BRASS PROFESSIONAL NETWORK Dr. ROY NEWSOME. PhD, B.Mus, FRCO, ARCM. KEVIN WADSWORTH. Musical Director, Conductor, We take every possible precaution to ensure the accuracy of 17 Belmont Drive, Seddons Farm, Bury, Adjudicator, ABBA. Wheatfield Cottage, Smithy Place, the details given below. However, we cannot be responsible for Manchester BL8 2HU. Tel. 0161-764 2009. Brockholes, Holmfirth. HD9 7AH. Tel. 01484 666805 (home); changes to stated times or running order. 07836 511357 (mobile). GRAHAM O’CONNOR. Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Trainer. E-mail: [email protected] 1 Ralston Croft, Halfway, Friday, 6 March, 2130-2200. BBC Radio 2 Sheffield S20 4TU Tel: 01142 280195 ROGER B. WEBSTER. 92 Bence Lane, Darton, Barnsley, Mobile: 07903 310951E-Mail: [email protected] South Yorkshire. S75 5DA. Tel/Fax 01226 388806. Listen to the Band. Frank Renton presents listeners’ requests and his Mobile 07973 157907 Email. [email protected]. review of the new CD releases. MAJOR PETER PARKES. ‘Kamet’, Holme Lane, Rockley, Listen to the Band is also available all week via Radio 2’s website www. Retford DN22 0QY. Tel: 01777 839 144 Mobile: 0781 800 6965 MELVIN WHITE. GLCM, LTCL, ARCM, Conductor and bbc.co.uk/radio2. Click on the playback section to hear the show, on Adjudicator. 25 Sinclair Way, Darenth, Nr Dartford, Kent DA2 LEIGH ANTHONY PHILLIPS. BA Mus. Composer, Arranger. demand, for a week following transmission. 7JS. Tel. (01322) 293230 (home). 07802 796630 (mobile). Arrangements made by request, especially film music. Sherwood Music, Flat 1, Bolgoed Rd, Pontardulais, Swansea, ROB WIFFIN. OBE, BA, FTCL, LRAM, ARCM, conductor, Monday, 2 March, Tuesday, 3 March, Friday 6 March, 1400-1700. West Glamorgan, SA4 8JE Tel: 07929 528226, composer, arranger, adjudicator. 5 Cotterell Close, Bracknell, RG42 2HL Tel: 01344 301946. E-mail: [email protected] BBC Radio 3, Afternoon Performance. Highlights of the RNCM E-mail: [email protected] Festival of Brass, featuring Black Dyke and Foden’s bands. DENNIS WILBY. Conductor and Adjudicator. “Marden” 83 RICHARD PHILLIPS. Dip RCM, ARCM. Conductor, Lion House Park, Mill Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2SE. Thursday, 5 March, 1400-1700. BBC Radio 3, Afternoon Adjudicator, Composer, Arranger. 161 Butland Road Tel/Fax. (01323) 449083. Performance. Highlights of the RNCM Festival of Brass, featuring Black Oakley Vale, Corby, Northants, NN18 8FN (Mobile) 07762 889520. Tel:Tel: 01536 741447 Mob: (07905) 383645. E-mail: [email protected] Dyke Band. E-mail: [email protected] DR. KEITH M. WILKINSON. 4120 Meadow Knoll Road, World of Brass Radio. John Maines introduces a weekly one-hour STEVE PRITCHARD-JONES. FTCL LTCL DipMusEd G.Mus Delaware, OH 43015, USA. LDBBA QTS. Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher Tel. 00 1 740 362 4588. Fax. 00 1 740 362 4770. programme of the best of international banding. Commencing on 12 Greenacre Road, Copthorne, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, E-mail: [email protected] Fridays, the rolling programme of the most recent four shows can be SY3 8LR. Tel: 01743 270489 07834 855064 Email: JOHN WINTERFLOOD. ARCM, LGSM, Conductor and [email protected] accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year on Adjudicator. 103 Drove Road, Swindon, Wilts. SN1 3AE Tel. www.worldofbrass.com (then click on the WOB Radio link) or www. Web: www.stevepritchardjones.com (01793) 421511. worldofbrass.com/wobradio DAVID READ. FLCM, FTCL, LRAM. Conductor and Adjudicator. CHRISTOPHER WORMALD. Conductor, Adjudicator, 19 Arundel Road, Hartford, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE29 1YW. Arranger, Horn Soloist, ‘Steinbach’ 42 Sandileigh Drive, This week’s programme includes: Foden’s (Elgar Howarth): Slaidburn Tel. (01480) 451252. Sandfield Park, Bolton BL1 8UF. Tel/Fax. (01204) 307555. (Mobile) 07545 310449. (Rimmer); Grimethorpe (Richard Evans): Il Seraglio (Mozart); Eminence JOHN ROBERTS. conductor, adjudicator E-mail: [email protected] Brass: Fancy’s Knell (Vinter); Cory (Robert Childs): The Rose (McBroom - (member of ABBA) 17 Belfry Court, Outwood, Wakefield WF1 3TY Tel 01924 871413 mobile 0773 672 1939 soloist: Michelle Ibbotson), Only Love (Cosma - soloist: Joanne Childs); ORGANISATIONS Black Dyke (Nicholas Childs): Concertino for Brass Band, Wild West email [email protected] (Morricone arr. Smith); Household Troops Band of The Salvation Army ROY ROE. Conductor, Adjudicator, Rienzi, BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN BANDS (John Mott): For Our Transgressions (Calvert); Black Dyke (Geoffrey 72 Thorne Grove, Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 0HE. Secretary: Mike Priscott, Brand): Triumphant Rhapsody (Vinter); Enfield Citadel Band of The Tel. (01132) 822776 (home). 370 Bloomfield Rod. Bath BA2 2PD 01225 832041 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Salvation Army (Richard Phillips): Shine Down (Blyth). PHIL RUSTON. THE ASSOCIATION OF BRASS BAND ADJUDICATORS. Local Radio for next week Brass Band CDs Secretary: C. Brian Buckley, www.cosbrass.co.uk 81 Galbalfa Road, Sketty, Swansea. SA2 8ND. Sunday, 1 March, 1905-2000. Sounds of Brass. FM frequencies: E-mail: info@the colourofspring.co.uk Tel: 01792 205896 Website: www.abbadjudicators.org.uk Bristol 94.9, Cornwall 95.2, Devon 103.4, Gloucestershire 104.7, Guernsey 93.2, Jersey 88.8, Swindon 103.6, Wiltshire 104.3. JAMES SCOTT. BA. I Riverbank Road, Lower Heswall, Wirral, THE BRITISH FEDERATION OF BRASS BANDS. CH60 4SQ. Tel. 0151-342 5190. National Office, Unit 12, Maple Estate, Stocks Lane, Barnsley, Available on the World Wide Web at 1905 British time or at any time for South Yorkshire. S75 2BL. Tel. (01226) 771015. seven days after the broadcast. To hear the programme, access www. NIGEL G. SEAMAN. ARMCM, ARNCM, Conductor, Teacher Fax: (01226) 771482. Website: www.bfbb.co.uk bbc.co.uk/devon and click onto Listen Live or Listen Again. and Adjudicator. 3 Garth View, Bedwas, Caerphilly, CF83 8EW. Tel. (02920) 851198 or Mobile. (07779) 329446. CHARLES CROSS MUSIC SCHOOL. Correspondence courses in arranging for brass band and BA (Hons) degree foundation Phillip Hunt presents a programme of brass band recordings and ROY SPARKES. MISM, TECH(CEI) MIE, Conductor, course. Advanced tuition in all brass instruments. Telephone news. This week’s edition includes: Hammonds Sauce Works (Geoffrey Adjudicator, NABBC and ABBA member. Tony Evans on (01752) 263069 or 07966 370962. 76 Lear Drive, Wistaston, Crewe, Cheshire, CW28DS. Whitham): The North Star (Rimmer), Swiss Festival Overture (Ball), EUROPEAN BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION. Tel. 01270-569290. Mobile. 07788 166777. Ulf E Rosenberg, President EBBA Virtuosity (Baker - soloist: Kenny Baker); Yorkshire Building Society E-mail: [email protected] (David King): Chablis from The Noble Grape (Richards); Lord of the Mobile 47/92 86 63 00, Tel. O 47/51 50 18 26 Øvre Strandgate 75 Fax O 47/51 89 30 05 Dance (soloist: Giles Rimmer), Stolen Kiss (soloist: Ian Porthouse), Suil DENZIL STEPHENS/SARNIA. 12 The Meadows, St. Dennis, N-4005 Stavanger, Norway a Ruin, (soloists: Sheona White (horn) and Tree O’Hagan (bouzouki)), Cornwall. PL26 8DR. Tel/Fax. (01726) 821148. E-mail: denzil. e-mail [email protected] [email protected]. Internet:www.ebba.eu.com Breakout (soloist: Iwan Williams) - all from Cry of the Celts (Hardimann/ Website: www.sarnia-music.com Dudley arr. Graham), Rhapsodic Variations – My Strength My Tower NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRASS BAND CONDUCTORS. (Goffin); YBS (David King): The Flight of the Wild Geese (Dewhurst). RAYMOND TENNANT. DRSAM, Dip.NCOS. Conductor and Secretary: Ted Howard, 30 Havant Road, Horndean, Hampshire. Ajudicator. 1 Newark Drive, Paisley. PA2 8NU. Tel. (0141) 589 PO8 0DT. Tel. 023 9259 8162. E-mail: [email protected]. Requests and comments are welcome at e-mail: brassmanpgh@ 6466 or 07860 102708 (mobile). uwclub.net NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND of GREAT BRITAIN. STEPHEN TIGHE. ARCM, MLIA (dip), FPC, LDBBA, Conductor, Philip Biggs, Administrator, 2 The Coppice, Impington, Band Trainer, Adjudicator. 10b Main Street, Clopton, Monday, 2 March, 2100-2200. Manx Radio Cambridge, CB4 4PP. Tel/Fax (01223) 234090. Kettering, Northants, NN14 3DO E-mail: [email protected] Time for Brass. Frequencies 97.2, 89 and 103.7 FM and 1368 AM Tel: 01832 720505 or 07970 458079 (mobile). Website: www.bandstand.demon.co.uk and worldwide on www.manxradio.com E-mail: [email protected] Click on Listen FM or Listen AM for the programme at the time of SOUTHERN COUNTIES AMATEUR BANDS ASSOCIATION. BARRY THOMPSON. Conductor, Adjudicator, ABBA member Secretary and Contest Manager: Ian Carter, 10 Church Road, broadcast or on Listen Again for a week following transmission. 15 Hall Park Avenue, Crofton, Wakefield, West Drayton, Middx. UB7 7PT. Tel: (01895) 420007 E-mail: Ian Cottier presents a programme of brass band music and comment. West Yorks., WF4 1LT. Tel. (01924) 863523 or 07773 950964 [email protected]

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BB 30-31.indd 46 24-02-2009 17:36:11 CLASSIFIED Diary Dates Adverts BandsBRITISH man the leading international brass magazine CDs A list of forthcoming events that have been advertised in British Bandsman. The leading international brass band magazine Incorporating Brass Band News, British Mouthpiece and International MARCH Bandsman Managing Director 1 - Blackpool. North West Regional Championships, all sections, Winter Gardens. MIDLAND CD We hold one of the world’s largest selections of brass & Trevor Caffull 7 - 8 - Bradford. Yorkshire Brass Band Championships, 3rd and 1st sections (Saturday), 4th, 2nd and military band CDs including most BB-reviewed CDs. Finance Director Championship sections (Sunday), St. George’s Hall. Order on-line at www.ukcd.net Gordon Camsey 14 - 15 - Bedworth. Midlands Regional Championships, 3rd and 1st sections (Saturday), 4th, 2nd and E-mail: [email protected] Editor Championship sections (Sunday), Nicholas Chamberlain Technology College and Civic Hall. 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Betteshanger Brass Band requires a new Musical Director Hazel Foster to guide and nurture the band into the future. We are a light- Telephone: 01933 445442 hearted, friendly, family-orientated 3rd Section band of mixed JUNE Subscriptions and Trade Orders abilities, based in Deal, Kent. If you are interested in applying for 20 - Milton Keynes. NABBC Young Conductors’ Competition, Chrysalis Theatre. Andrew Hall the exciting position of Musical Director please contact: Telephone: 01933 445442 29 – 3 July - Holland. Allan Withington’s Conducting School, email [email protected] for more details. Steve Griffiths, Band Secretary, on 07989 439903 or Typesetting and Artwork [email protected], or see www.betteshanger.org GK Graphic Design VOF AUGUST 22 - Slough. Recital No. 35 with Charley Brighton (euphonium) and Malcolm Stowell (piano), Toddington Town Band Cover price: £1.25 12.00pm, St. Mary’s Church. www.toddingtontownband.org.uk SUBSCRIPTION RATES 12 months 6 months Friendly, sociable band approaching high-profile UK £56.00 £30.00 SEPTEMBER centenary seeks principal cornet and front-row Europe £75.00 £45.00 cornets. No competitions but varied engagements. Rest of the World £115.00 £60.00 12 – Birmingham. The 157th British Open Brass Band Championship, Symphony Hall. Rehearsals on Tuesdays in Bedfordshire (LU5). (52 issues per year) Contact Bandmaster, Ian Smith, on 01525 876839 or DIRECT DEBIT (only for subscribers living in the UK) [email protected] One month: £4.85 (saving nearly 10% on the cover price) 12 months: £52.00 (saving CONCERTS 20% on the price of a weekly copy from newsagents). Contact us for a direct debit form. INSTRUMENTS E-Bandsman - Only available to overseas readers - online edition direct to your desktop. Pokesdown Salvation Army presents Rhyl Festival of Brass Bass and Bb/F trombones for sale, several including £52 per year or £30 for 6 months. You can subscribe to E-Bandsman with a credit or Portsmouth Citadel Band in concert Sunday 28 June 2009 Bach, King, Sovereign and Yamaha. debit card, or pay by a sterling cheque/bankdraft. Entertainment-style contest Saturday 18 April at 7.15pm Tel: 07974 412269 log onto www.britishbandsman.com Four sections: Championships/1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th At All Saints Church, Castlemain Avenue, Southbourne, Adjudicator: David Horsfield Bournemouth, BH6 5EQ. Admission £5.00 on the door A selection of good second-hand band and Please make cheques payable to British Bandsman. Contact Sue Bohanna on 07950 412396 or mail to: For advance tickets send SAE and cheque Subscriptions, accounts and [email protected] orchestral brass instruments available. general enquiries (Payable to The Salvation Army) to N.J. 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BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 4731

BB 30-31.indd 47 24-02-2009 17:36:13 Highlights from the 2008 Brass in Concert Championship and World of Brass in Concert

The Brass in Concert Championship, with the World of Brass in Concert held on the previous day, is one of the major events of the brass banding calendar. Now truly comfortable in its magnificent home venue, The Sage Gateshead, the event continues to tempt and seduce with so much on offer to whet the appetite.

This set of DVDs can only bring a flavour of two complete days of brass banding but, in selecting the material, we hope that we have brought a menu that satisfies all tastes.

Disc 1 starts with excerpts from the World of Brass in Concert featuring the 2007 champions Brighouse and Rastrick Band and the creativity and energy brought by Stavanger Brass Band. Following that, in order of play, are excerpts from the programmes of every band including the complete winning performance from Cory Band, all the other prize winners and finally rounding off with the winners of the 2008 Action Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championships, Rochdale Borough Youth Band.

Presented by Frank Renton who guides us, in his own inimitable way, effortlessly through this collection of highlights, this triple DVD allows you to join the sell-out crowd to enjoy the thrilling line-up of bands bringing their own unique style of entertainment.

DVD 26054 £24.95 (Triple DVD)

DVD 26014 £19.95 (Double DVD) DVD 26022 £24.95 (Triple DVD)

DVD 26043 £24.95 WORLD OF BRASS (Triple DVD) THE HOME OF BRASS SOUND www.worldofbrass.com www.worldofbrasstunes.com Telephone order line: +44 (0)1933 445 445

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

BB 32.indd 32 24-02-2009 17:25:23