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Issue no. 5599 – 6 February 2010

QUALITY THE KEYNOTE AT RNCM FESTIVAL

Price £1.25

BB 1.indd 1 02-02-2010 17:17:46 COMPANY NEWS Brand your band with FREE service from Kroake! by John Ward

How can brass bands remain relevant to the 21st century? This is a discussion that could be debated long into the night and a subject that could fill many editions of this magazine with opinions and ideas. There can be little doubt, though, that in the fast-moving and highly visual society we all live in, branding and image is of huge importance to any organisation, not only for its success but, in many cases, actual survival. The challenge is there for all brass bands to consider its ‘look’ and how it meets the needs of our younger generation and our potential audiences. One company that can help bands meet this challenge head-on is Kroake. This Newmarket-based company specialises as a merchandise brander and is run by Desford Colliery baritone player, Lloyd Shipp, and his business partner, Andrew Boreham.

Perhaps your band is looking for a set of tour tee-shirts, or maybe a more informal look for a particular concert? Maybe you want some branded gifts with your band’s image on, such as a USB stick or a mouse mat? Kroake can impress your image on virtually anything with the use of screen printing and thermal transfers. Kroake also boasts a free service to all bands and organisations, through its new e-commerce initiative. This new service means that Kroake will manufacture products to order for your group, and it will pay a renumeration back to the band, upon sale; the renumeration being the difference between the trade price, agreed beforehand, and the retail price set by the band for a specific product. This means that bands do not have to take up valuable storage space and tie up that all-important capital in slow-moving merchandise. As well as its range of tee-shirts, fleeces and other casual ‘banding wear’, Kroake offers a full uniform and embroidery service. To find out more about the free e-commerce offer, or to enquire about the Kroake range, tel: 01638 661991 or see www.kroake.co.uk

Young Brass Soloist 2010 Final

Featuring The Black Dyke Band conducted by Nicholas Childs Presenter Frank Renton

Saturday 20th February, 7.30pm The Royal Northern College of Music,

FREE TICKETS available from the box office 0161 907 5555 No more than 4 per person. Standard geographic charges apply and calls may be included in your telecom provider’s call package. Calls from mobiles may be higher.

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BB 2-3.indd 2 02-02-2010 17:39:57 NEWS

Blackpool ready for flagship youth entertainment contest

The Action Medical Research Youth Stan Lippeatt and the competing bands are: Walczak commented: “Obviously the organising Entertainment Championship will take Elland Silver Youth (Samantha Harrison), committee is disappointed that we don’t have place next Sunday (14th) in the Ballroom at Enderby Youth Band (Trevor Hounsome), a full entry this year. However, I can reassure Blackpool’s Winter Gardens (commencing Houghton Area Youth (Brian Adams), Poynton both audience and bands there will not be 10.30am), where nine bands will compete Youth (Andy Hirst), Rochdale Borough Youth any compromises. The bands, as in past years, for the top prize and an invitation to perform (Eric Landon), Sellers International Youth (Alex are fully prepared and the audience can look during the Brass in Concert Festival at The Sage Kerwin), Stockport Schools (Phil Pavey), Wardle forward to hours of first-class entertainment. Gateshead in November. High School (Lee Rigg) and Youth Brass 2000 We are also very grateful to Blackpool Council, Alan Morrison will judge the music, the (Chris Jeans). which has continued to support the event in entertainment points will be determined by Speaking to BB on behalf of the organisers, Gary these difficult financial times.”

Nap hand for Barry at Butlins Bideford date change The Butlins Mineworkers’ National Festival has announced that Darrol Barry, who currently We have been informed that the annual works as Composer-in-Residence of the Royal Bideford Town Solo and Quartet Contest, which Guard of Oman, will provide the test-pieces for normally takes place in June, will be held on 16 all five sections of next year’s event. October 2010. Further details can be obtained His Requiems, has been chosen for the from Jane Pascoe or Cyril on 01237 476649 or Championship Section, while the Lower Section Email: [email protected] tests will be Granite Variations (1st), Rise of the Phoenix (2nd), Hungerford Town (3rd) and Contrasts (4th). Further details will be released in due course. Brontë in Bristol Bristol’s Colston Hall will host a spectacular concert on Saturday 6 March, when Flowers Band will join a chorus of 120 voices from City Encouraging youth event in Gwent of Bristol Choir and Exultate Singers to give what has been described as a ‘unique concert The 39th Annual Greater Gwent Youth Brass Awards of Merit for Gwent Bands of flamboyant, show-stopping music for choir Band Festival took place last Saturday (30 1. Abergavenny Borough Youth (G. Ritter) and brass.’ January) at Coleg Gwent, Cross Keys Campus, 2. Rogerstone Junior (D. Blakemore) where a very good line-up of 16 bands took part. Section 2 Organised by the Gwent Music Support Service, 1. Caerleon Comprehensive School (D. Griffiths) the Festival reflects the support given by the 2. Cwmtawe District Youth (W. Pedrick) four unitary authorities of Blaenau Gwent, 3. Pembrokeshire Youth (G. Showell) Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen to youth Highest placed Gwent band outside the prize bands in the area and, such is its success, now list: Blaenavon Town Junior (E. Smith) attracts bands from all over Wales, Forest of Youngest player: Kieran Knight (Blaenavon Dean and Gloucestershire. Town Junior) The Festival was compèred by David Hayward, Best soloist: Osian Davies ( - North who was assisted throughout the day by Powys Youth Band) Andrew Jones. Speaking to BB on behalf of Gwent Music Support Service, Alun F. Williams Section 3 commented: “The adjudicators were Nigel 1. Cwmtawe Training (R. Morris) Seaman (Section 2) and Richard Evans (sections 2. Newport Borough Training (K. James) 3 and 1), both of whom were very impressed Youngest player: Megan Pollock (Newport Philip Wilby’s Brontë Mass is at the heart of the with both the presentation and high standard Borough Training) programme, a piece commissioned by Leeds of playing of the bands throughout the day. A Best soloist: Ffion Morris ( - Cwmtawe Philharmonic Chorus in 2007, the same year big thank you also goes to the stage managers Training Band) that Professor Wilby moved to Bristol with his of Ev-entz and many volunteer back stage The Con Buckley Memorial Trophy is presented wife, Bristol Cathedral precentor, Wendy Wilby. helpers who make this event run so smoothly.” annually to a ‘conductor who has been active David Ogden, conductor of City of Bristol Choir, The results were: in enthusing young players and in forging links explained: “I’ve worked with Philip Wilby for with the local community.’ The trophy, which several years and we’re very excited about this Section 1 was donated by Brian Buckley and his family in opportunity to give the world première of the 1. Flowers Youth (T. Davoren) 1999, was this year presented to Gareth Ritter orchestration for brass and organ of his Brontë 2. Lydbrook Youth (R. Morgan MBE) of Abergavenny Borough Youth Band. Mass. We are hoping to bring brass band music 3. Usk Youth (J. Jones) Next year’s Festival will be held on Saturday 29 to a new audience through the collaboration Youngest player: Daniel Richards (Abergavenny January. with the choirs as well as to people who already Borough Youth) love it.” Best soloist: Ben Stratford (baritone - Lydbrook The second half of the concert will feature Youth) Any news? Let us know! music from the movies and the modern brass Ev-entz Percussion Section Award: Lydbrook Youth [email protected] band repertoire.

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BB 4-5.indd 4 02-02-2010 17:16:50 NEWS BFBB selects EYBB members

The British federation of Brass Bands (BFBB) has announced the four talented young musicians who will embark on a journey of a lifetime when they join other young players from all over Europe, representing England in this year’s European Youth Brass Band (EYBB) in Linz, Austria. They are: Hannah Drage (), who is a member of Northamptonshire Youth Band and started playing at the age of ten. For the last four years, she has been a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB). Also a member of Northamptonshire Youth Band and the NYBBGB, Jonti Smith (baritone) reached Grade 8 at the age of 15, having started playing age eight. He is principal of the NYBBGB and, in 2009, won Best Musician in the Chipping Norton Music Festival. Joining Hannah and Jonti will be two members of Camborne Youth Band - Rebecca Spinks and Ben King. Rebbeca (cornet) has won three Junior, two Community prizes and the Premier title at the National Youth Championships, while Ben (baritone) has also won many honours with Camborne Youth. He was a member of the NYBBGB for two years and now plays with Camborne Town Band. This year’s Musical Director will be Wolfgang Homar, the Director of the Music School of Kirchdorf, and the band has a number of concerts planned as well as taking part in the Opening Ceremony and the Farewell Concert. Kingdom Brass to sponsor percussion competition

Kingdom Brass has announced that it will sponsor this weekend’s inaugural Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) Youth Percussion Finals, offering the three youth prize-winners a private lesson with percussion star, Simone Rebello. Simone will be travelling to Scotland over the weekend of 13-15 August to work closely with the young percussion players of the recently launched Kingdom Brass Percussion Academy, the brass players of the Kingdom Brass Youth Band and other local young percussionists. She will also appear as guest soloist in concert with Kingdom Brass on the evening of Saturday 14 August. The Chairman of Kingdom Brass Youth Band, Lee Bathgate, spoke of the decision to sponsor the competition: “This year has seen us launch our Percussion Academy to complement our youth band, and with Simone coming up later in the year it made perfect sense for us to offer some of her time to tutor the best young percussionists in Scotland. We’re very happy to support SBBA with the new percussion competition by sponsoring the youth prizes.” He continued: “We’re running three percussion workshops this year, one with Simone and two with our head percussion tutor, Lynsey Paterson, and they’ll be open to all young percussionists in our area. On top of that, we’re going to be running five brass workshops and a residential course, so it’s a busy but very exciting time for our young players.” The next brass workshop for Kingdom Brass Youth will be on Saturday 6 March, when Belgian cornet star, Raf Van Looveren, flies over to work with the youth band. Raf, who will play principal cornet with Kingdom Brass in English Heritage at the Scottish Championships the following weekend, will also be the band’s featured soloist at its Night of Brass that same evening, when local bands will join Kingdom Brass in performances of all five regional test- pieces.

Young Brass Musician finalists announcement imminent

The six competitors in Stage Two of the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Musician Competition were in Manchester last weekend to record their contentions for this year’s title, backed by Foden’s Band. The recordings have been sent to the judges, Philip Cobb and Richard Evans, and the announcement of the finalists, who will perform with Black Dyke Band at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music on 20 February, is expected in the next week. Those taking part were (from left): Victoria Reynolds (), Jonathon Bates (tenor horn), Matthew White (euphonium), Zoe Hancock (flugel), Patrick Kenny (trombone) and Benjamin Richeton (cornet).

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BB 4-5.indd 5 02-02-2010 17:16:56 2010 RNCM FESTIVAL OF BRASS A FESTIVAL TO SAVOUR Kenneth Crookston, Dr. Peter Meechan and Tim Mutum report from the recent RNCM Festival of Brass in Manchester. Pictures (including front cover) by Ian Clowes.

Any event that can boast a line-up of performers and repertoire as illustrious as that presented over the weekend of 22-24 January at the 2010 Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) Festival of Brass, deserves to be in the banding spotlight, and even with the Butlins Mineworkers’ Festival running simultaneously, it is to the credit of the organisers and performers that such an outstanding showcase of the best of British brass banding can still be presented annually in such a prestigious venue. With an absolutely jam-packed schedule featuring seven major band performances, permeated by solo and ensemble recitals, concourse concerts and, for the first time this year, a keynote presentation, there was barely time for anyone wishing to take in the whole Festival of Brass experience to draw breath, but many did and everyone in attendance would easily have Mark Harrison performs Simon Dobson’s Fanfare for Philip Jones found plenty to satisfy the appetite. Following a brief introductory performance Price on marimba, and a final movement fanfare, written by Simon Dobson and played from Scherzo Brass and the first of the notable for its clever use of multiphonics, but by RNCM student, Mark Harrison, Leyland weekend’s fanfares for Philip Jones, by Adam also riddled with an air of mystery. Although Band’s Saturday morning concert was to be a Gorb, Friday evening’s concert was given slightly swamped by the heavy scoring in hugely enjoyable experience - a performance by the current British and English National places, the soloist was on truly wonderful form notable for the last appearance of Jason Champion, Black Dyke Band, under Professor and richly deserved the warm ovation given by Katsikaris before his return to Australia, but Nicholas Childs, getting the main action off to the near-packed house. Similarly well received a vibrant opening with Thomas Doss’s Fanfare was Brett Baker, who performed Erik Leidzen’s in Jubilo. Sandy Smith’s arrangement of James Concertino for Band and Trombone, which MacMillan’s eclectic, imaginative and energetic benefited from an informative introduction Stomp and Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s Within Blue from Dr. Ron Holz, with the soloist going on Empires were given characteristic readings by to give his own take on one of the traditional the band, but perhaps the most interesting cornerstones of the repertoire. Black Dyke features of the Black Dyke programme were the closed with a reprise of its winning performance contrasting musical journeys in the two solos. from the Royal Albert Hall in October of Peter David Thornton was the outstanding soloist in Graham’s The Torchbearer, while Nicholas Childs the world première of Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen’s then went on to introduce two movements Euphonium Concerto No. 2, a relatively light- of Malcolm Arnold’s Four Cornish Dances as a hearted work with a metre inspired in part by tribute to a lifelong supporter of the band who Usain Bolt’s 9.58 second 100m sprint, a bluesy is currently suffering from a terminal illness. second movement heavily featuring Andrea After being introduced by a terrific solo

Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen in full flow

likely to be remembered for wonderful playing and some very imaginative programming. The Leyland horn section was prominent in Kenneth Hesketh’s perpetual motion adventure, Whirlegigg, which the band followed with Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen’s The Binding of the Wolf, perhaps the most vivid picture painted by the Festival’s Composer-in-Residence during the weekend. Simon Dobson gave a fascinating introduction to the world première of his Torsion, a work also featuring some tasteful, pre-recorded electronic effects, but yet another Foden’s percussionist, Liz Haygarth colourful expedition from this most imaginative

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BB 6-7-8-9a.indd 6 02-02-2010 17:22:06 2010 RNCM FESTIVAL OF BRASS

last few minutes was a lesson to all of those cornet players who think there is something to be gained from pointing their instruments away from the audience and at the floor. When done properly, the magic moment can be very special indeed. Andy Scott’s Battle of Barossa set out to recreate one of the most famous battles of the Napoleonic wars and, despite the short episodes being rather disjointed, largely did so, helped along by the narrator from Northern Ireland, Ivor Stenson. Two Wilfred Heaton works opened the second half - the quirky march, Le Tricot Rouge, and his Scherzo, originally intended for inclusion in Partita and considerably less dramatic than the one that did actually make it there, although no less worthy. A characteristically energetic performance from Jason Katsikaris and Leyland Song of the Brother provided a platform for Glyn Williams to demonstrate his skills in air- of the younger composers in brass banding though, has the ability to make even the most varie playing, although, as a work, it seemed today. difficult of tasks sound as if they are elementary strangely misplaced at the RNCM Festival, but Another young composer present to enjoy exercises and that is precisely what he did here. Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen’s Chant provided a a first full performance of his Fanfares and If there was one minor criticism (and it really timely reminder that this is where the serious Lovesongs was Gavin Higgins, who originally was minor) it would be the middle band sounds stuff goes on, and it appears that Foden’s excels wrote the work for the National Children’s occasionally obscuring the soloist, but this when it does. Eric Ball’s Journey Into Freedom Band of Great Britain (for which it must was playing from another world by one of this closed the programme and it seemed that no have presented a considerable challenge), world’s great brass performers. one was in the mood for hanging around! while Simon Dobson reappeared in the final scheduled piece, Lyonesse. Philip Littlemore’s arrangement of O Magnum Mysterium provided Leyland’s encore to a fulfilling finale of the Katsikaris era at one of the most musically innovative bands around. On similarly vibrant form was the multiple

Tom Hutchinson gets the nod of approval from Bob Childs

Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen’s brilliant Circius – Wind In addition to their main performances, of the North opened the second half before two David Childs and David Thornton also gave notable works from the Cory history book in imaginatively programmed and wonderfully John McCabe’s The Maunsell Forts and Hermann delivered solo recitals during the weekend, Pallhuber’s Titan’s Progress were given. Both, while the assembled throng was also delighted of course, saw the Welsh giants win the British by the young performers of the Junior RNCM championship-winning Cory Band, under Dr. Open during the past decade and, on this Brass Ensemble under Leslie Neish and Robert Childs, during its Saturday afternoon evidence, it was easy to hear why. Abide With Me Juan Ortuno. Ron Holz’s well-attended and performance, making a first major appearance drew proceedings to a close and, on this form, informative keynote presentation focussed with its outstanding new principal cornet Cory will yet again be the band in everyone’s largely on the influence of American brass band player, Tom Hutchinson. After an apposite sights in 2010. repertoire by immigrant European Salvationists, opener in Gareth Wood’s Triumphant Brass, using numerous sound-bites to illustrate its one of the weekend’s highlights followed in Peter Meechan’s Purcell Variants opened development, and the tribute to Philip Jones in another four-movement work, Euphonium Foden’s Band’s Saturday evening performance, the shape of a recital by the Metropolitan Brass Concerto by Karl Jenkins. Although lighter in followed by a personal favourite of conductor, Ensemble and a talk by Ursula Jones and John style than most pieces with the word Concerto Garry Cutt – Elgar Howarth’s In Memoriam RK. Miller, was a suitable commemoration of the life in the title (perhaps Suite would have been just Although the work is familiar to most, one could of one of the great brass influences in recent as appropriate), the demands on the soloist never tire of hearing such beautifully crafted years. are gargantuan nevertheless. David Childs, playing, while the control displayed during the

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BB 6-7-8-9a.indd 7 02-02-2010 17:22:20 2010 RNCM FESTIVAL OF BRASS

While there was a satisfactory and far-travelled music anywhere in the banding world, and their next year’s event, commenting: “I’d like to turnout throughout the marathon weekend apparent disregard will no doubt impact on the thank all the performers, composers, sponsors (and it should be added that the clientele was countless performers across the nation deprived and the College for yet another tremendously mainly comprised of serious listeners), there of opportunities to work on, and perform, some successful Festival of Brass, at which there were continues to be disappointment among many wonderful repertoire that emerged during the some truly remarkable performances. We now that the (often overlapping) fraternities of brass weekend. In summing up, Festival Director, find ourselves looking ahead to next year and, band adjudicators and test-piece selectors are Paul Hindmarsh, who delivered concise and although planning is at an embryonic stage, largely conspicuous by their absence at this insightful presentations throughout, promised we hope to be able to outdo this year’s efforts, event. There is no better showcase for new to have something special up his sleeve for which could be a challenge in itself!”

Garry Cutt Paul Hindmarsh

RNCM Brass Band (Prof. Nicholas Childs) and Brass Ensemble (John Miller)

This is always a welcome performance in the works for wind band. Despite being prolific paints musical pictures of the world’s oldest Festival’s programme, giving the listener a in bands of the wind variety, however, he has working paddle steamer, which is still in chance to hear the host’s brass band, as well as only composed a single work for brass band. A operation on Lake Mjøsa in Norway. It was the different timbres of its brass ensemble. As Distant Mirror is an innovative, three-movement perhaps the lightest of his works that we heard had been the case throughout the Festival, a work, which takes inspiration from a book, A during the weekend, but was an enjoyable fanfare was sounded before the concert – this Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by piece aimed at Lower Section players. time in the concert hall, making full use of Barbara Tuchmann. It is an effective work that the balconies. Britten’s trumpet trio, Fanfare really engaged the audience (no doubt helped The RNCM Brass Ensemble, under the baton for St. Edmonsbury, is a real treasure of brass by the composer’s informative and amusing of John Miller, gave an assured performance repertoire. Each of the three sounding speech before the performance). Opening with in the second half of this concert. As an award their own, unaccompanied, fanfare, before the plainsong-inspired ideas, the work highlights for winning the John Golland Composition three are sounded together creating a terrific musical and social facets of the medieval age. Award at last year’s Festival, Duncan Ward was cacophony of sound. Why this work hasn’t been performed more, or commissioned to write a work for this year’s Malcolm Arnold’s quirky Little Suite No. 2 used in contests, is a mystery, but hopefully this Festival, and his Between you, me and Pandora’s followed, and was given a brisk and enjoyable performance will have been heard by contest bedpost was premièred at the opening of the reading by the conductor of the RNCM Brass promoters who will be inspired to use it! second half. Duncan Ward is clearly a composer Band, Prof. Nicholas Childs. The final work of the half was by the Festival’s of some maturity, who has a very clear vision Adam Gorb is the Head of Composition at featured composer, Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen. of what he wants to achieve in a work – there the RNCM and is perhaps best known for his Damsanger (which translates as Steamsongs) was clarity in his writing. It was a clever piece of music, and there is no doubt that this is a composer whose voice will be heard many more times in the future. Another of the Festival’s themes was a commemoration of Philip Jones and his legacy. His widow, Ursula, was in attendance at the concert to hear a performance of Edward Gregson’s Aria for Philip. Philip Jones was instrumental in giving the young Gregson a platform for his music (his quintet was performed on tour by the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble), and Gregson quotes the piece in this touching aria. Bruce Broughton’s Fanfares, Marches and Finale was the highlight of the concert. Scored for large brass ensemble, the music takes clear inspiration from American music through the ages – and it was a fantastic reading from John Miller and the RNCM Brass Ensemble, with the Les Neish conducts the Junior RNCM Brass Ensemble composer in attendance. Peter Meechan BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 8

BB 6-7-8-9a.indd 8 02-02-2010 17:22:34 2010 RNCM FESTIVAL OF BRASS

Brighouse and Rastrick (Howard Evans) Grimethorpe Colliery (Dr. James Gourlay)

Of all the concerts at this year’s Festival, this one leaned most towards The final concert of this year’s Festival was given by Grimethorpe Colliery composers from The Salvation Army and, especially, influence from Band under the baton of Dr. James Gourlay. The seventh major concert the USA. The enjoyment of this Sunday afternoon concert, and the in just 48 hours (not to mention the recitals, keynote speeches and meet audience’s understanding of the music, was considerably enhanced by the composer sessions!), this final event could easily be ‘overkill’ for even the thoughtful and absorbing introductions from Dr. Ronald Holz, who the most hardened brass band enthusiast, but this year was different. had travelled over from the States especially for the Festival. The reasons for this were many and varied: The return of Grimethorpe, The players rose splendidly to the challenges, but if some of the music its charismatic conductor, the programme, a pianist, the seating of the was strange territory to them, it certainly wasn’t to guest conductor, band…the list is endless. Howard Evans, who conducts Boscombe Citadel Band. His direction was a On a weekend when many of the country’s bands had been in model of conducting, never allowing the bright, big sound of this famous Lincolnshire competing at Butlins, Grimethorpe gave a performance band to go over the top. It’s a sound built on a solid bass foundation that that would be difficult for any band to give at a contest. The band is now regarded by some as the best in the business. Nowhere was this was musically off the leash, allowing for a freedom of expression from more apparent than in Erik Leidzen’s classic Sinfonietta, written at the conductor and players alike – something that the pressure of contesting rarely allows. Perhaps one of the many discussions regarding the future of brass bands could focus on this – the fact that so many bands have to compromise themselves musically to try and win contests – because it robs the listener (or put another way, the paying public) of a chance to hear bands play in the way that Grimethorpe performed at the RNCM. We desperately need to find a way to encourage this kind of playing, rather than the slightly more negative, safety-first approach we so often hear at competitions. The conductor framed the concert programme with tributes to Philip Jones, opening with Elgar Howarth’s arrangements of Music for the Elizabethan Court, and closing with Baba Yaga and The Great Gate of Kiev – both featuring outstanding bass trombone playing from Garrath Beckwith. A piano concerto with brass band accompaniment is rare, and there are some fairly obvious reasons for this, but Martin Ellerby’s Cabaret Concerto was a breath of fresh air. Superbly performed by soloist, Lloyd Buck (a student at the RNCM), this is a multi-movement work that is light in Leyland Band gives its encore on Saturday nature, but musically very sophisticated.

behest of Eric Ball for the 1955 September Belle Vue contest. The guest soloist for the concert was Zoe Hancock, who belied her young age with a performance of the William Himes Concertino for flugel horn of which any seasoned pro would have been proud. Her warm sound permeated through the concert hall, with sympathetic accompaniment that only on one or two occasions just threatened to overwhelm her. The rapturous reception of a work that fully exploits the full range of the flugel sound was richly deserved. The concert commenced with a rare performance of Emil Soderstrom’s spirited SA march, Minneapolis IV, followed by the somewhat neglected California Legend by Bruce Broughton (composed for the 1986 ‘Area’ Les Neish and James Gourlay at the launch of their new CD, Double Trouble contests), who was present for the day to hear his music. The second half opened with Leigh Baker’s On Bosworth Field, a visual extravaganza complete with ceremonial trumpets jousting each other The intriguing work, Dance Music by Roger Steptoe, wasn’t strictly from opposite corners of the hall and depicting the white and red roses speaking a new composition; it was originally composed in the mid- of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It was an entertaining start, followed by the 1970s for brass ensemble, but has been re-worked for brass band, and an UK première of a work to which Dr. Holz had referred the day before in effective reworking it is too! It was in this piece that we found the essence his keynote speech, James Curnow’s Ellacombe Chronicles. The music is of the Festival of Brass - what makes it so special – the chance to hear built on the tune, Ellacombe, and, while not being startlingly inventive forgotten gems, new repertoire and fresh musical voices from within, or compared to some of the offerings over the weekend, it was immensely from outside of, the brass band community. enjoyable and held this listener’s attention throughout. It struck me Two contributions from the Broughton family, the march, The Roll Call by as being eminently suitable for a contest – not that there appeared grandfather William, and the rather brilliant Covenant by Bruce, opened to be anyone present from our major ‘sporting occasions’ to spot the the second half, before the band gave a performance of Aagaard-Nilson’s opportunity! Riffs and Interludes. Why this hasn’t been used more in this country is a Having thoroughly enjoyed an arrangement of James Macmillan’s mystery to this reviewer, as it is a truly magnificent work. Although the music on the Friday evening, I was not disappointed with the second electronic effects were not convincingly delivered by the engineer in offering, this time The Gallant Weaver, arranged by Festival director, Paul this performance, James Gourlay, who commissioned the piece, gave Hindmarsh. It was a reflective interlude between the Curnow and the an exciting, edge-of-the-seat, reading – and this was enthralling music finale, Ray Steadman-Allen’s three-movement Lord of the Sea. making. Wisely, conductor Evans felt that an afternoon of such diversity and The band gave a characteristic encore – MacArthur Park – not to the liking enjoyment didn’t need an encore. He was right and it was a pity that one of all, but again, this was a band and a conductor pushing everything or two other bands during the weekend didn’t follow suit. We had had to the musical edge, looking to create those moments of magic. What a our money’s worth and more. concert! Tim Mutum Peter Meechan BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 9

BB 6-7-8-9a.indd 9 02-02-2010 17:22:42 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010

Rodney Newton examines Percy Fletcher’s Labour and Love, this year’s 3rd Section Regio

Leopold Stokowski in creating a fantasia for chorus and orchestra on themes from Wagner’s The Mastersingers. Along with a host of piano works (many from his own orchestral scores and musicals) and a number of pieces for organ, it can be seen that Percy Fletcher was a highly professional, prolific composer and arranger, although he was rather conservative regarding style and little of his work could be described as groundbreaking. However, in composing a substantial tone- poem specifically for brass band, he broke the mould concerning works used on the contest platform, which hitherto had either been arrangements or inconsequential skeins of trivia, cobbled together in a crude fashion. Labour and Love is usually heralded as the first specially-commissioned work for the National Championships, but former BB editor, Peter Wilson, has pointed out in his booklet notes for Major Peter Parkes’ Black Dyke recording (Chandos Records - CHAN 8570) that, according to contemporary reports in British Bandsman, the work had been submitted in response to a call from BB’s editor of the time, Herbert Whiteley, for better music and Whiteley most probably suggested it to Iles, since he advised Percy Fletcher was born in Derby in 1879 and cantata, The Passion of Christ, as well as shorter his employer on musical matters. The piece died in 1932, aged just 52. He was a pianist, part-songs, many for women’s voices, such as was originally entitled A Comedy of Errors, but organist and violinist and moved to London, The Cloud, Bees, Haste Thee Nymph, the lullaby Iles and his organising committee felt that where he became a much sought-after musical Softly Sink in Slumbers Golden and The Valley this was just a little too flippant for such a director in the theatres of the capital’s West of Dreams. He wrote carols such as Now Once grand and solemn event as the National Brass End. He directed the music at the Prince of Again and Ring Out, Wild Bells, as well as folk Band Championships of Great Britain, so Percy Wales, the Savoy, Daly’s, Drury Lane and, from song arrangements, and a large number of Fletcher devised a new title and wrote a little 1915 until his death, His Majesty’s Theatre. suites for light orchestras (probably even more fable to fit the score he had already composed. While at His Majesty’s, he conducted the long than the celebrated Eric Coates, who lived Labour and Love, was chosen for the National run of the popular musical, Chu Chin Chow, longer). These include Rustic Revels (1918), Brass Band Championships (today’s National arranging much of Frederick Norton’s music Sylvan Scenes and Woodland Pictures (both Final) of 1913. One must point out that the himself. He then wrote the score for an exotic written in 1920), Six Cameos for a Costume piece is more 19th century than 20th in style successor entitled Cairo, which is forgotten Comedy (1926), Famous Beauties (describing and is very much a work of its time, but it is today, but, in 1921, ran for 216 performances. in music the goddess Aphrodite, Versailles written in a craftsmanlike fashion and was Then, in 1925, he followed this up with another Palace and Queen Cleopatra), The Three Light the very first test-piece used at the National musical called The Good Old Days. He was Pieces, Nautical Scenes, Salon Suite in the Old Championships to have been specifically also very active as a writer of popular songs, Style, At Gretna Green and Parisian Sketches (of written for brass band. Fletcher followed on including The Bells of Youth, Kitty, What a Pity, which Bal Masqué became popular). There were in 1926 with an even more substantial brass Secret of My Heart, The Captain’s Eye, The Smile also the marches The Crown of Chivalry, Spirit band work in the shape of An Epic Symphony of Spring, The Great Adventure and Galloping of Pageantry, VC March, a toy soldiers’ march, - a serious, mature piece with a deeply-felt, Dick, while his Four Tennyson Lyrics were more The Toy Review, and the Sultan’s March from elegiac second movement (designed as a serious offerings. He also wrote a considerable his musical, Cairo. From a brass bander’s point tribute to those who fell in World War I). amount of choral music, including The Shafts of of view, it is interesting to note that many of While Labour and Love is a slighter work, it at Cupid, The Enchanted Island, Choral Rhapsody his orchestral scores include the euphonium. least demonstrates clearly that Percy Fletcher on Scottish Airs (for chorus and orchestra), When Samuel Coleridge-Taylor died in 1912 thoroughly understood the brass band and how The Walrus and the Carpenter, The Deacon’s leaving his Hiawatha Suite and Minnehaha Suite it worked (presuming the scoring to be entirely Masterpiece and the Wonderful One-hoss Shay, unfinished, Percy Fletcher completed them, as his). The writing is effective and, even today, which also had orchestral accompaniment, as well as creating orchestral arrangements of Amy the piece still ‘takes some playing’ as they say, did the popular Cupid’s Garland, written in the Woodforde-Finden’s popular Indian Love Lyrics hence its inclusion in this year’s Lower Section year before his death. and arranging her suites, A Lover in Damascus Regional Championships. Although, other than In addition to this, in 1922, he wrote a sacred and The Pagoda of Flowers. He even anticipated Labour and Love and An Epic Symphony, most of

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 10

BB 10-11-12-13.indd 10 02-02-2010 17:38:36 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010

egional test-piece, and looks at the life of its composer

Fletcher’s music is forgotten today, interested trombone recit.), that he will labour no longer readers with access to the Internet can find under these conditions. In the Andante e molto a fascinating little essay on the composer by espressivo the cornet solo represents the Voice Philip L. Sowcroft. of Love - his wife appeals to him tenderly - The story of Labour and Love in urging that for her sake, and for their children, the composer’s own words, he should endeavour to look at things in a reproduced from the different light. She has her troubles, but meets flyleaf of the published them with a smile. The horn solo interlude to be raised among some of the more militant- score (the punctuation and suggests his submissive resolve to yield to minded of the trade unionists taking part in capitalisation being Fletcher’s), her entreaties, and her delight at his decision the National Championships, one might think runs: ‘The introduction (Andante is expressed in the cornet cadenza. With the that it would have found favour in the eyes of maestoso) typifies the state of Allegro marziale he is back at work; but his state the founder of the National Brass Band Festival, mind of a man, who, having of mind is altered. He smiles at his troubles, businessman, entrepreneur, Chairman of the no love for his work, finds his and his heart swells with pride in his work. He Belle Vue Company and owner of BB, John surroundings oppressive and throws himself with energy and determination Henry Iles! However, as we look at this score fancies himself merely in the into his task, resolved to improve his position by in detail, I think it best that we should forget position of a downtrodden continued devotion to his employer’s interests. the contrived programme and just consider slave. The Allegro agitato Manfully he labours, and the Voice of Love is it as pure music. Labour and Love begins with represents him engaged now to him the Sword of Might, with which an extended introduction. Two strong chords, in his daily task, blindly his enemies - depression and despair - are C minor and A flat major, are separated by labouring on, using mere vanquished. He realises he has a purpose in life, a stentorian statement in octaves from the muscular force, having and his work is now to him a Labour of Love.’ , and basses, which no purpose in view. The develops into a series of dramatic statements interlude Meno mosso, leads These were very different times from ours, in C minor, culminating in a tierce da Picardie into the Andante patetico with World War I and the Russian Revolution C major chord. A softer phrase is heard on the (euphonium solo), where just around the corner, and while the above solo horn, strengthened on a couple of notes by his soul cries out in a lament programme, with its images of a subservient the flugel horn, which takes us into the realm of of anguish and despair (the working class, may have caused a few hackles F minor.

$QGDQWHPDHVWRVRSHVDQWHHVHULRVR  ([ VRORWHQRUKRUQLQ(K   B 5 5 5 5 5E5 5 5 5 B 5 GE5 5 5 55 5 5 E5 5 E5 = HVSUHVV FUHVF

This is repeated by the principal cornet and solo euphonium in octaves, leading to a section marked un poco agitato, which is full of tension and ambiguous tonality. This unquiet passage eventually comes to a cadence point on a chord of G major, followed by a quiet bridge passage for baritones, euphoniums and basses which culminates in two solemn, pizzicato-like Gs from the basses. An Allegro agitato follows, which takes up the tenor horn phrase and skilfully develops it. However, this too comes to an abrupt halt as a soft answer is supplied by the solo cornet, echoed in canon by the 1st baritone. This leads to a section marked Andante patetico featuring and extensive euphonium solo.

$QGDQWHSDWHWLFR  ([ VRORHXSKRQLXPLQ%K  HWF I I I   I 5 5I 5 !5 5 5 5 5 G  5 5 5 5 I5 5 5 I5 5 E5 5 5 555555 5 = 5 HVSUHVVHFDQWDQGRI 5 I I This lyrical solo, a variation of the solo horn phrase quoted in our first example, is developed in the style of an arioso, and concludes with brief unaccompanied passage. We now come to the Allegro drammatico and new material in the shape of a thrusting theme in B flat minor for the solo , which propels the music forward. This develops into a passage in which baritones, euphoniums and basses surge like the sea music in Wagner’s Flying Dutchman overture. However, almost as soon as it has arisen, the storm abates and we are left with a powerful solo for the 1st trombone in the style of an operatic recitative.

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 11

BB 10-11-12-13.indd 11 02-02-2010 17:38:37 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010

Percy Fletcher - Labour and Love

UHFLW ([ VRORWURPERQHLQ%K B: 5 M  M    5 5 B 5 B: 5 5 5 B 5 G  =  =  =  = JGHFODPDWRHGHFLVR

This statement, punctuated by shot chords from the full band, gives way to a far more gentler episode in B flat major (marked Andante e molto espressivo) and a cornet solo (yet again, a distant cousin of the opening horn solo), to which the solo horn adds its voice an octave lower, answered in turn by the solo euphonium.

$QGDQWHHPROWRHVSUHVVLYR  ([ VRORFRUQHWLQ%K

  I 5: 5 5I 5I 5 5 5 5: 5 I I B G 5 5 B 5 5 B  5 B 5 5 5 5 : 5 5 5 : I I I I I FUHVF 

Once more, the music is predominantly lyrical and suggests an Edwardian drawing-room ballad. The solo horn introduces a transitional passage (Andante affettuoso), which takes the shape of a cornet cadenza.

FDGHQ]D ([ VRORFRUQHWLQ%K  ))))))))))))))))  8 5 5   5 5 5 5 5 5 5 B 5 5 5 5!5 G ?45 5 5 5E5 5 5 5  = 5 5 5 5 5  = !5 DQLPDWR   5 M HWF    B 5 5 5M 5 5 M    =4 5E5M 5!55 5M 5M 5 B B 5 == G !5E5M 5M !5 5 

We now arrive at a stirring, quick march-like passage (Allegro marziale), full of positive energy. A more lyrical second subject, starting in the 2nd baritone and euphoniums, rises through the band in imitative counterpoint, followed by a ‘bass tune’ under repeated triplets, leading to the coda, in which the melancholy horn theme heard in the early stages of the piece is transformed into bright, upwardly-flowing phrases,

([ PROWRVRVWHQXWR VRORFRUQHWVLQ%K J HWF 5 5 5 5   0 ? 4 5 5 B5 5 G  ?4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 QGFRUQHWVLQ%K 5 5      J

leading to a triumphant conclusion in E flat major. While written in a somewhat archaic style, Labour and Love serves as an excellent test for bands, exposing solo instruments and encouraging expressive, lyrical playing (an art seemingly lost by many of our bands today). Fletcher pushes the instruments into their upper registers in places (there is top written C for the first two solo cornets and a few top Bs for the 1st baritone) and the episodic nature of the music will require careful pacing in order to weld everything into a convincing whole. Old hat this may be, but it’s a hat that takes some wearing!

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 12

BB 10-11-12-13.indd 12 02-02-2010 17:38:39 CHARTS WoB and WoB Tunes chart, January 2010

by Carl Woodman

World of Brass CD top 10 The Peter Graham Collection (Black Dyke Band and ISB) New entry The Torchbearer – National Championships 2009 New entry Rathamataz (Brett Baker with Black Dyke Band) - 1 World Class Marches of The Salvation Army (Black Dyke Band) Unchanged Now That’s What I Call Brass Volume 7 (compilation) - 2 Within Blue Empires (Black Dyke Band) - 1 Essential Dyke Volume IX (Black Dyke Band) + 1 Heritage Series Vol. 1 – The 1930s (International Staff Band) - 2 Regionals 2010 (Black Dyke and Cory bands) Re-entry Salt of the Earth (Les Neish) Re-entry

This month’s chart is headed by the two major releases that we managed to launch just before Christmas - The Peter Graham Collection and The Torchbearer. The chart is dominated by Black Dyke Band, which features on no less than eight CDs in the top ten. Salt of the Earth sneaks back into the top ten having had two tracks included on a recent edition of BBC Radio 2’s Listen to the Band programme.

Highlights from the 2008 www.worldofbrass.com Brass in Concert Championship and World of Brass in Concert World of Brass DVD top 10 Brass & Voices...and all that jazz (Cory Band) Unchanged Brass in Concert 2008 Unchanged European Brass Band Championships 2009 Unchanged Gospel Arts Concert 2009 Unchanged Epic Brass II (Black Dyke Band and ISB) Unchanged Black Dyke Band LIVE! (Black Dyke Band and James Morrison) Unchanged Brass in Concert 2007 Re-entry Holland Brass Festival 08 (Black Dyke Band) Re-entry Black Dyke 150th anniversary concert(Black Dyke Band and James Morrison) - 2 RSA 85 – A Birthday Celebration (ISB and ISS) Unchanged

Brass & Voices...and all that jazz, Cory Band’s 125th anniversary concert keeps its place at the head of the chart for the third month in succession with seven out of the top ten retaining the same positions as last time. Pre-order sales of Brass in Concert 2009 have been strong and we’re on schedule for the triple DVD to be available in March.

World of Brass Tunes, the top 10 downloads Regionals 2010 (Black Dyke and Cory) + 2 Enter the Galaxies (Cory Band) Re-entry Within Blue Empires (Black Dyke Band) - 2 Cristo Redentor (Hendon Band) New entry Rococo Variations (Foden’s Band) + 4 Celtic Charm (David Childs with Cory Band) - 4 Essential Dyke Volume IX (Black Dyke Band) Re-entry Classically Enfield (Enfield Citadel Band) Unchanged Heritage Series Vol. 1 – The 1930s (International Staff Band) Re-entry Renaissance (International Staff Band) Re-entry

Within Blue Empires is pushed into third place as a result of renewed interest in Regionals 2010, with the contests just a few weeks away, and Enter the Galaxies which includes Rodney Newton’s King Solomon’s Mines, the 2nd Section test piece at the forthcoming Grenland International Brass Band Festival. Walking with Heroes slips out of the chart for the first time since December 2008 while Essential Dyke Volume IX makes a swift return. Cristo Redentor appeared in store just three days before the end of the month but sold fast enough to grab a top four place. Our other December and January releases are now in store and www.worldofbrasstunes.com expected to feature strongly in February’s chart.

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 13

BB 10-11-12-13.indd 13 02-02-2010 17:39:02 WIRELESS BRASS PROFESSIONAL NETWORK P to Z DENNIS WILBY. Conductor and Adjudicator. We take every possible precaution to ensure the accuracy of “Marden” 83 Lion House Park, Mill Road, Hailsham, the details given below. However, we cannot be responsible for East Sussex, BN27 2SE. Tel/Fax. (01323) 449083. RICHARD PHILLIPS. Dip RCM, ARCM. Conductor, Adjudicator, changes to stated times or running order. (Mobile) 07762 889520. Composer, Arranger. 161 Butland Road Email: [email protected] Friday, 12 February, 2130-2200. BBC Radio 2 Oakley Vale, Corby, Northants, NN18 8FN Listen to the Band. This week Frank Renton downsizes the band to Tel:Tel: 01536 741447 Mob: (07905) 383645. DR. KEITH M. WILKINSON. 4120 Meadow Knoll Road, present recordings by the international hit acts, The Brazz Brothers Email: [email protected] Delaware, OH 43015, USA. and Canadian Brass, from their CDs, Ngoma and Brass on Broadway, Tel./FAx. 00 1 740 879 3789. alongside our own Fine Arts Brass Ensemble and the group which did STEVE PRITCHARD-JONES. FTCL LTCL DipMusEd G.Mus www.alumcreekmusic.com most to popularise small group brass concerts to begin with, The Philip LDBBA QTS. Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher Email: [email protected] Jones Brass Ensemble, which plays music by Sir Malcolm Arnold, who 12 Greenacre Road, Copthorne, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, JOHN WINTERFLOOD. ARCM, LGSM, Conductor and was himself a distinguished trumpet player. SY3 8LR. Tel: 01743 270489 07834 855064 Adjudicator. 103 Drove Road, Swindon, Wilts. SN1 3AE Email: [email protected] Tel. (01793) 421511. Listen to the Band is also available all week via Radio 2’s website Web: www.stevepritchardjones.com CHRISTOPHER WORMALD. Conductor, Adjudicator, www.bbc.co.uk/radio2. Click on the playback section to hear the show, Arranger, Horn Soloist, ‘Steinbach’ 42 Sandileigh Drive, on demand, for a week following transmission. DAVID READ MBE. FLCM, FTCL, LRAM. Conductor and Adjudicator. 19 Arundel Road, Hartford, Huntingdon, Cambs. Sandfield Park, Bolton BL1 8UF. Tel/Fax. (01204) 307555. Email: [email protected] World of Brass Radio. John Maines introduces a weekly one-hour PE29 1YW. Tel. (01480) 451252. programme of the best of international banding. Commencing on Fridays, the rolling programme of the most recent four shows can be JOHN ROBERTS. conductor, adjudicator (member of ABBA) ORGANISATIONS accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year on 17 Belfry Court, Outwood, Wakefield WF1 3TY www.worldofbrass.com (then click on the WOB Radio link) or Tel 01924 871413 Mobile 0773 672 1939 BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN BANDS. www.worldofbrass.com/wobradio Email [email protected] Secretary: Mike Priscott, 370 Bloomfield Rod. Bath BA2 2PD 01225 832041 This week’s programme includes: Brighouse and Rastrick (David Hirst): MARK SCOTT. Composing and Arranging Email: [email protected] Imperial Echoes (Safroni); Hendon Band of The Salvation Army (David Telephone mobile: 07595917466 Rudd): Shout Salvation (Redhead), Cristo Redentor (Ponsford); Flowers Email: [email protected] THE ASSOCIATION OF BRASS BAND ADJUDICATORS. (Philip Harper): Copacabana (Manilow); Foden’s (Michael Fowles): Website: http://www.juicybrainsmusic.co.uk Secretary: C. Brian Buckley, Movement 3 from Concerto for (Thompson - soloist: James 81 Galbalfa Road, Sketty, Swansea. SA2 8ND. Gourlay); Brighouse and Rastrick (Alan Morrison): Down Bourbon Street NIGEL G. SEAMAN. ARMCM, ARNCM, Conductor, Teacher and Tel: 01792 205896 Website: www.abbadjudicators.org.uk (Fernie); Black Dyke (Nicholas Childs): Fantastic Polka (Pryor - soloist: Adjudicator. 3 Garth View, Bedwas, Caerphilly, CF83 8EW. Brett Baker); Central Ohio Brass: 13.7 Billion Years Earlier (McFadyen); Tel. (02920) 851198 or Mobile. (07779) 329446. THE BRITISH FEDERATION OF BRASS BANDS. National Office, Unit 12, Maple Estate, Stocks Lane, Barnsley, PolySteel (Philip Harper): Magee’s Patrol (Harper); International Staff Email: [email protected] Band of The Salvation Army (Stephen Cobb): The Joybringer (Downie). South Yorkshire. S75 2BL. Tel. (01226) 771015. Fax: (01226) 771482. Website: www.bfbb.co.uk ROY SPARKES. MISM, TECH(CEI) MIE, Conductor, Adjudicator, Local Radio for next week NABBC and ABBA member. CHARLES CROSS MUSIC SCHOOL. Correspondence courses Sunday, 7 February, 1905-2000. Sounds of Brass. FM frequencies: 76 Lear Drive, Wistaston, Crewe, Cheshire, CW28DS. in arranging for brass band and BA (Hons) degree foundation Bristol 94.9, Cornwall 95.2, Devon 103.4, Gloucestershire 104.7, Tel. 01270-569290. Mobile. 07788 166777. course. Advanced tuition in all brass instruments. Telephone Guernsey 93.2, Jersey 88.8, Swindon 103.6, Wiltshire 104.3. Email: [email protected] Tony Evans on (01752) 263069 or 07966 370962. Available on the World Wide Web at 1905 British time or at any time for seven days after the broadcast. To hear the programme, access RAYMOND TENNANT. DRSAM, Dip.NCOS. Conductor and EUROPEAN BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION. www.bbc.co.uk/devon and click onto Listen Live or Listen Again. Ajudicator. 1 Newark Drive, Paisley. PA2 8NU. Ulf E Rosenberg, President EBBA Tel. (0141) 589 6466 or 07860 102708 (mobile). Mobile 47/92 86 63 00, Tel. O 47/51 50 18 26 Phillip Hunt presents a programme of brass band recordings and Øvre Strandgate 75 Fax O 47/51 89 30 05 news. This week’s edition includes: Cornwall Youth Brass Band (Garry STEPHEN TIGHE. ARCM, MLIA (dip), FPC, LDBBA, Conductor, N-4005 Stavanger, Norway Cutt): The Waltonian (J.J. Richards), The Beautiful Galathea (Suppé arr. Band Trainer, Adjudicator. 46 West Street, Geddington, Email [email protected] Langford), Rhapsody for Trombone (Langford - soloist: Lisa Sarasini), Kettering , Northants, NN14 1BD Internet:www.ebba.eu.com I’ll Walk With God (Brodszky arr. Richards); Portsmouth Citadel Band of Email: [email protected] The Salvation Army (John Hanchett): The Fount (Gullidge), The Lord’s 07970 458079 (mobile). NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRASS BAND CONDUCTORS. Prayer (Malotte arr. Jones - soloist: Paul French), Nothing But Thy Blood Secretary: Ted Howard, 30 Havant Road, Horndean, Hampshire. (Peterson arr. Burgmayer - soloist: Natalie Hanchett), The Last Amen BARRY THOMPSON. Conductor, Adjudicator, ABBA member PO8 0DT. Tel. 023 9259 8162. Email: [email protected]. (Graham). 15 Hall Park Avenue, Crofton, Wakefield, West Yorks., WF4 1LT. Tel. (01924) 863523 or 07773 950964 NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND of GREAT BRITAIN. Requests and comments are welcome at e-mail: Philip Biggs, Administrator, 2 The Coppice, Impington, [email protected] ROGER B. WEBSTER. 92 Bence Lane, Cambridge, CB4 4PP. Tel/Fax (01223) 234090. Darton, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. S75 5DA. Email: [email protected] Monday, 8 February, 2100-2200. Manx Radio Tel/Fax 01226 388806. Mobile 07973 157907 Website: www.bandstand.demon.co.uk Time for Brass. Frequencies 97.2, 89 and 103.7 FM and 1368 AM Email. [email protected]. and worldwide on www.manxradio.com SOUTHERN COUNTIES AMATEUR BANDS ASSOCIATION. Click on Listen FM or Listen AM for the programme at the time of MELVIN WHITE. GLCM, LTCL, ARCM, Conductor and Secretary and Contest Manager: Ian Carter, 10 Church broadcast or on Listen Again for a week following transmission. Adjudicator. 25 Sinclair Way, Darenth, Nr Dartford, Kent Road, West Drayton, Middx. UB7 7PT. Tel: (01895) 420007 Ian Cottier presents a programme of brass band music and comment. DA2 7JS. Tel. (01322) 293230 (home). 07802 796630 (mobile). Email: [email protected] BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 14

BB 14-15.indd 14 02-02-2010 17:15:56 CLASSIFIED TALKING POINT DIARY DATES ADVERTS

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BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 15

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Issue no. 5595 – 9 January 2010 Issue no. 5588 – 21 November 2009

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0 43 21 MCPS 8.07 BBCD101 4.34 5.34 5.35 Price £1.25 Price £1.25 5.12 7.41 BB VISITS THE ALL-STAR BRASS BAND OF BATTLE CREEK

ng British Bandsman's ve CD World of Brass reat www.britishbandsman.com www.britishbandsman.com ead, rass. Exclusive highlights from BB’s 2008 Recordings of the Year nominees, including the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, Cory, Foden’s and Black Dyke bands, plus solo performances Issue no. 5594 – 2 Januari 2010 Issue no. 5589 – 28 November 2009 BBCD101 from Steven Mead, David Childs, Katrina Marzella, Leslie Neish and Joseph Cook.

Bramwell Tovey a true maestro

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Price £1.25 Price £1.25 Foden’s and Les Neish recordings honoured in BB’s annual awards

British Bandsman…the leading international magazine for all brass musicians Established in 1887, BB is the only weekly brass publication in the marketplace, featuring news, views and articles covering all that is important in the brass world. For overseas subscribers, e-bandsman is an electronic version of the world’s oldest brass magazine, delivered straight to your desktop at a knock-down price! Subscribe now, and not only receive British Bandsman for as little as £1.00 per week, but we will also send you our exclusive new CD, British Bandsman’s World of Brass, featuring highlights from our 2008 Recordings of the Year nominated CDs by Black Dyke, David Childs, Cory Band, Steven Mead, Spanish Brass and more!

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