BRITISH BandsIssue no. 5509 – 17 May 2008 the leading internationalman brass magazine

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Leyland back in the big time after a grand day out in Blackpool

12 year-old trombonist wins BBC Young Musician title

BB 1.indd 1 13-05-2008 18:24:43 MAILBOX HAVE YOUR SAY WRITE TO THE EDITOR WITH YOUR POINT OF VIEW ON ANY BANDING SUBJECT

Listen to the Band Points error at Truro Recently, our band took part in the 53rd Annual CBBA Contest, under fire held at Truro, and was awarded third place in the ungraded I am writing to you as an official band journal, which, I’m sure, section. The adjudicator, Phillip Harper, gave us 179 points - will carry more weight with the BBC than I would. only three points behind the winning band! Unfortunately, the Could you please complain about the fact that Listen to the contest organiser gave out the wrong points on the day (174) Band was cut short recently by five minutes. We only get and, although this was verbally pointed out to the organisers, one 30-minute programme per week on national radio, so to cut five minutes off was an insult to the players of the band obviously no corrections were made - as you have also been that had just started to play a new piece of music by a young given the wrong number of points gained by our band. Foden’s stars thrill composer, an insult to him, and a kick in the teeth to brass This was our band’s first contest in almost 40 years and we Rushden audience band listeners. were thrilled to be marked so closely, and the difference of Rushden Mission Band has just celebrated its 110th T. Boddington, five points make a lot of difference in the world of brass band Anniversary with a service and tea held in the church. Past and Wollaston. contests, as I’m sure you know. current members of the band were present, several of whom Editor: Your complaint has been duly lodged. We await the reply Would you kindly print a correction for us - so that everyone had traveled considerable distances to be there. with interest. knows we were hot on the tails of the first and second bands, The Training Band played at the opening of the service, and not trailing miles behind. followed by the Senior Band, which played for the hymns and Proud to be British M. Prior, also included several band pieces. Correspondence re British brass bands in America (BB 5505) Newquay. A few days later, a special concert was held, featuring Glyn turned my mind to another but related point. Williams, Foden’s principal euphonium. Glyn conducted part For a while now, I have blamed the subtle but near of the rehearsal, something the members will remember for disappearance of BRITISH from your masthead on failing Link with the past a long time, and he enchanted and amazed the audience and eyesight. However I am now convinced that you may be With reference to page two of BB 5498 and the article ‘Where the band with his superb playing and his excellent rapport working towards eliminating the word! I trust not. Blow it Are They Now’, I have a certificate for my grandfather being with the audience. Accompanying Glyn was Helen Fox, Foden’s up a bit is my advice. The whole brass band thing is a British made an honorary life member of the Brass Band Club. I think flugel player, who sat in with the band for the concert. What a phenomenon. Try not to forget it, and be proud! this might be of interest to the writer, P. Bignell. gesture and a great thrill for Rushden’s flugel player. D. Leed, P. Millest, T. Boddington, Emsworth. Scunthorpe. Wollaston.

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BB 2-3.indd 2 13-05-2008 18:22:17 NEWS 12 year-old Peter Moore is BBC Young Musician of the Year

The youngest-ever winner in the 30-year history of the competition, 12 year-old trombonist, Peter Moore, has been crowned the 2008 BBC Young Musician of the Year, following the Final, which was held in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, last weekend. Only the third brass player to win, Peter follows in the footsteps of trombonist, Michael Hext, who won in 1978, then aged 17, and French horn player, David Pyatt, who won in 1988 at the age of 14. Peter is currently a student at Chetham’s School of Music and is a pupil of Andrew Berryman. He is also principal trombone of Wingates Band and the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain. In a BBC interview, he said, “I have really enjoyed the whole competition and feel really privileged to take part. It has been great to work with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. When my mum said I should enter I thought she was off her rocker, but she talked me into it.” Throughout the competition, Peter beat off stiff opposition from other competitors including his brother, David, who studies the trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music. In the final, Peter’s outstanding performance of Henri Tomasi’s Trombone Concerto saw him gain victory over fellow finalists, Jadran Duncumb (guitar), Erdem Misirlioglu (piano), David Smith (flute) and Jim Molyneux (percussion). As well as winning the prestigeous title, Peter also received a prize of £2,000 and the opportunity to give a solo recital at the Wigmore Hall in London.

New Gregson piece Titan’s Progress Australian Championships for British Open for Swiss ‘National’ heading for Sydney Organisers of the British Open Championship have announced The test-pieces chosen for the 2008 Swiss National It has been announced that the 2009 Australian National the test-piece for the 2008 Championship, which will take Championships include a new commission for bands in Band Championships will take place between 9 and 13 April place in Birmingham on Saturday 13 September. the 2nd Section, keeping in line with the organisers’ policy in Sydney. Commissioned jointly by the British Open and Norwegian of commissioning new works for its lower section bands. The venue will be the impressive Seymour Theatre Centre, Band Federation, Rococo Variations is the first major test- Interest will also surround the set work for the Championship which provides suitable venues for all the main band and piece to be written by Professor Edward Gregson since 1991. Section, Hermann Pallhuber’s Titan’s Progress, which made solo events, while the traditional marching competition will Commenting, the composer said: “I am delighted to have a great impression at the 2007 European Championships in form part of Sydney’s Royal Easter Show, taking place at the been commissioned to write the test-piece for the 2008 Birmingham, being chosen to test Switzerland’s finest bands. Sydney Show Ground. British Open Championship. The ‘Open’ is undoubtedly the The test-pieces chosen are: The provisional schedule is: finest brass band championship in Britain and has a long and Championship Section Thursday 9 April: Solo and ensemble contests proud record of commissioning new works.” Test-piece: Titan’s Progress (Hermann Pallhuber) Friday 10 April: ‘Open’ Grade hymn tune and test-piece The music pays homage to six composers, all of whom have Own-choice: Any test-piece apart from a transcription Saturday 11 April: Street march made significant contributions to the brass band repertoire, 1st Section Saturday 11 April: ‘Open’ Grade concert bands but whose identities Professor Gregson has yet to reveal. Dances and Arias (Edward Gregson) Saturday 11 April: Junior Grade brass bands While the Co-operative Group has sponsored this year’s 2nd Section Saturday 11 April: Gala Concert test-piece commission, the organisers have revealed New work by Stefan Hodel Sunday 12 April: ‘Open’ Grade brass own-choice and stage march that Besson will be the new sponsor of the British Open. 3rd Section Monday 13 April: Junior Grade concert bands Commenting to BB, Martin Mortimer said: “We are obviously Legenda Rumantscha (Oliver Waespi) The adjudicators have been announced as Professor David King delighted with this news. This is a major development for the 4th Section (brass bands) and James Curnow (concert bands). Championship.” Petit Suite de Ballet (Eric Ball) Youth Brass 2000 Auditions for National Youth Brass Band to top ‘Masters’ bill SCABA at The Hawth The following audition dates have been set for aspiring Organisers of the All-England Masters International Brass The Southern Counties Amateur Band Association (SCABA) is members of both the National Youth Brass Band of Great Band Festival, which will take place in Cambridge’s Corn preparing for its annual Entertainment Contest, which will Britain (NYBBGB) and the National Children’s Band of Great Exchange on Sunday 25 May, have announced that Youth take place this Sunday (18th) at The Hawth in Crawley. Britain (NCBBGB): Brass 2000, conducted by Chris Jeans, will top the bill in a The organisers hope, once again, to put on a day of varied Sunday 22 June: Royal Academy of Music, London 20-minute entertainment feature at the close of the contest. entertainment from the member bands. SCABA’s PR Officer Saturday 28 June: University of Leeds An exciting day of music is expected, as bands from across commented, “We hope that we can attract a healthy Sunday 21 September: St. Dennis Bandroom, Cornwall Europe come to grips with Martin Ellerby’s specially audience to this popular contest, and SCABA is delighted to Sunday 19 October: Leicester Arts Centre commissioned test-piece, Malcolm Arnold Variations. The welcome David Horsfield to cast his eyes and ears over our Saturday 8 November: University of Salford evening gala concert will feature The Fairey Band, Scottish competing bands as adjudicator.” Saturday 15 November: University of Sunderland Co-op Band and cornet soloist, Russell Gray. Auditions are for the 2009 NYBBGB and NCBBGB courses. However, both the NYBBGB and NCBBGB Summer 2008 courses still have a vacancy for a percussionist. Any news? Let us know: For more information, please contact Philip Biggs by e-mail at [email protected] or by telephoning either [email protected] 01223 234090 or 07710 505689.

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BB 2-3.indd 3 13-05-2008 18:22:17 EVENT NEWS Epic Brass II at The Sage

Organisers of the Epic Brass II concert at The Sage, Gateshead, featuring Black Dyke and The International Staff bands, this week released the thrilling repertoire lined-up for the event.

Together, Dr. Stephen Cobb (Staff Bandmaster of The International Staff Band) and Dr. Nicholas Childs (Principal Conductor of Black Dyke Band) will lead the capacity audience on a magical musical journey, with a programme that has been designed to showcase both bands’ strengths and distinctly unique purposes. The International Staff Band will pay homage to its former Deputy Bandmaster, Leslie Condon, in this, the 25th year since his death, with a performance of his composition, The Call of the Righteous. The band will also feature the world première of The Cost of Freedom, based on the life of German pastor and evangelist, Dietrich Bonnhoeffer, who was executed because of his active opposition to the Nazi regime. The work has been composed specially for this concert by Dudley Bright, principal trombone of the London Symphony Orchestra and a Salvationist bandsman with London’s Regent Hall Corps.

Black Dyke Band will feature two of its star soloists, Richard Marshall and David Thornton, as well as the new work, Immortal, by Paul Lovatt-Cooper. The work, which has been inspired by the history, prestige and grandeur of this world-famous band, will be performed to film of Black Dyke in action and promises to provide a breathtaking finale.

The two bands will then combine in the second-half of the concert to salute the impressive compositional output of Professor Peter Graham, who celebrates his 50th birthday this year. This musical tribute will include another new piece, Cats Tales, composed by Peter Graham for the concert. Although officially sold out, those who still wish to attend should contact The Sage Gateshead’s box office on 0191 443 4661, to inquire whether any tickets have been returned at the last minute. Those unable to attend or to purchase tickets can still watch this memorable event on the World of Brass DVD that will be released in October. Morley set to resound MORLEY & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB to marches and hymns All proceeds for Lions Charities by John Ward MARCH & HYMN TUNE CONTEST 2 As one of the closest neighbouring towns to the vibrant cultural centre of Leeds, Morley might be seen to be in the shadow of its ‘bigger brother’ in terms of its musical life. This tag would not apply to its banding profile, however; for many years, Morley has hosted nearly Sunday 13 July 2007 all the world’s finest bands, as part of Leeds City Council’s Best of Brass season in its Town Hall. This venue is also used regularly by Black Dyke, Grimethorpe Colliery and the BBC Morley Town Centre for its recordings, as well as by numerous local bands for community-based concerts. In West Yorkshire addition to these, there are a number of groups located within a short drive from the town, such as Rothwell Temperance, Drighlington, Yorkshire Imperial and Tingley bands. From 1.30pm Geoff Fowler is conductor of the aforementioned Tingley Band, and he knows the potential Over £1,500 prize money that exists in Morley to host some kind of brass band festival. He explained: “Morley is a terrific town and has been supporting brass banding for many years by hosting concerts in the beautiful Town Hall. I felt that there was real opportunity for the town to host a march Come and enjoy the occasion and listen to and hymn contest, so I managed to obtain financial support from Morley Entertainment a variety of bands from Championship to Youth Section in the lovely town of Morley Committee, and the first event took place last year, with all proceeds going to Lions’ Charities.” Last year’s inaugural event attracted visitors from far and wide: one spectator from the USA Bands will play on the march along the pedestrianised Queen Street and perform was holidaying in the area, and was so impressed by the standard of the event and quality of music, that he donated $500 to the funds for the 2008 event! a Hymn and Contest March in the band arena in the town precinct Geoff Fowler added: “The event is open to all brass bands, from Championship Section to outside the Town Hall Youth, and while there are no formal rules, it is expected that competing bands will enter into the spirit of the contest and field their own players wherever possible.” Entry forms are available via e-mail from [email protected] or by telephoning Supported by the Morley Entertainment Committee and various sponsors 0113 253 0719.

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BB 4-5.indd 4 13-05-2008 18:22:38 2008 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Inclusion and integration A fi tting farewell are the keywords to an outstanding

Rodney Newton reports from the European Brass Championships by Rodney Newton Band Association Open Conference in Stavanger

Jan van der Eijden, of the Utrecht-based organisation, Kuenst Factor (Art Factor), introduced With the air still buzzing with discussion about the previous days of contests and competitions, three speakers who explained how they had achieved some quite remarkable results, some of delegates and supporters of the 2008 European Championships took their places in Atlantic Hall which have already been reported in BB. for the Farewell Concert, the fi rst half of which was given by Brass Band Willebroek under Frans With Stavanger the European Capital of Culture this year, there are many exciting events taking Violet and the second by the European Youth Brass Band (EYBB). place in the coming months in which Norwegian brass bands will play a signifi cant part. Ulf If the members of Willebroek were disappointed with the result (and they must have been), it Rosenberg, former President of the Norwegian Band Federation (NMF), explained in detail how certainly didn’t show in their playing. One of the fi nest-sounding bands of the weekend began he went about ensuring that brass bands came out of their corner and moved centre stage in its set appropriately enough with William Himes’ stirring Milestone, followed by an arrangement the festivities to take place in Stavanger. He pointed out that, thanks to North Sea oil and gas, by Klaas van der Woude of Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra from John Williams’ score for 30,000 people were involved in that particular industry in Stavanger, and this represented a the fi lm, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. This was a colourful tour-de-force for the band golden opportunity to tap into fi nancial resources made available for the Capital of Culture with outstanding soprano cornet contributions from Bert van Thienen. Solo baritone, Nick celebrations and events. It was necessary to ‘sell’ brass bands to the powers that be and that is Vermieren, was the eloquent soloist in Stephen Roberts’ lovely arrangement of the Irish folk what Ulf Rosenberg and his colleagues did with spectacular success. tune, Carrickfergus, while Philip Sparke’s aptly titled Saying Goodbye featured the beautiful They built up a strong case for a prominent place to be occupied by brass bands, which has euphonium playing of this year’s Best Soloist, Stef Pillaert. Bert van Thienen, was the next resulted in the NMF being awarded the unique title of Cultural Ambassador. featured soloist, breathing new life into that sentimental old war horse, Silver Threads Among He then went on to reveal that there had been 700 applicants for funding of projects and, of the Gold, followed by a committed performance of Kenneth Downie’s Exultate! which is based those, 70 were accepted, including a proposal for a National Band Festival in June, which will on the old Salvationist song, Would You Know Why I Love Jesus? This found the band on top comprise a number of high-profi le events culminating in a Midsummer Night’s Party (an old form, while Belgian organist, Bart Wuilmus’s solemn Evensong created a thoughtful interlude, Norwegian tradition) to take place on 23 June. The total support for the Festival has been creating an appropriate prelude to Frøde Rydland’s elegiac tribute to the late Bengt Eklund, Nkr 1,000,000, with the City Council of Stavanger, Rogaland County Council, Sandnes Song, featuring the solo euphonium of Stef Pillaert. Frans Violet and his wonderful band bade a Municipality and the Norwegian Ministry of Culture all contributing funding for various factors fi nal farewell to the 2008 ‘European’ with a lively reading of the fi nale from Dean Jones’Glorifi co of the project. Aeternum, no doubt hoping for some glory themselves next year when they will be contesting The fl oor was then handed over to Karl Ole Mitbø who explained how the NMF tapped into on ‘home turf’. the Capital of Culture project to commission new music for both brass and wind bands. One of the features of this Festival is an interaction between live bands and ‘electronica’, an example of which was played in the European Youth Brass Band’s concert following the Conductors’ Competition (Eilers Tøsse’s interesting Machine Music). A project entitled ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ has been launched to attract new composers to write for bands and debate and open-mindedness is encouraged. Furthermore, in June, an initiative called ‘The Joy of Playing’, involving school brass and wind bands, will encourage everyone to join in a specially commissioned work called Totem, which will also include ‘electronica’ and computers. European Championship ‘B’ Section composer, Craig Farr, and his colleague, Christian Holten, will be featured in new music for orchestral F horn and percussion in addition to contributions from the Bert van Thienen Brazz Brothers. Attention then turned to Jappie Dykstra, who outlined a pilot project entitled ‘Wind of Change’, The second half of the concert was given by this year’s European Youth Brass Band, and what a which will involve seven countries and organisations, including our own British Federation of band it was! Everyone considered that this was the very best youth band yet assembled at the Brass Bands (BFBB) and the fl edgling brass band movement in Lithuania, in which each country European Championships and, under the inspiring baton of Reid Gilje, the EYBB, comprising will receive an ‘assignment’ to produce a paper on a particular subject (BFBB’s will be the social young musicians from 16 diff erent countries (including, this year, Latvia and Estonia), gave a background and history of brass bands). The papers will then form a body of work from which thrilling concert which featured some of its fi ne young soloists. Those present at the Final of the international brass band fraternity can learn and, perhaps, discover a way in which to the Conductors’ Competition had a taste of what this band could deliver and the EYBB reprised develop banding even further. some of the numbers from that fi rst concert. Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen’s punchy Introduction The fi nal speaker was Sissel Larsson, a brass teacher from Oslo, who introduced her audience and Peter Graham’s colourful Shine as the Light (already heard on Thursday evening) framed a to an extraordinarily successful project that has led to the inclusion of young players from a varied programme, which included the substantial test-piece, Diversions on a Bass Theme by variety of ethnic backgrounds. Like the UK, Norway has a large immigrant population, including George Lloyd. The band took the formidable diffi culties of the work in its stride and delivered a workers from Asia and Africa who often fi nd it diffi cult to integrate in their host country. convincing reading featuring a fi ne soprano cornet. Indeed, at times, one could imagine oneself Through Ms Larsson’s project, Møllergaten School Band (Norway’s oldest school band, founded back in the Championship Section of the main competition, so good was the playing. in 1901) was saved from extinction. Down to just one musician (a bass drummer!) in 2000, an There were two guest soloists, Grimethorpe’s principal cornet, Roger Webster, and euphonium initiative was set up to revive the band by including youngsters from the immigrant community. virtuoso, Tormod Flaten, who combined to duet most beautifully in Ivor Bosanko’s arrangement Today, the band is a United Nations-in-miniature with 63 members from 21 diff erent countries. of John Larsson’s I Will Not Turn Back. Earlier, Roger Webster had given a rendering of William The inclusion of ethnic minorities has reaped benefi ts all round and Ms Larssen also spoke of the Himes’s Jubilance (the band accompanying discretely) and Tormod Flaten had introduced the Gran School Band, which not only has welcomed children from all backgrounds, but has helped audience to Two Folk Tunes from Valdres arranged by Frode Rydland. some overcome their behavioural problems and has helped parents from immigrant groups to The concert was compèred in lively fashion by Frank Renton (whatever would we do without become involved. The point was made that tradition can be an obstacle to development and him these days?) and, with the sounds of Peter Graham’s Shine as the Light still ringing in its that, by thinking ‘outside the box’ about new repertoire and the way young players are taught, ears, the audience stepped out into Stavanger sunshine at the conclusion of a memorable week. remarkable results can be achieved.

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BB 4-5.indd 5 13-05-2008 18:22:39 2008 SPRING FESTIVAL

Last weekend, 57 bands made the trip to Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, all hopeful of a step up the ladder on the way to the ultimate goal of a place in the British Open Championships in Birmingham. Two succeeded in landing a place in the September showcase and BB’s team of Kenneth Crookston, Malcolm Wood, Mark Bousie and photographer, John Stirzaker, were there to see which bands coped best with the challenging test-pieces on show. Tradition takes a back seat as ‘Epic’ tests Trophy bands to the limit

only in destroying their own band’s performance. It must be said, however, that the overall standard of solo cornet and soprano playing was excellent, especially in the testing middle movement. Perhaps they had taken the trouble to listen to the recording that Black Dyke Mills Band made with Major Peter Parkes after winning the British Open in 1976. If so, then they should have let their conductors borrow it. Coming out at the top of the pile was Powerfuel Hatfi eld Colliery under Graham O’Connor, a conductor who has tasted more success than most at the Spring Festival over the years. Hatfi eld produced a robust account of Percy Fletcher’s work, notable for its all-round security and excellent solo work in the Elegy. A powerful fi nal movement brought an enthusiastic response from the healthily-sized audience in the Spanish Hall and adjudicators, Geoff rey Whitham and Peter Roberts, were convinced that the 16th performance they had heard was the winner. Hatfi eld’s Jane Kennedy celebrates with sons, Andrew (left) and Thomas For Hatfi eld’s Jane Kennedy, the day was particularly memorable, with her son, Thomas, sharing a stand with her on 2nd cornet during the winning performance at the same misinterpreted the declamato trio early in the movement, By Kenneth Crookston time as her other son, Andrew, was enjoying victory in the choosing instead a legato, almost hymn-like, style, which How hard can it be for 21st century Championship Section Senior Cup on 2nd euphonium with EYMS. Jane commented just didn’t get the proper eff ect at all. The fragility of horn bands and conductors to perform a piece written in 1926? enthusiastically: “This has just been the most fantastic sections in playing a relatively straightforward chorale at Percy Fletcher’s An Epic Symphony has been used extensively day. I’m delighted for Andrew and EYMS, but it’s great for the opening of the Elegy was also highlighted, and 2nd and as a test-piece for every generation in the 82 years that Hatfi eld to be heading up into the Senior Cup next year; 3rd cornet players’ handling of simple fanfares in the Heroic have elapsed since St. Hilda Colliery picked up the top prize we’ve all worked very hard for this.” March was a disappointing aspect of many performances. at the Crystal Palace, it has been recorded by almost every Hatfi eld’s contribution was strong enough to outweigh that In addition, percussion was a major problem, with some leading band and conductor over those years and the score of the earlier leader, SWT Woodfalls, which had given a timpanists taking on the role of chief gunner, but succeeding gives every instruction necessary to create a performance of committed and accomplished performance under Nicholas real beauty. On the evidence of last Saturday in Blackpool, howver, it would appear too hard for the majority of the bands on the fi rst rung of the British Open ‘ladder’ to achieve even a satisfactory performance. Some of those who succeeded in making the step up to next year’s Senior Cup, and one or two others, obviously had done their homework on the piece, at least managing to approach the music in an apposite manner. Those who chose to perform the piece in the style of Derek Bourgeois’ Apocalypse, however, will understand why they didn’t get the result they wanted. There were some fair attempts, although the technicalities did prove to be beyond a handful of bands, but the main problems for those that failed lay with the men in the middle. It wasn’t just conductors that were challenged, though. We witnessed every conceivable combination of players in the trio of solos that brings the first movement, Recitare, to a close, with about half of the 18 contenders choosing to have their solo trombone player also perform the 2nd or bass trombone solo. However, many had already SWT Woodfalls’ representative receives the runner-up prize from Martin Mortimer and Peter Walters of Leisure Parcs

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 6

BB 6-7.indd 6 13-05-2008 18:21:03 2008 SPRING FESTIVAL

Childs to take the eventual second place. Dr. Childs gave arguably the strongest band in the contest plenty of time and space to allow the music to speak for itself in a colourful reading, which was also notable for terrifi c soprano playing from Mark Pye (who picked up the Best Soloist Prize for his eff orts), and an energetic and contrasting Heroic March that had many in the audience speculating on victory for the south west’s leading contender on the day. Third place went to Marsden Silver, which had set the early pace from the number fi ve draw position under Glyn Williams. This wasn’t the cleanest performance that this excellent and improving band has given in recent years, but there was much to commend about the quality of the ensemble, even if it did get slightly over-enthusiastic at times, and Marsden should have no problem in being competitive in the higher section next year. The fourth qualifying spot in next year’s Senior Cup went to United Co-op Crewe under Jef Sparkes, with a performance that featured excellent solo work from cornet, soprano and euphonium in the fi rst two movements, but fell away slightly with an over-robust Heroic March. Just outside the prizes, and possibly just feeling slightly unlucky about not qualifying, was Camborne Town, which rounded off the contest with a fi ne reading under Frank Renton. Similarly, the Irish contender, Laganvale under Ernest Ruddock, gave a faithful account notable for terrifi c Glyn Williams leading Marsden into third place solo work, especially from the soprano cornet. Both bands at least captured the essence of the piece, but there was a rather large and mixed bag containing the bands below education, although it sounded as if some were playing this you have been to know where you are going, and the bands these. To say that the art of performing classics from the one for the fi rst time last weekend, with no prior knowledge that will enthusiastically get stuck into a work by Philip repertoire, like An Epic Symphony, has been lost would be an of great performances of the past. Sparke, Peter Graham or Philip Wilby for their next own- over-reaction to last Saturday’s contest (there are, in theory The last thing we want to do is stifl e new compositions for choice contest will be much better prepared if they can at least, almost 60 bands further up the ‘Open’ ladder which brass band, but it is to be hoped that the organisers of the build upon the skills acquired through performing music could have arguably given more authentic readings), but Spring Festival (and anyone else who chooses test-pieces from our ‘golden age’. It’s just a pity that some of them the Senior Trophy bands found it a real challenge. Pieces for band events) can keep this part of our heritage alive seem to have forgotten that, without Percy Fletcher and his like Pageantry, A Moorside Suite, Severn Suite, Life Divine and with the occasional reintroduction of a real ‘classic’ at this contemporaries, messrs Sparke, Graham and Wilby would ‘Epic’ used to be part of our standard brass band musical level of competition. Sometimes you need to know where most likely be writing in other genres.

Senior Trophy Test Piece: An Epic Symphony (Percy Fletcher) Adjudicators: Geoff rey Whitham and Peter Roberts 1. Powerfuel Hatfi eld Colliery (G. O’Connor) (drawn 16)* 2. SWT Woodfalls (Dr. N. Childs) (12)* 3. Marsden Silver Prize (Ossett Brewery) (G. Williams) (5)* 4. United Co-op Crewe (J. Sparkes) (10)* 5. Camborne Town (F. Renton) (18) 6. Laganvale (E. Ruddock) (8) 7. Wrexham Brass (W. Ruston) (6) 8. Northop (T. Wyss) (11) 9. Blackburn and Darwen (N. Sheppard) (17) 10. United Norwest Co-op Milnrow (J. Ward) (4) 11. Beaumaris (G. Evans) 15 12. Chester-Le-Street Riverside (I. Robinson) (14) 13. Newbridge Celynen (P. Holland) (2) 14. Mossley (D. Byers) (1) 15. Yorkshire Co-op (K. Gibbs) (3) 16. Friary Guildford (C. King) (7) 17. Newtongrange (P. Drury) (9) 18. Old Silkstone (A. Exley) (13) Best Soloist: Mark Pye, soprano, SWT Woodfalls * denotes qualifi cation for 2009 Senior Cup Frank Renton enjoying Camborne’s performance

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 7

BB 6-7.indd 7 13-05-2008 18:21:11 2008 SPRING FESTIVAL Leyland and BTM g

Chris Jeans of Virtuosi GUS Band seemed less certain. Ultimately, this went to a rejuvenated BTM (PHS) under the experienced and wise baton of Nigel Boddice, who delivered a most satisfying interpretation of Wilby’s score and was well served by his players. The South Wales band gave what was probably the most consistent performance of the day and this was almost certainly the key to qualifi cation. Other bands may have shown fl ashes of brilliance, but these were often combined with signifi cant uncomfortable moments. BTM had none of these. The ensemble playing was almost fl awless and this, combined with strong soloists and a reading from the conductor that had both humour and drama, enabled BTM to qualify for the ‘Open’ for the fi rst time in its history. It’s been a long wait, but it will be well worth it for a fast improving band that will certainly be worth a listen in September. The unfortunate third place was awarded to another resurgent band from South Wales, Tredegar. Conducted with great authority by Ian Porthouse, this performance was full of thrilling Jason Katsikaris leads Leyland to victory sounds and fi ne soloists. The odd looseness in ensemble and small blemishes in accompaniment lines may have been costly, but this really is nit-picking in what was basically a hard luck by Mark Bousie understandably tangible. story. Tredegar will return to Blackpool next year confi dent It’s hard to believe that the last time Leyland Band appeared at Jason Katsikaris has certainly made a real impression on the of securing a return to Birmingham. In the meantime, a trip the British Open was in 2003. That year, the band somewhat Lancashire band in a short space of time, but this was clearly a to the National Final in October and next year’s European unexpectedly fell through the relegation trap door and, ever real team eff ort. After the announcement of the results, he was Championships as Welsh Champion are quite some consolation since then, Leyland’s trips to Blackpool for the Grand Shield have keen to praise the players for the eff ort they have put in over prizes! witnessed tales of hard luck, disappointing performances or, an intense period. Interestingly, he also revealed that, when Fourth place was awarded to a most musical performance from indeed, both. This period also witnessed some diffi cult times for discussing mental preparation with the band, he had only asked Virtuosi GUS under the elegant baton of John Berryman, whose the band, but these dark clouds cleared quite a while ago with his players to give 100 percent and not 110 percent on the day, readings always seem to the serve the score in front of him. This the hard work of a dedicated core and the arrival of some of the ensuring that they didn’t try too hard, creating a more natural was a performance full of detail and fl ow, fully integrating the most talented young players around. Third place in 2007 saw performance. contrasting Wilby and Mozart elements. There were occasional Leyland agonisingly denied a return to Birmingham once more, While Leyland was undoubtedly the name on most people’s small slips in solo lines (and no band came away from Blackpool and we really did begin to wonder when and, indeed, if the pre-result lips, the identity of the band joining it in Birmingham totally unscathed) and the thrilling fi nal fugue had its white- National Champion of 2005 would ever end its Open exile and return to what is perhaps the leading contest in the world. It has been well documented how diffi cult it is to get out of the Grand Shield and Leyland is the living proof. However, last Saturday, the contesting gods did indeed look down favourably on Leyland Band and its talented young Australian conductor, Jason Katsikaris, and deservedly so. The combination’s performance of Philip Wilby’s wonderful Mozart tribute, Vienna Nights, was one of real stature from a favourable Number 14 draw. Fine soloists, including the best baritone recitative of the day from Katrina Marzella and Chris Doran’s superb delivery of the challenging tuba soliloquy (deservedly winning him the Best Soloist Award in the process), terrifi c full band sounds and a detailed, musical reading from the conductor all added up to produce a performance that had a stamp of quality which others couldn’t quite match. The performances of a number of other bands, and the fact that nothing is ever certain in contesting, meant that guarantees could not be made, but it would have been a major surprise if Leyland had not gained at least one of the two qualifi cation spots to play at Symphony Hall in September. When Leyland was fi nally announced as the winner, the relief and joy of the players was MArtin Mortimer looks on as Chris Doran receives the Best Soloist Trophy from Peter Walters of the sponsor, Leisure Parcs

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 8

BB 8-9.indd 8 13-05-2008 18:21:40 2008 SPRING FESTIVAL grab coveted ‘Open’ spots

Andrew Berryman leads Wingates into fi fth place

Grand Shield

Test-piece: Vienna Nights (Professor Philip Wilby) Adjudicators: Dr Robert Childs and Major Peter Parkes The ladies of Leyland celebrate their long-awaited return to the British Open 1. Leyland (J. Katsikaris) (drawn 14)* 2. BTM (PHS) (N. Boddice) (7)* knuckle moments, but this was a performance fully meriting its blistering start. This was another strong performance, with a 3. Tredegar (I. Porthouse) (9) prize-winning fi nish. fi ne reading from the demonstrative Michael Fowles, which 4. Virtuosi GUS (J. Berryman) (5) In his summing-up speech to the audience, Robert Childs was rewarded with seventh position, but may have faired better 5. Wingates (A. Berryman) (2) declared that he and fellow adjudicator, Major Peter Parkes (to had it come later in the day, although interestingly Leyland whom he deferred as the ‘chair’ of the panel), had clearly found (drawn 14) was the last band to make any real impression on 6. Reg Vardy (A. Ramsay) (12) there to be four top bands. This listener wouldn’t disagree with the judges. 7. Stockport Brass (M. Fowles) (3) that, but it was possible to argue an extension of this list to 8. Mount Charles (A. Duncan) (4) seven superior ensembles. Beyond the top seven bands, the standard seemed to fall away 9. Redbridge (J. Wise) (1) It was a case of son following father, with Wingates under somewhat, although the overall level of performance was Andrew Berryman gaining fi fth place from a number two draw. commendable on a piece that was quite a challenge at the 10. Kibworth (G. Wyatt) (15) It was perhaps not the easiest day for the band. In addition to British Open less than two years ago. Further down the fi eld, 11. Tongwynlais Temperance (G. Pritchard) (8) the early draw, which the band had requested for one of its bands simply did not have the same level of consistency, with 12. Sovereign Brass (D. Maplestone) (13) members due to tragic personal circumstances, a number of its performances lacking detail and contrast or containing too 13. Aveley and Newham (N. Taken) (16) principal players were also unavailable, including 12 year-old many frailties. Bands that fell foul to both of these invariably solo trombone, Peter Moore, who was in the process of giving found themselves near the bottom of the pile. Often there 14. Pennine Brass (H. Thomas) (10) the performance of his young life to claim the BBC Young was very little to choose between them and it may well have 15. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (W. Musician of the Year title. Despite these diffi culties, Andrew been a tough job for the adjudicators to place the bands in the Rushworth) (6) Berryman coaxed a colourful and fi nely delivered overall picture middle to lower region. Place them they had to, though, and 16. Thoresby Colliery (S. Lippeatt) (11) from his players. the unfortunate bands placed in the bottom four and facing In sixth place came a strong and convincing performance from relegation from the Grand Shield were Newstead, Freckleton, 17. Newstead Brass (D. Beckley) (17) Reg Vardy and Allan Ramsay, who will understandably be Burry Port and Staff ordshire. 18. Freckleton (P. Dalton) (18) disappointed on not clinching an immediate return to the ‘Open’. 19. Burry Port Town (N. Seaman) (19) Reg Vardy sounded like a high quality band, with fi ne soloists Ultimately, though, it was left to one famous old name of 20. Staff ordshire (S. Kerwin) (20) and was perhaps a touch unlucky. However, a couple of nasty banding to celebrate a return to banding’s top table and one moments, especially a rather rocky start to the Galop may well to savour its debut appearance in Birmingham. Leyland and Best Soloist: Chris Doran, Eb bass, Leyland have been costly. BTM will certainly look forward to their crack at the ‘Open’ in * denotes qualifi cation to 2008 British Open Stockport Brass (formerly BT) drew number three, immediately September and they will also certainly value their escape from Championship after Wingates and ensured that the contest got off to a fairly one of the toughest contests around.

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 9

BB 8-9.indd 9 13-05-2008 18:21:48 2008 SPRING FESTIVAL

by Malcolm Wood performance, full of stately Elgarian restraint. The main solo lines were played with graceful style and conviction, while It wasn’t just the contenders in the Grand Shield that were the quality of the ensemble foundation was compact and faced with a tough musical challenge last weekend, as the balanced. A touch of competing bands in the Senior Cup had the formidable For Band Chairman, John Matthews, it was a win that obstacle of Martin Ellerby’s Elgar Variations to overcome if has given EYMS great heart for 2008 and beyond. “It’s our they were to take a step closer to competing at the British 20th anniversary in 2009 and the result here, along with Open Championship. qualifi cation for the National Final, has given us a huge boost. Written for the European Championships at Birmingham’s I would like to thank Frans Violet and Norman Law for the Belgian Symphony Hall just over 12 months ago, the work tested all hard work they both put in. After the initial language barriers 19 competitors to the full and, in quite a few cases, beyond were crossed, Frans Violet really started to put his artistic their capabilities. No one got away unscathed and, while the stamp on the piece and, by the contest day, the band really very best bands produced performances of merit to rise to the was up for the challenge.” top, too many failed to capture the sense of nobility, restraint While there were four performances that brought high praise and dark wit that permeates the score. from the adjudicators, Chris Wormald and Derek Broadbent, it magic was EYMS that stood out for the men in the box. Not surprisingly, the notable exception to this was the Chris Wormald told BB: “We had no problems in picking eventual winner, East Yorkshire Motor Services (EYMS), out the winner or the qualifi ers. Although not even the directed with immense clarity of musical understanding by winner came away totally unscathed, its was a commanding Frans Violet. The Belgian maestro, fresh from leading Brass performance that had the extra stamp of quality. The three Band Willebroek at the European Championships in Stavanger, other bands that caught our ear also suff ered problems, but does the came to the north east in the week leading up to the contest, each overcame them to produce performances of merit.” bringing with him his ferocious appetite for hard work and The three bands that will be joining EYMS in being just one detailed preparation. potential step away from the British Open were Bactiguard It certainly paid off and, although the conductor may have Wire Brass, Jaguar (Coventry) and Pemberton Old Wigan JJB. had problems understanding the local dialect at times, Directed by Paul Andrews, Bactiguard Wire Brass took the his particular brand of music making broke through any runner-up spot courtesy of a brightly coloured reading from trick for linguistic barriers to produce a thoroughly convincing winning the conductor that was matched by his players. The relaxed EYMS

East Yorkshire Motor Services celebrates its victory in style

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 10

BB 10-11.indd 10 13-05-2008 18:27:57 2008 SPRING FESTIVAL

Winning conductor, Frans Violet John North, who conducted Besses o’ th’ Barn

approach may have lacked a touch of Elgarian gravitas in The fi nal qualifi cation position went to north-west contender, close to joining them. Chris Wormald commented to BB; places, but a sense of positivity really brought the music to Pemberton Old Wigan JJB. Having already produced a winning “There were some performances towards the bottom of the life. performance of the work at Buxton a week earlier, the band contest that did worry us, given what we should expect from a had certainly added extra gloss in the intervening week to contest of this standard.” Meanwhile, Jaguar (Coventry), conducted by Dave Lea, will produce a strong account, full of character and detail, but just be thoroughly delighted to have secured third place after lacking a little self-control in places. Regarding what the top four bands can expect next year in the producing a much more restrained interpretation that grew Grand Shield, the answer is very clear – an even sterner test of in confi dence, clarity and control as it went along. The band’s With the qualifi cation places decided, there was still much to musical character and much tougher technical obstacles. principal euphonium, David Johnson, led the way with an enjoy as the rest of the closely-matched fi eld battled it out to However, EYMS can now look forward to the rest of 2008 exemplary contribution to win the Best Soloist Award. try and catch the ears of the men in the box. knowing that two of its major objectives for the contesting Unfortunately, too many suff ered from poor tuning and season – qualifi cation to the Grand Shield and the Royal imbalanced ensemble sound (many cornet sections lacked Albert Hall - have been met. All the players need to do now is warmth) while the technical obstacles, although not overtly brush up a little on their Belgian Walloon in preparation for demanding, brought out a misplaced brittleness in approach. the next time the remarkable Frans Violet pays a visit to their That was perhaps the undoing of the bands that just failed bandroom. to make it into the qualifi cation places, with fi fth placed Skelmanthorpe producing a highly musical interpretation that was a touch over-robust in execution at times. Ratby, meanwhile, benefi ted from a well thought out approach by conductor, Brett Baker, let down only by an accumulation of Senior Cup small errors and slips that just took the polish off an enjoyable Test-piece: Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby) account that had a strong ‘Elgarian’ feel about it. Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent and Chris Wormald 1. East Yorkshire Motor Services (F. Violet) (drawn 12)* Behind these, the age-old problem of consistency played 2. Bactiguard Wire Brass (P. Andrews) (8)* a major part in deciding fi nal standings, while the lively 3. Jaguar (Coventry) (D. Lea) (7)* acoustic of the Pavillion Theatre also punished those who tried 4. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB (M. Peacock) (3)* to use sheer volume as a tool to hide ensemble weaknesses. 5. Skelmanthorpe (J. Roberts) (2) The best of these did, at times, show many of the qualities 6. Ratby Co-operative (B. Baker) (6) the judges were obviously looking for but, crucially, all were 7. Fishburn (R. Farr) (14) fl awed, some more than others, in both style and execution. 8. Cwmaman Institute Silver (D. Evans) (8) The likes of Fishburn, Cwmaman, Bournemouth and Unison 9. Bournemouth Concert (J. Camps) (9) Kinneil will return home knowing that they didn’t quite 10. Unison Kinneil (C. McKenzie) (15) perform well enough to have pushed any higher in the results 11. Bo’ness and Carriden (M. Marzella) (13) table than they did. Equally, the lower placed bands will 12. Dalmellington (A. Hutchison) (19) return to their bandrooms well aware of the shortcomings 13. Aldbourne (M. White) (17) they will have to address if they are to return here next year as 14. Stocksbridge (D. Nesbitt) (1) potential qualifi ers. 15. Ashton-under-Lyne (C. Whiteoak) (16) 16. Knottingley Silver (R. Morgan) (4) In addition to the promotion of the top four, the judges had to 17. Kingdom Brass (C. Anderson) (5) make the dreaded decision as to who should be relegated to 18. Lindley (N. Jowett) (10) the Senior Trophy. Due to the withdrawal of Glossop Old, only 19. Besses o’ th’ Barn (J. North) (11) three bands fell through the trap door. The eventual trio of Best Soloist: David Johnson, euphonium, Jaguar (Coventry) Besses o’ th’ Barn, Lindley and Kingdom Brass could have little * denotes qualifi cation to 2009 Grand Shield cause for complaint, although the bands immediately above will also have known that they were, at times, uncomfortably

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 11

BB 10-11.indd 11 13-05-2008 18:28:08 BRASS EDUCATION Go the extra 12,000 JOIN THE miles with Sedbergh!

By John Ward TOP BRASS!

Sedbergh has one of the fi nest brass traditions in the country, with its dedicated Brass Music School, fl ourishing marching band and many specialist brass tutors. Located in the magnifi cent Yorkshire Dales National Park, Sedbergh School has developed a reputation as one of the premier schools for brass players in the UK. At Sedbergh, we believe in making a Bandmaster Alan Lewis has been at the heart of the school’s developing reputation, with noise about being the best, and our his untiring work both at the school and within the local community and, commenting to brass band is top class. In the last BB, he said: “Sedbergh School Band has toured extensively in recent years, including two three years, 12 band members have received ATCL and LTCL diplomas. appearances at Lord’s Cricket Ground during the test match season. We also very proud of We’ve toured to Bermuda, France, the fact that 13 pupils have received their ATCL and LTCL diplomas over the last three years. Germany and Slovenia, and even played at Lord’s during two test matches. A trip to New Zealand Sedbergh does not wish to stand still or rest on its laurels however, we are continually is planned for 2009. Sedbergh is probably the only school to offer developing our courses and a band tour to New Zealand is planned for 2009.” specific Brass Band Scholarships, and they are now available for September 2008. Phone Alan Lewis, 015396 22230 or visit The School off ers a blend of academic learning and all-round development of the individual www.sedberghschool.org for more information. through a ‘strong and caring’ house system, and a wide range of exciting and challenging extra-curricular activities.

Brass scholarships are available for promising musicians, and further details of the school and

the scholarship programme are available from Bandmaster Alan Lewis on 015396 22230, or Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HG. Tel: 015396 20535 1080672 Charity No. Sedbergh School is a Registered the School Offi ce on 015396 20301. Sedbergh – one of the finest schools in the North of England

Durham University is pleased to announce a new: Bandmaster Course (A Masters degree in Performance) Led by: Ray Farr

Following the success and popularity of the Part Time Conductor’s Course, Durham University is please to announce a new Bandmaster Course. This is designed especially for band musicians (brass, and percussion players) who wish to devote time to further study without giving up their day job.

The course will be a one-day per week for one-year.

Entry requirement is by audition (on the applicant’s main instrument) with an interview where qualifi cations, abilities and experience will be taken account. Applicants will be required to send a statement on their musical experience. Students will work towards a fi nal examination (in September), which combines a concert performance on their instrument, conducting, and arrangements with accompanying written work and portfolio. The new Bandmaster Course will focus on a range of subjects including: Conducting, Instrumental playing, Arranging, aural training, research and theory. There will be regular masterclasses with the University Brass Band in Residence and frequent guest lecturers. Students would travel to Durham early on a Tuesday morning, attend scheduled classes, masterclasses and workshops and travel home the same evening. A certain amount of homework would be expected for written assignments, score study, practice and research. Regular communications and discussions would be carried out “on-line”. For more information on the course and fees please contact:

Ray Farr [email protected]

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 12

BB 12-13.indd 12 13-05-2008 19:05:24 CRITICS CORNER A CD for the connoisseur Something for everyone from Black Dyke’s trombones Houlding his Own Fly Me to the Moon Chris Houlding (trombone) Brett Baker and Paul Woodward Ian Buckle (piano) (trombones) Specialist Recording Garry Reed (trombone), Company SRC 143 Adrian Hirst (bass trombone) Available from World of Brass, British Trombone Society Choir Midland CD and 4barsrest Howard J. Evans (piano) Specialist Recording Company SRC 144 Available from World of Brass, Midland CD and 4barsrest

Aimed rather more at the serious listener than the general one, this collection of trombone Billed in the inlay booklet as a ‘celebration of the trombone and of trombone playing in solos sheds light into some of the more obscure corners of the instrument’s repertoire. Chris the brass band movement,’ this CD features Black Dyke Band’s four trombonists, Brett Houlding (currently President of the British Trombone Society) is a first-rate trombonist, whose Baker, Paul Woodward, Garry Reed and Adrian Hirst, in an eclectic programme that does teaching at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and the Folkwang Hochschule in Essen, actually provide something for almost every taste in trombone playing, although there is as well as his tutorship of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, has benefited countless a fairly strong religious theme throughout the disc. students of the noble instrument. It begins with a well-balanced reading of Leslie Condon’s march, Celebration, played Better known in the world of the orchestra than that of the brass band (he was principal by the Black Dyke Trombone Quartet, which is followed by a tasteful performance of trombone of the English Northern Philharmonia for a number of years), he is an artist of the Michel Legrande’s The Summer Knows by Brett Baker. A traditional theme-and-variations highest calibre, whose flawless technique is heard to great advantage throughout this album. duet follows, featuring the above two soloists in H.W. Glazier’s Shall We Win, which is Beginning with an arresting fanfare, written by Birmingham-born trombonist, John Kenny, as beautifully accompanied on the piano by Howard Evans. a tribute to his former teacher, Harold Nash, Chris Houlding follows on with Paul Hindemith’s After Paul Woodward’s rendition of Now I Belong to Jesus, the quartet gives an well-known Sonata for Trombone and Piano of 1941. This is an angular, neo-classical work accomplished reading of Telemann’s challenging Concerto A4, a work that allows each of featuring chunky, quartal harmonies and melodic lines based on the interval of the fourth the participants a chance to show their individual styles. (so typical of this composer), and receives a committed, convincing performance from Chris The next two pieces feature Brett Baker – at his best as the soloist in Mercadante’s Salve Houlding and his able accompanist, Ian Buckle. The trombone playing is effortless and the Maria, and along with Garry Reed in George Marshall’s Glorious Fountain, again in the piano engages in lively dialogue in this standard repertoire piece. Hindemith once described theme and variations idiom that appears to suit the style of both players. himself as ‘a simple man who enjoys a joke’ (not the experience of those who played under his direction, I understand!) and the robust humour of the third movement (Swashbuckler’s Song) is well caught, along with capriciousness of the wimsical Allegretto grazioso which precedes it. Another solo item, a very masculine Flourish by Eric Crees, which Chris Houlding premièred in St. Petersburg in 2003, forms a link between the Hindemith and Ralph Sauer’s transcription of Pergolesi’s 18th century Sinfonia (from which Stravinsky drew material for his ballet score, Pulcinella). Again, the playing is stylish and is well-contrasted with the next item, Excito Quad Evenit by Northumbrian-born composer, Peter Swan. The title of this unaccompanied, four- movement suite translates as ‘make it happen’, and Chris Houlding certainly does that, in a work encompassing pretty much the full gamut of expression available on the trombone, with effective use of the mute and multiphonics. Seven short, contrasting pieces by Albéniz, Thomas, Simon Wills, Noam Sheriff, Leonard Bernstein and Stjepan Šulek act as makeweights to the more substantial offerings, including Honegger’s Hommage du Trombone Expriment la Tristesse de l’Auteur Absent (‘hommage to the trombone expressing the sadness of the absent composer’), the title of which takes almost Erik Leidzen’s A Never Failing Friend provides Paul Woodward’s ‘main’ work on the disc longer to read than the wistful little piece does to play! The highly inventive Lucifer (a brief and he carries off the technical challenges of this piece in some style. God So Loved the psychotic episode for trombone), by former LSO trombonist Simon Wills, lives up to its title and World by Sir John Stainer receives a nicely restrained performance by the Quartet, before is great fun, involving a variety of techniques. However, while indulging in flutter-tonguing Brett Baker introduces the listener to The Conqueror by the little-known composer, and wide leaps, Chris Houlding still manages to make the piece supremely musical. The rather Jacques Lafont. It’s described in the programme notes as a ‘charming addition to the solemn Piece for Ray by the distinguished Israeli composer and conductor, Noam Sheriff, also trombone repertoire’ and that’s exactly the impression left by the soloist. involves a wide range and is of a lyrical, elegiac nature, whilst Chris Houlding’s quietly-tapping The prize for the most intriguing title goes to Michael Davis’s Trombone Institute of foot (prescribed by the composer) is subtly captured in Bernstein’s bluesy Elegy for Mippy II, Technology, a short work performed by Paul Woodward and Adrian Hirst, in which written to commemorate the tragic death of a pet dog belonging to his brother, Burtie (not the soloists demonstrate outstanding flexibility. Woodward is again at his best in Ivor ‘Bertie’, as given in otherwise excellent booklet notes). Sonata (Vox Gabrieli) by Croatian Bosanko’s The Wonder of His Grace, after which there is another change of style in Gospel composer, Stjepan Šulek, with its flamboyant, romantic piano accompaniment, brings the Time, in which the quartet is joined by Lee Skipsey on drums. Paul Woodward is again album to an impressive and powerful conclusion. featured in the lovely Covenant before the title track, Fly Me to the Moon, played by the The 24-bit recording, produced by Mike Purton (himself a former Hallé Orchestra principal quartet in some style. horn) and engineered by Martin Atkinson, is of the same superb quality as the performances, Finally, the British Trombone Society Choir gives an enthusiastic and accomplished discreetly managing to soften the rather bright acoustic of the RNCM’s Haden Freeman Hall. A account of the finale from Saint Saëns’ Organ Symphony, which rounds off this enjoyable CD for the connoisseur, then, but one which everyone of an inquiring mind who appreciates the disc rather nicely. finest trombone playing should possess. Kenneth Crookston Rodney Newton

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 13

BB 12-13.indd 13 13-05-2008 19:05:27 WIRELESS BRASS PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

We take every possible precaution to ensure the accuracy of the details given Dr. ROY NEWSOME. PhD, B.Mus, FRCO, ARCM. KEVIN WADWSORTH. Musical Director, Conductor, 17 Belmont Drive, Seddons Farm, Bury, below. However, we cannot be responsible for changes to stated times or Adjudicator, ABBA. Wheatfield Cottage, Smithy Place, Manchester BL8 2HU. Tel. 0161-764 2009. Brockholes, Holmfirth. HD9 7AH. Tel. 01484 666805 (home); running order. 07836 511357 (mobile). GRAHAM O’CONNOR. Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Trainer. E-mail: [email protected] 1 Ralston Croft, Halfway, Friday, 23 May, 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 more great music and interviews Mobile 07973 157907 from the second of two programmes dedicated to the recent European Brass Band MAJOR PETER PARKES. ‘Kamet’, Holme Lane, Rockley, Email. [email protected]. Retford DN22 0QY. Tel: 01777 839 144 Mobile: 0781 800 6965 Championships, held in Stavanger, Norway. MELVIN WHITE. GLCM, LTCL, ARCM, Conductor and LEIGH ANTHONY PHILLIPS. BA Mus. Composer, Arranger. Adjudicator. 25 Sinclair Way, Darenth, Nr Dartford, Kent DA2 Arrangements made by request, especially film music. 7JS. Tel. (01322) 293230 (home). 07802 796630 (mobile). Listen to the Band is also available all week via Radio 2’s website Sherwood Music, Flat 1, Bolgoed Rd, Pontardulais, Swansea, ROB WIFFIN. OBE, BA, FTCL, LRAM, ARCM, conductor, www.bbc.co.uk/radio2. Click on the playback section to hear the show, on demand, West Glamorgan, SA4 8JE Tel: 07929 528226, composer, arranger, adjudicator. 5 Cotterell Close, Bracknell, E-mail: [email protected] RG42 2HL Tel: 01344 301946. E-mail: [email protected] for a week following transmission. RICHARD PHILLIPS. Dip RCM, ARCM. Conductor, DENNIS WILBY. Conductor and Adjudicator. “Marden” 83 Adjudicator, Composer, Arranger. 161 Butland Road Lion House Park, Mill Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2SE. Oakley Vale, Corby, Northants, NN18 8FN Tel/Fax. (01323) 449083. Tel:Tel: 01536 741447 Mob: (07905) 383645. World of Brass Radio. John Maines introduces a weekly one-hour programme of the (Mobile) 07762 889520. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] best of international banding. Commencing on Fridays, the rolling programme of the STEVE PRITCHARD-JONES. FTCL LTCL DipMusEd G.Mus DR. KEITH M. WILKINSON. 4120 Meadow Knoll Road, most recent four shows can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of LDBBA QTS. Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher Delaware, OH 43015, USA. the year on www.worldofbrass.com (then click on the WOB Radio link) or 12 Greenacre Road, Copthorne, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Tel. 00 1 740 362 4588. Fax. 00 1 740 362 4770. SY3 8LR. Tel: 01743 270489 07834 855064 Email: E-mail: [email protected] www.worldofbrass.com/wobradio [email protected] Web: www.stevepritchardjones.com JOHN WINTERFLOOD. ARCM, LGSM, Conductor and Adjudicator. 103 Drove Road, Swindon, Wilts. SN1 3AE Tel. This week’s programme includes: Black Dyke (Nicholas Childs): Coronation March from DAVID READ. FLCM, FTCL, LRAM. Conductor and Adjudicator. (01793) 421511. Le Prophète (Meyerbeer), Polovtsian Dances (Borodin); Grimethorpe (Richard Evans): 19 Arundel Road, Hartford, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE29 1YW. CHRISTOPHER WORMALD. Conductor, Adjudicator, Tel. (01480) 451252. Fingal’s Cave (Mendelssohn); Foden’s (Garry Cutt): Born on the 4th of July (Williams); Arranger, Horn Soloist, ‘Steinbach’ 42 Sandileigh Drive, Sandfield Park, Bolton BL1 8UF. Tel/Fax. (01204) 307555. Eikanger-Bjørsvik (Howard Snell): Anything You Can Do and Puttin’ on the Ritz (Berlin); JOHN ROBERTS. conductor, adjudicator (Mobile) 07759 236080. (member of ABBA) 17 Belfry Court, Outwood, Wakefield WF1 E-mail: [email protected] Black Dyke (James Watson): Prologue and Overture from Henry V (Walton); Foden’s: 3TY Tel 01924 871413 mobile 0773 672 1939 The Old Rugged Cross (arr. Morrison) (Soloist: James Morrison); Foden’s (1929) (Fred email [email protected] ORGANISATIONS Mortimer): Cleopatra (Damare) (Soloist: Harry Mortimer); Enfield Citadel (1984) (James PETER ROBERTS. B.A. (Hons) LRSM Tel. 01977 792120. Mob.07876205212. Williams): Resurgam (Ball); Fine Arts Brass: Teddy Bear’s Picnic (Bratton) (Soloist: BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN BANDS Richard Sandland). ROY ROE. Conductor, Adjudicator, Rienzi, Secretary: Mike Priscott, 72 Thorne Grove, Rothwell, Leeds, LS26 0HE. 370 Bloomfield Rod. Bath BA2 2PD 01255 832041 Tel. (01132) 822776 (home). Email: [email protected] Local Radio for next week E-mail: [email protected] THE ASSOCIATION OF BRASS BAND ADJUDICATORS. Sunday, 18 May, 1905-2000. Broadcast on BBC Radio Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, PHIL RUSTON. Secretary: C. Brian Buckley, 81 Galbalfa Road, Sketty, Swansea. SA2 8ND. Gloucestershire, Guernsey, Jersey, Swindon and Wiltshire. Brass Band CDs www.cosbrass.co.uk Tel: 01792 205896 Website: www.abbadjudicators.org.uk Sounds of Brass. FM frequencies: Bristol 94.9, Cornwall 95.2, Devon 103.4, E-mail: info@the colourofspring.co.uk THE BRITISH FEDERATION OF BRASS BANDS. Gloucestershire 104.7, Guernsey 93.2, Jersey 88.8, Swindon 103.6, Wiltshire JAMES SCOTT. BA. I Riverbank Road, Lower Heswall, Wirral, National Office, Unit 12, Maple Estate, Stocks Lane, Barnsley, 104.3. CH60 4SQ. Tel. 0151-342 5190. South Yorkshire. S75 2BL. Tel. (01226) 771015. Fax: (01226) 771482. Website: www.bfbb.co.uk Available on the World Wide Web at 1905 British time or at any time for 7 days after NIGEL G. SEAMAN. ARMCM, ARNCM, Conductor, Teacher the broadcast. To hear the programme, access www.bbc.co.uk/devon and click on and Adjudicator. 3 Garth View, Bedwas, Caerphilly, CF83 8EW. CHARLES CROSS MUSIC SCHOOL. Correspondence courses Tel. (02920) 851198 or Mobile. (07779) 329446. in arranging for brass band and BA (Hons) degree foundation Listen Live or Listen Again. course. Advanced tuition in all brass instruments. Telephone ROY SPARKES. MISM, TECH(CEI) MIE, Conductor, Tony Evans on (01752) 263069 or 07966 370962. Phillip Hunt presents a programme of brass band recordings and news. This week’s Adjudicator, NABBC and ABBA member. 76 Lear Drive, Wistaston, Crewe, Cheshire, CW28DS. EUROPEAN BRASS BAND ASSOCIATION. edition includes: Black Dyke (James Watson): The Elephant (Ord Hume); St. Keverne Tel. 01270-569290. Mobile. 07788 166777. Ulf E Rosenberg, President EBBA E-mail: [email protected] Mobile 47/92 86 63 00, Tel. O 47/51 50 18 26 Youth 2007 (Gareth Churcher): A Circus Suite (Johnson); Cory (Robert Childs): Almost Øvre Strandgate 75 Fax O 47/51 89 30 05 a Celtic Dream (Tubb) (Soloist: David Childs), The Bluebells of Scotland (Pryor arr. DENZIL STEPHENS/SARNIA. 12 The Meadows, St. Dennis, N-4005 Stavanger, Norway Cornwall. PL26 8DR. Tel/Fax. (01726) 821148. E-mail: denzil. e-mail [email protected] Broadbent) (Soloist: Christopher Thomas), Pie Jesu (Lloyd Webber arr. Smith) (Duettists: [email protected]. Internet:www.ebba.eu.com Michelle Ibbotson and Joanne Childs), The Day of the Dragon (Graham). Website: www.sarnia-music.com NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BRASS BAND CONDUCTORS. RAYMOND TENNANT. DRSAM, Dip.NCOS. Conductor and Secretary: Ted Howard, 30 Havant Road, Horndean, Hampshire. Requests and comments are welcome at e-mail: [email protected] Ajudicator. 1 Newark Drive, Paisley. PA2 8NU. Tel. (0141) 589 PO8 0DT. Tel. 023 9259 8162. E-mail: [email protected]. 6466 or 07860 102708 (mobile). NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND of GREAT BRITAIN. Monday, 19 May, 2100-2200. Manx Radio STEPHEN TIGHE. ARCM, MLIA (dip), FPC, LDBBA, Conductor, Philip Biggs, Administrator, 2 The Coppice, Impington, Band Trainer, Adjudicator. 10b Main Street, Clopton, Cambridge, CB4 4PP. Tel/Fax (01223) 234090. Time for Brass. Frequencies 97.2, 89 and 103.7 FM and 1368 AM and Kettering, Northants, NN14 3DO E-mail: [email protected] worldwide on www.manxradio.com Tel: 01832 720505 or 07970 458079 (mobile). Website: www.bandstand.demon.co.uk E-mail: [email protected] (Click on Listen FM or Listen AM for the programme at the time of broadcast or on SOUTHERN COUNTIES AMATEUR BANDS ASSOCIATION. ‘Listen Again’ for a week following transmission). BARRY THOMPSON. Conductor, Adjudicator. Secretary and Contest Manager: Ian Carter, 10 Church Road, 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. [email protected]

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BB 14-15.indd 30 13-05-2008 18:23:34 CLASSIFIED Diary Dates Adverts BRITISH BandsTHE LEADING INTERNATIONALman 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 MIDLAND CD Bandsman MAY We hold one of the world’s largest selections of brass & Managing Director 17 - Stroud. Fairey Band, 7.30pm, Subscription Rooms. military band CDs including most BB-reviewed CDs. Trevor Caffull 17 - Gateshead. Epic Brass II, with Black Dyke and ISB. 7.30pm, The Sage Gateshead. Order on-line at www.ukcd.net Finance Director 17 - Leeds. Gawthorpe Brass ‘85 with Stephen Wilkinson (B&R), 7.30pm, Morley Town Hall. E-mail: [email protected] Gordon Camsey Director of Media 18 - Weston-super-Mare. 40th Anniversary Own-Choice Contest, Contact 01934 514960. Tel: 0044 (0) 121 244 4605 or 6 Fax: 0044 (0) 121 680 9018 Nicola Bland 18 - Crawley. SCABA Entertainment Contest, The Hawth Theatre, Crawley. Editor 25 - Cambridge. All-England Masters International Championship, 10.00am, Corn Exchange. Kenneth Crookston 31 - York. Black Dyke Band, 7.30pm, York Minster. INSURANCE Associate Editor Professor Philip Wilby Features Editor JUNE Brass Band Rodney Newton 6-8 - France. 14th French Open Brass Band Championship, Amboise, Loire Valley, France, Insurance Services News Reporter Contact +33 (0) 2475 70697. 312 High Street, Harlington, Hayes, Tabby Clegg 01422 205231 Middx. UB3 5BT Contributors and consultants 7 - Bournemouth. Black Dyke Band, 7.30pm, Pavillion Theatre. Tel: 020 8759 0825. Fax: 020 8564 9063. Peter Wilson 8 - Sedbergh. Masterclass with Nick Hudson (trombone), 2.30pm, URC Church. THE ORIGINAL SCHEME Anthony Banwell 14 - Castleford. The NEW Clarence Adoo Ensemble (conductor: Richard Evans), OFTEN COPIED—NEVER BETTERED Julian Bright Richard Martin (trumpet/cornet) and Sue Blyth (vocal), 7.00pm, Salvation Army Hall. Underwritten by Norwich Union Dr. Robert Childs 21 - Northampton. NABBC Conductors’ Competition, rehearsals 1.30pm and performances 6.30pm, Unity College. Iwan Fox 29 - Sedbergh. Masterclass with Steve Sykes (tuba), 2.30pm, URC Church. CONTESTS Graham Fraser Chris Helme Pat Herak JULY NABBC Conductors’ Competition Final Lt. Col. Graham Jones 4 - Brighouse. James Shepherd Versatile Brass 30-year Reunion Concert. Contact 01484 722855. in association with Virtuosi Ron Massey 5 - Brighouse. James Madison University Brass Band and Yorkshire Co-op Band. Contact 01484 722855. Saturday 21 June 2008 Peter Meechan Frank Renton 6 - Brighouse. March and Hymn Contest, 1.00pm. Contact 01484 722855. Unity College, Northampton, NN2 6JW 23 - Eastbourne. South London Fellowship Band with guest soloist, Chris Moyse, 7.45pm, Eastbourne SA. Robert Richardson Rehearsals at 1.30pm, performances at 6.30pm John Stirzaker Admission £5, pay on the door, NABBC members free David Thornton AUGUST Includes short concert by Virtuosi GUS Band. Carl Woodman 3-9 - Swansea. International Brass Band Summer School, University of Wales. All welcome, see www.nabbc.org.uk Malcolm Wood 10 - Bromsgrove. Brass Band Summer School, Bromsgrove School. Editorial 10 – Sedbergh. Masterclass with Ian Porthouse (cornet), 2.30pm, URC Church. Telephone: 01506 882985 Fax: 01506 881596 MUSIC E-mail: [email protected] OCTOBER Display and classified advertising 24 - 27 Prestatyn. Pontin’s Brass Band Championship, Prestatyn Sands Holiday Centre. BRASS BAND MUSIC John Ward 26 – Sedbergh. Masterclass with Owen Farr (horn), 2.30pm, URC Church. Telephone: 0113 2707214. ORDER ON-LINE E-mail: [email protected] SPECIAL OFFERS ON Accounts INSTRUMENTS Hazel Foster Telephone: 01933 445442 www.bandsupplies.co.uk Subscriptions and Trade Orders Tel: 0113 2453097 Andrew Hall Telephone: 01933 445442 Typesetting and Artwork INSTRUMENTS GK Graphic Design VOF Musical Director and various brass positions now available at the newly formed Cover price: £1.25 SUBSCRIPTION RATES 12 months 6 months Territorial Army, Band of the Yorkshire Regiment UK £56.00 £30.00 Europe £75.00 £45.00 based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Rest of the World £115.00 £60.00 You will receive a day’s pay equal to that of a regular Army musician, as well as (52 issues per year) DIRECT DEBIT travelling expenses and an annual tax-free bounty, when eligible. (only for subscribers living in the UK) One month: £4.85 (saving nearly 10% on the cover price) 12 months: £52.00 (saving For further information please contact the band on: 20% on the price of a weekly copy from newsagents). 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