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Issue no. 5654 – 26 February 2011

LEWIS MUSSON CAPTURES PRESTIGIOUS BBC TITLE

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BB 2-3.indd 2 22-02-2011 17:04:52 NEWS Trip the Light Fantastic with the BBC

BBC Radio 3 is on the hunt for community brass bands, wind bands, choirs, any strictly amateur or voluntary ensemble, in fact, to be a part of a weekend festival celebrating the riches of British light music. Light Fantastic is a participatory festival with a central theme of orchestral music. The focus of the festival is a weekend of events around the country and broadcasts on BBC Radio 3 (24-27 June 2011), which the BBC hopes will bring it closer to its audience. The BBC is inviting applications from amateur ensembles to take part in BBC recording events across the UK - in Glasgow (5 June), Manchester (25/26 June), Cardiff (21/22 May), Exeter (5 June) and London (21/22 May). Recordings may be broadcast by BBC Radio 3 in the context of Light Fantastic. You can find full details of how to apply, with terms and conditions and the closing date for applications and also other ways to get involved by visiting the website www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/classical/lightfantastic or by emailing direct to [email protected] There are also opportunities for ensembles to submit their own recordings for consideration. Full details about making a suitable recording are to be found on the Making Music website at www.makingmusic.co.uk

Protest over Youth Funding secured for Entertainment English music services Championship outcome for one year by Roy Terry A protest has been lodged over the final result of the recent Action Education Secretary, Michael Gove, has responded to the review of Medical Research Youth Entertainment Championship of Great Britain, music education in England by providing funding of £82.5 million at which Youth Brass 2000 was demoted from the original first place for local authority music services for the year 2011-2012. He has awarded by both music and entertainment judges because of an specifically made a commitment that “All young people should have infringement of the time limit rules. the chance to benefit from the opportunities that music can bring – BB has been contacted by Don Collins of Youth Brass 2000, and he not simply those from wealthy backgrounds whose parents can afford commented: “We have lodged an official letter of protest with the to pay for lessons.” organisers over the outcome of the results of the Youth Brass Band Funding arrangements beyond 2012 have yet to be decided and a full Entertainment Championships at Blackpool. Firstly, I need to make it clear picture of the future of music education in England will not emerge that our problem is not concerned with the fact that we were penalised until details of the ‘slimming down’ of the National Curriculum are to for running over time. We exceeded the allotted maximum time of hand. In the meantime, music educators have expressed concern that 22 minutes, and accept that without further question. Neither do we the teaching grant for music in higher education has been removed question the new rule which states that music and entertainment placings and music has not been included in the list of subjects forming the are added together, and the band with the lowest number becomes ‘English baccalaureate’ for 16 year-olds. the overall winner. We also readily accept that a band having penalties imposed against it for excess time will be deducted one place.” Don Collins continued: “What we do find difficult to understand, however, is the way in which this rule is allowed to affect other bands, effectively promoting them when they have actually achieved nothing to warrant this. Doing so actually penalises the errant band twice, once by dropping Wallace honoured by a place, and then again by promoting another band above it. To try to clarify this, our band won both the music and entertainment categories. Foden’s We incurred a penalty, so we dropped down a place in both categories, making us second. However, there was already a band in second place, Foden’s Band has announced that Professor John Wallace CBE has so surely we now have joint second places? The other band did not win! accepted the post of Vice-President with the band. Mathematically, our score was 1+1=2. Add the penalties, and we become A spokesman for Foden’s said: “Professor Wallace is not new to 2+2=4. We are still higher in the overall added places than the band below the band having conducted us at Gateshead’s Brass in Concert us - the penalty has been added in accordance with the rules. The bands Championship at the end of 2010, when Foden’s was placed second below us achieved 2+3, and 3+2, both making totals of 5. It seems to us on musical performance and third overall. The acclaimed trumpeter that the rules simply have not been applied properly. In our view, this is a and Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama total misapplication of the new rules.” recently received the CBE in the New Year Honours in recognition of Speaking on behalf of the contest’s organisers, Monica Walczak his distinguished services to music. Professor Wallace will now join the responded: “I can confirm that Pennine Action Medical Research band’s four other Vice-Presidents.” Committee has received a protest from Youth Brass 2000. An acknowledgement has been sent to Youth Brass 2000 and all competing Foden’s Chairman, John Barber, commented: “Fodens and John bands have been informed that a protest has been lodged. Pennine Action Wallace had a great working relationship during the Brass in Medical Research Committee has a very clear process for addressing Concert Championships and having someone of his knowledge and official protests. This process has now begun and all points made in experience on board will open up new avenues for the band. Both the protest will be carefully considered. Youth Brass 2000 will be kept parties are currently investigating several exciting projects that will be informed throughout the process.” challenging and very enjoyable.”

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BB 2-3.indd 3 22-02-2011 17:04:53 BB 4-5.indd 4 22-02-2011 17:07:59 NEWS

Music for Battle Creek North West ‘Area’ prequel chosen for Dutch Open On Thursday 24 February, Fairey (Geneva) Band was due to host an informally judged session with bands from all five of the sections at Philip Sparke’s Music for Battle Creek has been chosen as the test-piece this year’s North West Regional Championship. The adjudicator for the for this year’s Dutch Open Championship, to be held at the Roda Hall in evening is Malcolm Brownbill, on hand to offer opinion and suggestions Kerkrade on 1 October. for improvement following each of the performances. The bands The Dutch Open Championship was inaugurated in 2007 and is only open appearing, in order of playing, are: to bands in the Championship Section. The first two contests saw only 4th Section: Besses Boys (James Holt) wind and fanfare bands eligible for the competition, which is held every 3rd Section: Eccles Borough (Mareika Gray) two years after the official World Music Contest in summertime. Brass 2nd Section: Flixton (Steve Curtis) bands will take part for the first time this year and there is already more 1st Section: Rainford (Neil Samuel) interest than the organisers expected. Championship Section: Fairey (Geneva) (Russell Gray) Each competing band will perform an artistic programme of 60 minutes, The event was due to start at 7:30pm at Peel Hall, The Crescent, Salford, which includes Music for Battle Creek. Further information can be obtained M5 4WT, where entrance is free and all welcome. by emailing [email protected] before the closing date of 1 March. Funeral of James Watson Paul Lovatt-Cooper

The Funeral of James Watson took place on Monday 21 February at hangs up his sticks Marylebone Parish Church, just across the road from the Royal Academy of Music where he was a student, a teacher and Head of Brass and After 16 years of playing percussion at the highest level of banding, Paul Director of Performance. Lovatt-Cooper has decided to retire due to his developing music career as a teacher, composer and conductor. Frank Renton commented: “The church was packed as one might Paul Lovatt-Cooper joined Black Dyke Band in 2003 after playing with imagine, but despite being full of musicians it was a quiet and reflective Fairey for nine years. He featured regularly as a soloist with both bands congregation that awaited Jim’s arrival and listened to the organist play and was a prominent figure as an all-round percussionist. voluntaries by J.S. Bach. As the coffin was received at the west door of the Parish Church, the Academy Symphonic Brass conducted by Rod Franks Following Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s retirement from playing, Black Dyke’s played the Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare by Richard Strauss, and we knew Musical Director, Dr. Nicholas Childs, commented: “Naturally Black Dyke that this was going to be no ordinary funeral, but a celebration of a life is disappointed that Paul has called time as a percussionist with the well lived. band. He was a team player. His personality always shone through as a committed and diligent member of the section. With his new direction “The Academy Chamber Choir, conducted by Jeremy Summerly, sang and the extra time that this will allow him to develop his compositions, I the Funeral Sentences quite beautifully. We were then greeted by The am sure his creative skills will become very prominent further afield.” Reverend Paul Thomas, Chaplain to the Royal Academy of Music, who During his career, Paul Lovatt-Cooper has enjoyed winning the Brass in implored us to ‘sing with cheerful voice’, and sing we did. I have never Concert Championships, the European Brass Band Championships, the heard any congregation anywhere sing with such gusto, and certainly English Masters twice, the British Open three times and the National never at a funeral. The tone had been set by words and music. Vaughan Championship four times, as well as countless regional victories. William’s arrangement of the Old Hundredth, All people That on Earth do Dwell, must have figured at hundreds of state and ceremonial occasions Paul Lovatt-Cooper commented: “It has been a very tough decision but that I conducted over the years, but never have I heard it played and one I have been thinking about for some time now. However, I have sung with such a sense of occasion. Lesley Garrett’s performance of the found that there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done Song to the Moon from Rusalka, accompanied by the Academy Brass, was and so unfortunately my playing has had to give way. I have had a achingly beautiful and the eulogy given by Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, fantastic time and the last eight years at ‘Dyke’ have been some of the Principal of the Royal Academy, was funny, perceptive, informative but most memorable ever. I want to take this opportunity to thank Nick and so full of love and appreciation that it was a moving event in itself. the band for all their help and support and I wish them all the very best for the future.” “The Academy Brass, now conducted by Bob Hughes, played its own He will remain in post as the band’s Composer-in-Association. tribute in That’ll Do by Randy Newman, which had been recorded by Jim and Peter Gabriel for the film, Babe 2. A young trumpet student, Chris Avison, played the line that Jim played in the recording, with a sound and breadth that I am sure his professor would have approved of. We sang, we listened to the Academy Chamber Choir and then it was over, and James left the Church to the sound of The Great Gate of Kiev, played by Academy Brass. How well those young musicians did in such trying circumstances.

“Jim was a man who loved life, and lived it to the full. The service, put together by his family, would I believe have met his whole-hearted approval, it was a privilege to be part of it.”

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BB 4-5.indd 5 22-02-2011 17:08:03 2011 YOUNG BRASS SOLOIST

The four finalists about to do battle - Jonathan Bates, Michael Cavanagh, Lewis M

Lewis triumphs ‘Neath Manchester Skies Kenneth Crookston reports from this year’s Final of the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Soloist Award, held in Manchester last Saturday. Pictures by John Stirzaker.

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BB 6-7.indd 6 22-02-2011 17:12:32 2011 YOUNG BRASS SOLOIST

A collection of champions - Frank Renton (centre) with Katrina Marzella, Brenden Wheeler, wis Musson and James McLeod Matthew White and Lewis Musson

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) brilliantly too, showing great style and range. (flugel horn) and Gary Curtin (euphonium) in in Manchester was the venue last Saturday This young man has a great career ahead as a Karl Jenkins’ Benedictus from The Armed Man. (12th) for the seventh Final of the BBC Radio horn soloist if he chooses such a route. Performing in a pressure cooker environment 2 Young Brass Soloist Award, and what a fine Michael Cavanagh is the current solo baritone with young soloists poses real challenges for occasion it was. Three former winners were of the National Youth Brass Band of Great any band, but it should be said that Black Dyke present in Katrina Marzella (2004), Brenden Britain and he chose to open with the virtuosic did it brilliantly all evening, with the sometimes Wheeler (2005) and Matthew White (2010), Pequenna Czardas by Pedro Iturralde, which less than fully mature tenor and baritone the latter hotfoot from winning the best received a performance full of bold sounds and sounds always remaining prominent against soloist prize at the University Championship loads of character. His second piece, Peace by those of the accompanying band. in Lancaster to present the award to this John Golland, was also well delivered, leading So, a great night all round, and it was a year’s winner and speak eloquently to the many audience members, including many delighted Radio 2 Producer, Terry Carter, who event’s presenter, Frank Renton, about his supporters from Michael’s own Marsden Silver later commented: “I think this was one of our experiences as the 2010 winner. As ever, Black Band, to think that this was becoming a very best finals we’ve ever had at this event and I’d Dyke Band and Dr, Nicholas Childs were there close run event. like to thank everyone who took part in the to accompany the soloists and give a short Cue Lewis Musson, a third-year student of whole competition and made it all possible. concert before the judges, the renowned Steven Mead at the RNCM and solo euphonium We have already been commissioned for the trumpeter Paul Archibald and the tuba of Wingates Band (which was also very well 2012 competition, so full details of that event virtuoso Les Neish, gave their final decision. represented in the audience). At 20, Lewis was will be revealed in due course. These are very James McLeod, the current 2nd euphonium the oldest of the four finalists. His opening exciting times!” player of Cory Band, was the first finalist to solo, Danse du Diable Vert (Dance of the Green Exciting indeed, and anyone who couldn’t make appear, and his choice of Brillante by Peter Devil) by Gaspor Cassado and arranged by it to Manchester will have the chance to listen Graham showed a mature soloist who clearly the Swiss euphonium virtuoso, Thomas Ruedi, to Lewis Musson and the other three finalists has the technique of his instrument well within showed a confident player in full control of his on the BBC iPlayer, following the broadcast on his grasp. It is incredible to see the development instrument. Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s ‘Neath Dublin Radio 2 on Thursday 24 February at 10.00pm. of young euphonium players these days. Being Skies confirmed initial impressions in no small in possession of amazing technique is clearly measure and by the time he had conquered this a prerequisite for getting anywhere near a top technical tour de force, there could have been band (one audience member asked me how little doubt that the maturity and all-round good the solo euphonium at Cory is if James technical assurance he displayed had made him was only his assistant!). The traditional Welsh a very strong contender indeed. melody, Myfanwy, provided an appropriate Paul Archibald and Les Neish gave short and more reflective moment, and it was to and informative speeches before the winner warm applause that this highly accomplished was announced, and Lewis Musson’s ability young soloist left the arena. We were off to a to communicate the music to the large and terrific start! enthusiastic audience had been the clinching A much more familiar face to the Black Dyke factor. He was a very popular winner indeed players appeared next in Jonathan Bates, the (especially with the Wingates contingent) and youngest finalist at only 15 and the recently it was to his credit that he was able to converse appointed 1st horn player with the band. fairly lucidly with Frank Renton at what was Clearly in possession of more musical tools than clearly an emotional moment for him. As a merely a tenor horn, Jonathan opened with a prize, he will receive the opportunity to perform movement from his own Sonata for Tenor Horn, at a high-profile engagement with a leading but while the Rondo was very well played, it Championship Section band, as well as an could have stretched his range more to show appearance with the BBC Concert Orchestra on him off at his very best. No such complaint Friday Night is Music Night. could be made about his second choice, Philip Before the announcement, Black Dyke gave a Sparke’s Capricorno, a virtuoso work that would short concert, the highlight of which featured challenge any brass player. He performed it two of the band’s new soloists in Zoe Hancock

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BB 6-7.indd 7 22-02-2011 17:12:46 COMPANY NEWS Band Supplies hits Mach-1! Exciting partnership set to gain bands funding access.

Band Supplies Ltd. has announced that it has teamed up with Mach-1, Norma McCrone of Mach-1 will be working closely with Band Supplies to a company that specialises in securing funds from external trusts and ensure that bands know just what is needed to try and ensure success in sources for the benefi t of local bands and schools. Mach-1 is one of the the application processes involved. Ronnie Tennant added: “Norma is just country’s leading specialists in the sector, with an emphasis placed upon the right person, so bands and schools need to contact. Her expertise will securing funds that support education and music provision in local be invaluable and we will be off ering as much support and advice to assist communities and schools. her as possible.”

Speaking to British Bandsman, Band Supplies Director, Ronnie Tennant, Ronnie Tennant concluded: “Norma McCrone will be making her own said that he hopes that the exciting partnership will have lasting benefi ts debut appearance at the forthcoming Scottish Championships in Perth for bands all over the country, commenting: “One of the great problems this weekend, and organisations can take the opportunity to chat about faced by community bands and local schools is in gaining access to how she can help your band or school in getting that all important funding streams. We have teamed up with Mach-1 to try and make sure money. If your band or school is interested, then why not contact her on they do not lose out at a time when every penny counts.” 07771 565258 or at [email protected]”

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BB 8-9.indd 8 22-02-2011 17:11:29 BRASS EDUCATION The importance of good tuning for soloists

by Dr. Robert Childs

Having recently attended a solo competition, I was encouraged by the level of musicianship and technical skills in both junior and senior sections. However, there was one weakness that permeated both sections, and that was intonation. Intonation or tuning is constantly changing. It is affected by temperature, fatigue and many other variables. Gone are the days when you could tune up and never move your slides again. What I’m referring to is an age when brass players only played with brass bands and never played with other ensembles. If this was the case today there would be little need to adjust slides at all. However, many of today’s brass instrumentalists are more versatile. performing with orchestras, chamber groups, piano and electronic accompaniment as well as brass and wind bands. All of these will deviate slightly in pitch and will necessitate re-tuning. Playing with a piano is the most common accompaniment and is one of the most difficult to adjust to. If you are playing with people in a band or orchestra, they will naturally adjust to try and play in-tune with you. However, a piano doesn’t have ears and will not be at all sympathetic to your inaccuracies. What surprised me at the solo competition was that players were going through the motions of tuning up with the piano but not actually listening. I think brass band players are so used to being told by the conductor if they are out of tune, that the skill of tuning themselves is under-developed. It was also obvious to me that many players lacked confidence in this area. Tuning is like anything else; the more you practise it, the better you become. Here are a few tips to help you develop the skill and gain more confidence when doing so: 1. The first thing to do is to decide which note to tune first. In the case of Bb instruments like cornet, flugel, euphonium etc. it is best to tune the fundamental note, which is a middle C (3rd space). The piano will need to play a Bb to correspond to this. In the case of an Eb instrument like a tenor horn or Eb bass, it is best to tune to your middle G (2nd line). The piano will still play a Bb to produce a unison sound. 2. Once you’ve decided which note to tune, you need to find out if there is a discrepancy of pitch between you and the piano. I find it best to play my note first and then ask the piano to play their note after me. If you ask the piano to play their note first, there is a tendency for you to unwittingly copy their pitch by adjusting your lips. This is fine for one note, but as you play through your solo you will revert to your normal embouchure and the tuning becomes inaccurate. 3. Understanding the tuning characteristics of alternative fingerings can help you get in tune. If when tuning- up you know you are out of tune, but you are not too sure whether you are sharp or flat, try playing a middle C using the 2nd and 3rd valves. This will flatten the pitch so if the result sounds better, then you’ll need to pull your main tuning slide out a bit. Simply repeat this process until the open C sounds more tuneful than the false- fingered C. Other alternative valve characteristics are: top G on 1st and 2nd is flat, middle D on 1st and 3rd is sharp, and middle G on 1st and 3rd is sharp. Musicians should familiarise themselves with the harmonic series and study its intonation characteristics, as this knowledge can really help the accuracy and speed of tunung up. 4. Temperature should also be an important consideration when playing with the piano. It is important to re-tune between pieces if you are playing more than one. When a brass instrument gets warm it goes sharp. However, when a string instrument gets warm it goes flat. Mutes can also alter intonation. Generally speaking, straight mutes make you sharp, but some cup mutes can have the opposite effect. Playing with synthesised accompaniment has its pitfalls too; some machines play at slightly different pitches from others. If you have taken the trouble to ensure that you play in-tune for the entirety of your performance it will add valuable marks to your overall performance and, therefore, adjudication. Remember, being able to play a piece from the top left hand corner to the bottom right is only the beginning of your preparation when trying to achieve a musical performance and a successful placing at a solo competition.

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BB 8-9.indd 9 22-02-2011 17:11:47 2011 UNIBRASS Manchester rises to university challenge Kenneth Crookston reports from Lancaster, the venue for the first ever University Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Pictures by John Stirzaker.

Cardiff’s Michael Hearty enjoys the limelight Brass United storms to an historic victory at UniBrass 2011

There was no need for anyone to be subjected approaches to the musical content. We heard a He also went on to challenge the players and to a ‘grilling’ from Jeremy Paxman in Lancaster cascade of marches in the traditional style and conductors to change the way that bands last Saturday (19th) as Manchester’s Brass all of the bands featured at least one soloist, approach this type of event in the future, as United stormed to a magnificent victory at the while the nature of the competition was that well as offer some telling advice to some of the inaugural University Brass Band Championships we could expect a few fun items along the less experienced conductors who had taken of Great Britain, held at the Great Hall in the way. The audience wasn’t disappointed in that part. As entertainment adjudicator, Alan Fernie famous northern university city. Bands travelled regard, but what was a great surprise (to this said simply that he had given the prize to the the length and breadth of the country to be listener at least) was the inclusion of a number one that he had “enjoyed the most!” and who there and we even had a few old rivalries of serious works, like Philip Wilby’s Paganini can argue with that? rekindled. The ‘Roses’ match between Lancaster Variations (very well performed by Brass United The event was well supported by Arts Council and York is keenly contested in any sporting – an amalgam of the Royal Northern College England and the British Federation of Brass competition, while the tussle between the dark of Music and Manchester University), Edward Bands, and the latter organisation’s Treasurer, and light blues of Oxford and Cambridge was Gregson’s Variations on Laudate Dominum, Nigel Morgan, hit the nail right on the head fought just as keenly as any boat race, but no Tam O’ Shanter’s Ride (Denis Wright) and Dark when he commented on the importance of this one was left swimming in the Thames this time! Side of the Moon (Paul Lovatt-Cooper). Some of event in the wider world of brass bands in the Adjudicators, Richard Evans and Alan Fernie, these bands, it appeared, were taking this very UK. “This is the missing link,” he said, adding, had a straightforward task in awarding the seriously indeed, although fun never seemed “For years, we have been losing players from title to such an accomplished group, even to be too far from the top of the agenda. One brass bands when they reach school leaving in the face of considerable opposition from of them even played The Floral Dance and there age, but with so many universities and colleges Huddersfield University. It’s probably quite a were a few nods in the direction of Brassed Off. having their own brass bands these days there while since either of the judges had such an Most importantly, in all but a few cases, bands is a much greater chance of them staying with enjoyable day at a band contest. chose music appropriate to their resources. banding when they finish their studies. An What the healthy-sized and enthusiastic The winning performance by Brass United event like this is bound to help these bands audience got for its money was a succession got off to the finest of starts with a new and thrive and we hope that it can continue for of well turned-out musical ensembles, albeit of exciting work, Launch by Benjamin Tubb, many years to come. The organisers deserve the varying quality and resources. There seems to before the march, Blaze Away, brought to mind highest praise.” be a shortage of tuba players among student some of Richard Evans’ memorable winning And so say all of us who were present at the bands (does this confirm what an old conductor performances at Brass in Concert. Bravura 2011 UniBrass Championships. Max Stannard, of mine said about the intelligence of the featured the irrepressible and brilliant Matthew who is one of the hard-working members of average bass player? – surely not!) and some White on euphonium, while the closing the organising committee and the conductor were only able to muster two players, but the performance of ‘Paganini’ would probably give of Lancaster University Brass Band, added: “We bands had all prepared well for their contest more than a few Championship Section bands a have had a tremendous amount of help from appearances nevertheless. For the most part, run for their money in the coming weeks, even staff and students at the University and it was the bands had young conductors, while the if it did have an occasional ragged edge or two. through them that we were able to broadcast format for the event was pretty simple – each Addressing the audience at the end of the the contest live on LUTube on the Internet. We band had to play a 25-minute own-choice day, Richard Evans joked: “We’ve had some have had a band here for ten years now, but programme and, as one might expect at an absolutely stunning playing here today, as well perhaps one of the most encouraging aspects inaugural event, there were a few varying as some that was absolutely not stunning!” of it is seeing players of other instruments

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BB 10-11.indd 10 22-02-2011 17:10:52 2011 UNIBRASS

Second place for Huddersfield and Jonathan Beattie A mid-table finish for Cambridge Universtity

taking up brass just to be part of the band, Song (Trad. Arr. Peter Graham), 12th Street Yoke (Joy Webb arr. Ivor Bosanko – cornet because it seems like such great fun!” Rag (Bowman arr. Jack Peberdy – cornet trio: soloist: Joe Phillips), Gladiator (Hans Zimmer arr. Funding is already in place for next year’s event, Matthew Thomas, Nicholas Taylor and Phil Bernaerts), Riverdance (Bill Whelan arr. Ray Farr) at which it is hoped that there will be even Groves), David of the White Rock (Trad. Arr. 11. Lancaster (Max Stannard) more bands present. If it can build upon the Philip Sparke), The Incredibles ((Giacchino arr. Viva Birkenshaw (William Rimmer), In Perfect success of this year’s ‘starter for ten’, then the Bocook trans. Philip Sparke). Peace (Kenneth Downie), African Funk (Alan University Brass Band Championships promises 5. Southampton (Stephen Shepard) Fernie), Czardas (Monti arr. Bartram – percussion to become one of the most important and March of the Cobblers (Barrett/Siebert), Calon soloist: Greg Mather), Resurrection (Mahler arr. enjoyable events in the whole of UK banding. Lan (Hughes arr. Ball – euphonium duet: Dan Chris Wormald). Lycett-Brown and Lizzie Kennett), Second Waltz 12. Bangor (Meurig Jenkins) (Shostakovich arr. Alan Fernie), Nimrod (Elgar Chicken Run (Powell/Gregson arr. Smith), What the bands played at the inaugural arr. Denis Wright), Gaelforce (Peter Graham). Satchmo (Baker arr. Alan Morrison – cornet University Brass Band Championships of 6. Brass United (Adam Cooke) soloist: Claire Hounsome), Hymn to the Fallen Great Britain Launch (Benjamin Tubb) (world première), Blaze (John Williams arr. Klaas van der Woude), Men 1. Keele (John Watson) Away (Holzmann), Bravura (Peter Graham – of Harlech (Trad. Arr. Rimmer), James Bond Under the Double Eagle (J.F. Wagner), Buster euphonium soloist: Matthew White), Paganini Collection (arr. Goff Richards). Strikes Back (Alan Morrison – cornet soloist: Variations (Philip Wilby). Toby Bull), Be Still for the Presence of the Lord 7. Edinburgh (Angus Tully) Full results from (Evans arr. Tighe), Waltz from Jazz Suite No. Brasses to the Fore (Walters), Concerto de Lancaster University 2 (Shostakovich arr. Wilson), Trailblaze (Goff Aranjuez (Rodrigo arr. Kevin Bolton – flugel 1. Brass United (Adam Cooke) 140 Richards). horn soloist: Catherine Sweetman), Variations 2. Huddersfield (Jonathan Beatty) 135 2. Cardiff (Jeremy Taylor & Martin on Laudate Dominum (Edward Gregson), Irish 3. Cardiff (Jeremy Taylor & Martin Humphries) 134 Humphries) Tune from County Derry (Percy Grainger arr. 4. Birmingham (James Wooliscroft) 131 Fanfare and Flourishes (James Curnow), ‘Mid Denis Wright). 5. Keele (John Watson) 126 All the Traffic (Len Ballantine), Czardas (Monti 8. Birmingham (James Wooliscroft) 6. Oxford (David Jones) 125 arr. Curtis – percussion soloist: Michael Hearty), The Liberty Bell (Sousa), An Untold Story (Paul 7. Lancaster (Max Stannard) 123 And All that Jazz (Ebb/Kander arr. Bernaerts), Lovatt-Cooper – horn soloist: Richard Jones), 8. Edinburgh (Angus Tully) 119 Backdraft (Hans Zimmer arr. Stowell). Tam O’ Shanter’s Ride (Denis Wright), When I’m 9. Cambridge (Peter Edwards) 118 3. Huddersfield (Jonathan Beatty) 64 (Lennon and McCartney arr. Alan Fernie). 10. Southampton (Stephen Shepard) 118 Strike up the Band (Gershwin arr. Goff Richards), 9. Cambridge (Peter Edwards) 11. Bangor (Meurig Jenkins) 118 Georgia on my Mind (Hoagy Carmichael arr. Midwest (J.J. Richards arr. Derek Broadbent), 12. York (Timothy Alston) 117 Richards – trombone soloist: Dean Jones), Over the Rainbow (Harold Arlen arr. Goff Best March: Birmingham (Liberty Bell) Take it up the West End (Fripp), In Perfect Richards – horn soloist: Kirsty Upham), David Entertainment Award: Brass United Peace (Kenneth Downie), Bohemian Rhapsody of the White Rock (Trad. Arr. Gordon Langford), Best Soloist: Matthew White, euphonium, (Freddie Mercury arr. Alan Catherall), Toccata in The Dark Side of the Moon (Paul Lovatt-Cooper). Brass United D Minor (Bach arr. Ray Farr). 10. Oxford (David Jones) NB. In the event of a tie, the band with 4. York (Timothy Alston) March of the Cobblers (Barrett/Siebert), Floral the highest score for music is awarded the The Cossack (William Rimmer), Swedish Folk Dance (Trad. Arr. Derek Broadbent), Share my higher position.

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BB 10-11.indd 11 22-02-2011 17:11:03 PRODUCT NEWS

Pathways to perfection by Denis Wick The use of my practise mute, by playing as loudly as possible with it While the technical brilliance and general quality of our best bands in the low register, will open up the throat spaces and will improve continues to reach levels that were undreamt of when I was young, it the tone quality within minutes. The slight enlargement of the throat has always struck me that the Lower Section bands are the ones that and the increased size of the vibrational air-space in the pharyngeal really need help. Brass playing is no longer the mystery that it might area assists better breathing that can make the difference. Another have been 50 years ago. So much has been written and said, but there method, which I have used for many years, is mouthpiece practise. is no reason why there should be low standards anywhere. Many brass players will make a sound when they play just on the I have always thought that brass instruments are essentially easier to mouthpiece, which seems about 90 percent air. Careful perseverance play, with faster results than most. Of course, some of the village band with long notes, making sure that nothing has changed from the members that I have heard to boast that they never practise usually normal playing method - louder, softer, high and low - for perhaps 15 demonstrate this clearly when I hear them play! It is absolutely essential minutes, resting for a few seconds now and then, will produce better to work individually for at least 30 minutes every day. Practise is like tone-quality at all dynamics and in all registers. money in the bank - the feeling of being overdrawn is not a pleasant Everything is better focussed, soft and loud. one. In my experience there are two sure-fire methods of sounding Try using these two simple ideas – you will be amazed at better, faster. your improvement!

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BB 12-13.indd 12 22-02-2011 17:13:09 2011 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

This weekend sees the start of the world’s biggest brass band competition, as bands travel to Perth and Blackpool for the fi rst regional qualifying rounds of the 2011 National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.

A total of 485 bands will compete in the following weeks at venues in Bradford, Torquay, Bedworth, Stevenage, Darlington and Swansea, battling it out for hard-earned places at the Finals at Cheltenham and London in September and October respectively.

British Bandsman will be at all the ‘Area’ contests over the next four weeks and will bring our readers the best in- depth coverage in words and pictures, but this week we conclude Paul Hindmarsh’s series on the regional test-pieces, we present the runners and riders in the 40 forthcoming contests and pay tribute to Major Peter Parkes, the most successful conductor of modern times who, as well as winning 21 major titles with Black Dyke and Fairey, won an astonishing 30 regional titles over a memorable three decades at the top of British banding.

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of the Year award going to ensure the highest Even before Grimethorpe and Frank Renton had Paul Hindmarsh, playing standards and musical ambitions more given the première (4 May 1990 at the Assembly than anything else. Although he didn’t much Rooms, Derby), I had sent a score off to Harry with composer Philip like brass bands, John Drummond was happy to Mortimer to see if he would be interested to support what I was doing in raising profile and use it as the British Open test-piece sometime. Wilby, turns the clock offering listeners a greater sense of occasion. He He loved it and set it immediately for what was also agreed to fund the commissioning of new to be his last Open Championship in 1991. As back 20 years to recall work on a regular basis and also to my idea of a Philip recalls: “HM had played Rachmaninov’s BBC Festival of Brass - a posh name for a series own Paganini Rhapsody when he was in the the birth of one of the of studio concerts with audience. Halle in the 1930s with the composer at Grimethorpe Colliery’s flamboyant performance the piano, and liked the idea as a result. He modern brass band of Derek Bourgeois’ Concerto No. 1, conducted requested that the ‘contest’ cadenzas be added. by Frank Renton, earned it the BBC Band of the In fact, you can still see where the manuscript classics - Paganini Year award for 1990. was changed to add that extra music into Finding a fresh composer to write the band a the score. His instinct was excellent and that Variations. piece was my next task. That was made a whole suspended moment is still one the contest lot easier after the NYBBGB’s performance of highlights of a winning performance.” One of the reasons why I moved down from The New Jerusalem by Philip Wilby, which I The style of Paganini Variations was a world Glasgow to work as a music producer for BBC recorded at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. away from much of Philip’s earlier concert Radio 3 (Manchester) in 1985 rather than take I was so impressed that a composer who I music. He seemed to judge to a tee what brass up a similar post with BBC Radio Scotland was associated with writing in a rather academic bands like to play. “As a ‘serious’ university the chance to make brass band programmes ‘contemporary’ manner - the kind of thing I composer, I guess that there was a light touch with some of my banding heroes like Peter produced each November at the Huddersfield about the whole enterprise,” he explained. Parkes with Black Dyke Mills and Elgar Howarth Contemporary Music Festival - should be “It was very much a celebration of the brass with Grimethorpe Colliery. Imagine my writing such exuberant and totally engaging band culture of my youth rather than the disappointment when, in 1988, the Controller music. He seemed to be a natural to write for modernistic world in which I was regularly of Radio 3, John Drummond, decided that the Grimethorpe and I asked him there and then employed, working for Alexander Goehr at institution that was the Bandstand programme if he would write something, subject of course Leeds University.” should go, just as I was about to assume the to Radio 3’s agreement, which was immediate. I wondered why Philip decided to use such a role as producer of band music. ‘Paganini’ was the first of a baker’s dozen of BBC familiar old theme. His reply was significant It was felt, with some justification in my view, commissions that I was able to present from given the direction in which some of his later that the programme was in need of a major 1991 to 2001 (including Prague, Songs for BL, test-pieces have taken: “There is a personal revamp. Audiences were poor and the quality Whitsun Wakes and The Maunsell Forts). connection. I had worked as a professional of music and performances was variable. I When a copy of Philip’s manuscript score violinist earlier in my life, and the 24th was tasked with preserving the best bits - landed on my desk a few months later, I was Caprice was one of my audition pieces. Giles the presentation of new, quality repertoire completely taken aback by two things: firstly by Easterbrook, who was the music editor at in particular - and to invent new ways of seeing my name at the top of the score as the Novello and Co. advised me not to use it, but I presenting it in new higher-profile formats, but dedicatee - a rare honour and privilege - and confess that I avoided his advice, because it is not on a weekly basis. So I took brass bands on secondly by the musical language. It was not at this referential link that allows the audience into the road, recording some innovative concerts all what I had expected. A set of variations on the piece in the first place. Equally, the other from the Colston Hall, Bristol, and the Queen the 24th Caprice by Paganini was hardly new pieces of mine that use similarly referential Elizabeth Hall, London, and I also followed - Brahms, Rachmaninov, Lutoslawski, Andrew works (Verdi, Purcell, Bach etc.) stem from this the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Lloyd Webber and Joseph Horovitz had all been same social desire to include the familiar within (NYBBGB) around the country. I recall some there before - and there were tunes in it! When the newly composed to allow the listener an memorable occasions in the Barbican Hall, I invited Philip over to the Besses o’ th’ Barn equal share in every performance.” London when the NYBBGB was joined by LSO bandroom (where I was MD at the time) for a Philip’s mix of quotation, transcription, new Brass and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, the proof read, the light dawned and I saw what a treatment and fresh inspiration has been Barbican Centre, York, for a 40th Anniversary gem we had on our hands. Here was a large- influential in test-piece composition since concert featuring the late and much missed scale concert work, which was tough to play ‘Paganini’, but as he argues: “This was not Maurice Murphy, and a wonderful concert in and musically not as ‘easy’ to judge as the style really as calculated as it might seem, but it Gloucester Cathedral. might indicate. Almost by accident, my ideal has become a sub-genre as you have argued. For a couple of years, I kept the old BBC Band ‘test-piece’ had been composed. Perhaps it is not so far from the Italian

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Dyke rehearsal (the band’s Secretary, Fred Ellis, and I had been at school together in Pontefract). You can hear the impact of that night quite clearly. Sitting on a visitor’s seat behind soprano and repiano, I realised in a flash that my music was far too easy and far too earthbound. On my return, full of the impression of ‘flying fingers’, I wrote Variations 6 and 7, and the piece really woke up. You might say that in that evening I rediscovered something of my childhood, but on a professional level. The band, under Kevin Bolton, rehearsed various pieces including George Lloyd’s English Heritage, as you might tell from the multiple octave melodies of Variation 8! That evening made a lasting impact on me. I have never looked back. “Having finished my score, I was cautiously optimistic, and took it to Brian Lingley (an old colleague from the Leeds College of Music). His Rotherham Youth Band was the first group to try it out. The band included many composer Luciano Berio’s re-imagining of the Vivaldi’s music is largely surface material, and young players who later achieved great things unfinished tenth symphonies of Mahler and so allows a second composer some musical (Michelle Ibbotson was its young soprano Schubert, but in a climate when brass bands opportunities... new accompaniments, or player). I then took it over to Besses. My score had lost the respect of public taste for new ‘art’ polychromatic rhythms for example. It is no has a list, ‘Proof reading session, Besses o’ music, I do count Paganini Variations as a score accident that Paganini’s Caprice and the Bach th’ Barn, February 5th 1991’. It lists seven that regained their confidence and created music in the finale of Lowry Sketchbook were corrections in the parts and score, a suggestion a new level of trust in the contest arena. At originally written for unaccompanied violin, from the conductor (!) about the slurring and the ‘Open’, many listeners stayed for the vast giving new chances for a ‘modern dress’ cross accents in the Bolero variation - to the majority of bands, as did I. It was an ‘I was there’ approach. Paganini was ideal, because his benefit of every cornet section since - and the moment!” melody (with its implied harmony, rudimentary comment ‘First Class Read Through’. After that rhythmic patterns, virtuoso style and Italianate I knew! The spectrum of styles that Philip refers to in cantilena) is ripe for plucking, as so many other “Thence to Grimethorpe with Frank Renton ‘Paganini’ is very wide, taking the listener and composers have found.” and a valuable set of reactions from the various player on a musical odyssey from Paganini’s As with all Philip’s compositions, the form came performers. First impressions rarely let you time with hints of Brahms, Rachmaninov, even first: “Paganini Variations is essentially a three- down and I had become a brass band devotee. traces of Wagner and Britten, through to his part structure, with a slow movement flanked It was, of course, a very unfashionable obsession own virtuoso idiom. This deliberate eclecticism by two sequences of character studies. It ends, in university teaching circles, but I had taken a is successful because Philip’s artistic agenda in classic manner with an extended finale. Step turn at the musical crossroads and could never and its working out are finely balanced: “The forward the Viennese masters!” go back. Amusingly, the Professor at Leeds brass band started in Paganini’s own times, The work begins with an extravagant even suggested that I transferred from Music to and his virtuoso spirit is still at the centre of introduction, but then the theme enters and Anthropology, so embedded had I become in banding culture. However, my work was written adopts what Philip describes as “a quasi- what he regarded as a ‘tribal’ culture.” in a ‘post-modern’ climate, when (as the critic classical brass ensemble style”. However, it soon and BBC producer, Hans Keller, so often said) became apparent that he could be much more Paganini Variations has since gone on to quotation often outstripped creativity. Not until daring in his approach. I’ll let Philip conclude become one of the established classics of the John Adams’ Harmonielehre were we offered a the story. late 20th century brass band repertoire. Like viable alternative to ‘University’ modernism. “I had written as far as Variation 4 (cornets) all the best music used for competitions - A “The point about the choice of quotations and 5 (basses), which quote Paganini’s own Moorside Suite, Pageantry, Cloudcatcher Fells, is important. The chosen music (Vivaldi in variations. Having started the piece, I then Contest Music et al - it has remained in the my Red Priest is a good example) needs to wanted to research the bandsman’s culture a repertoire because of its musical integrity, its allow a new hand some space in the texture. little more deeply. Accordingly I visited a Black range and its universal appeal.

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BB 14-15.indd 15 22-02-2011 17:07:42 2011 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The bands competing at the 20

SCOTLAND 7. Langholm Town (A. Fernie) 4. Delph (P. Goodwin) YORKSHIRE 49 bands 8. Peebles Burgh (A. Knox) 5. Dobcross Silver (G. Moore) 57 bands Perth Concert Hall 9. Perthshire Brass (G. Annan) 6. Douglas Town (G. Higginbottom) St. George’s Hall, Bradford 10. Renfrew Burgh (T. Pacher) 7. Eccleston Brass (I. Bateson) CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION 11. St. David’s Brass (J. Dickson) 8. Flixton (S. Curtis) CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION Sunday 27 February 9. Haslingden and Helmshore (D. Holland) Sunday 6 March Draw: 12.15pm (starts at 1.45pm) SECTION 4 10. Haydock (M. Quinn) Draw: 3.00pm (starts at 5.00pm) Adjudicators: David Read MBE and Saturday 26 February 11. Middleton (M. Stringer) Adjudicators: Stan Lippeatt and Lt. Col. Graham Jones OBE Draw: 1.10pm (starts at 2.40pm) 12. Morecambe (A. Warriner) David Read MBE 1. Bon Accord Silver (S. Simonsen) Adjudicators: Melvin White and 13. Mossley (D. Byers) 1. Black Dyke (Dr. N. Childs) 2. Bo’ness and Carriden Silver (S. Sykes) Peter Bassano 14. Old Hall Brass (J. North) 2. Brighouse and Rastrick (Professor D. King) 3. Co-operative FuneralCare (Dr. N. Childs) 1. Callander Brass (I. Milligan) 15. Tyldesley (R. Taylor) 3. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (P. McCann) 4. Dalmellington (R. Evans) 2. Dundee Instrumental (J. Tonner) 16. Uppermill (A. Widdop) 4. Drighlington (J. Davies) 5. Exchange Communications Whitburn (I. 3. Dysart Colliery (G. Lindsay) 5. Grimethorpe Colliery (A. Withington) Porthouse) 4. MacTaggart Scott (M. Bell) SECTION 3 6. Hade Edge (S. Wood) 6. Kingdom Brass (A. Duncan) 5. Penicuik Silver (S. Black) Opera House 7. Hebden Bridge (K. Wadsworth) 7. Kirkintilloch (G. Cutt) 6. Queensferry Community (J. Anderson) Draw 8.45am (starts at 9.45am) 8. Hepworth (R. Gray) 8. Lochgelly (A. Ramsay) 7. Tayport Instrumental (F. Culross) Adjudicator: Steve Pritchard-Jones 9. Marsden Silver Prize (G. Williams) 9. Newtongrange (N. Boddice MBE) 1. BMP Europe Goodshaw (D. Warren) 10. Rothwell Temperance (D. Roberts) 10. Unison Kinneil (C. McKenzie) 2. Eagley (N. Parkinson) 11. Skelmanthorpe (J. Roberts) NORTH WEST 3. Eccles Borough (M. Gray) 12. Wakefield Metropolitan (N. Law) SECTION 1 73 bands 4. Farnworth and Walkden (P. Ashley) Sunday 27 February Winter Gardens, Blackpool 5. Greenall’s (K. Stott) SECTION 1 Draw: 9.00am (starts at 10.30am) 27 February – all sections 6. Hawk Green (Marple) (N. Hewson) Sunday 6 March Adjudicators: Melvin White and 7. Hazel Grove (N. Beasley) Draw: 7.45am (starts at 9.15am) Stan Lippeatt CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION 8. Hoover Bolton (T. Halliwell) Adjudicators: David Horsfield and 1. Arbroath Instrumental (M. Robertson) Opera House 9. Lostock Hall Memorial (J. Wood) Barry Thompson 2. Bathgate (E. Tonner) Draw 1.45pm 10. Pemberton Old Wigan JJB B (P. Ashley) 1. City of Sheffield (D. Holling) 3. Broxburn and Livingston (C. Farren) (starts after Section 3 results) 11. Rivington and Adlington (Malcolm Wilson) 2. Frickley / South Elmsall (D. Nichols) 4. Clackmannan and District (P. Kiernan) Adjudicator: John Berryman 12. Stalybridge Old (G. Smith) 3. Grange Moor (N. Payne) 5. Coalburn Silver (G. Bowman) 1. Ashton-under-Lyne (M. Evans) 13. Whitworth Vale and Healey (J. Binns) 4. Hammonds Saltaire (M. Griffiths) 6. Dalkeith and Monktonhall (J. Chamberlain) 2. Blackburn and Darwen (N. Sheppard) 5. Kippax (D. Lancaster) 7. Johnstone Silver (R. Tennant) 3. Co-operative (Crewe) (J. Sparkes) SECTION 4 6. Meltham and Meltham Mills (R. Morgan) 8. Kirkintilloch Kelvin (C. Keenan) 4. Co-operative Milnrow (D. Evans) Empress Ballroom 7. Powerfuel Hatfield Colliery (G. O’Connor) 9. Newmilns and Galston (A. McCutcheon) 5. Fairey (Geneva) (R. Gray) Split draw: 10.00am and 1.00pm 8. Stannington (D. Renshaw) 6. Foden’s (A. Withington) (starts at 11.00am) 9. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (D. SECTION 2 7. Leyland (P. Harper) Adjudicator: Major Paul Norley Nesbitt) Saturday 26 February 8. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (M. Bentham) 1. Besses Boys (J. Holt) Draw: 8.30am (starts at 10.00am) 9. Silk Brass Macclesfield (P. Andrews) 2. Blackley (A. Smith) SECTION 2 Adjudicators: Peter Bassano and 10. Vernon Building Society Poynton (K. Gibbs) 3. Boarshurst Silver (D. Ashworth) Saturday 5 March Lt. Col. Graham Jones OBE 11. Wingates (A. Morrison) 4. City of Chester (P. Mottershead) Draw: 1.00pm (starts at 2.45pm approx.) 1. Annan Town (D. Shanks) 5. Coppull and Standish (G. Martin) Adjudicators: Philip Harper and 2. Barrhead Burgh (B. Keachie) SECTION 1 6. Darwen Brass (S. Hartley) John Roberts 3. City of Discovery (B. Wallace) Pavilion Theatre 7. Denton Brass (C. Myers) 1. Barnsley Chronicle (formerly Barnsley 4. Croy Silver (K. Blackwood) Draw: 9.15am (starts at 10.15am) 8. Dobcross Youth (J. Garlick) Building Society) (R. Straw) 5. Dunaskin Doon (J. Boax) Adjudicator: David Horsfield 9. Ellenbrook and Boothstown (C. Mann) 2. Clifton and Lightcliffe (J. Clay) 6. Granite City Brass (Lt. Col. [retired] R. Owen) 1. Bollington Brass (P. Christian) 10. Golborne (J. Smith) 3. Dodworth Colliery M.W. (E. Darwin) 7. Irvine and Dreghorn (J. Boax) 2. Diggle (J. Shepherd) 11. Greenfield (S. Robinson) 4. Emley (G. Hallas) 8. Kilmarnock Concert (C. Anderson) 3. Freckleton (P. Dalton) 12. Littleborough Public (A. Woodhead) 5. Garforth (S. Bailey) 9. Selkirk Silver (M. Bell) 4. Longridge (M. Peacock) 13. Mereside Brass (M. Phenton) 6. Knottingley Silver (Dr. O. Wedgewood) 10. Shotts St. Patrick’s (M. Marzella) 5. Manx Concert Brass (I. Clague MBE) 14. Nelson Brass (S. Brodie) 7. Lindley (N. Jowett) 11. St. Ronan’s Silver (D. McLeod) 6. Oldham (Lees) (J. Collins) 15. Parr (Richardson Ltd.) St. Helens (J. Ludden) 8. Rockingham (R. Spencer) 12. Tullis Russell (M. Ramsay) 7. Poulton-le-Fylde (G. Westwood) 16. Pilling Jubilee Silver (B. Porter) 9. Slaithwaite (T. Clegg) 8. Rainford (N. Samuel) 17. Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass (C. Dare) 10. South Yorkshire Police (L. Baker) SECTION 3 9. Roberts Bakery (C. Cranson) 18. Ramsey Town (R. Quane) 11. Strata (D. Hirst) Saturday 26 February 10. Wardle Anderson Brass (S. Conway) 19. Rode Hall Silver (J. Callister) 12. Wetherby and District Silver (A. Seymour) Draw: 4.15pm (starts at 5.45pm) 20. Sale Brass (J. Dickinson) Adjudicators: Stan Lippeatt and SECTION 2 21. Tarleton Brass (tba) SECTION 3 David Read MBE Pavilion Theatre 22. Tottington Public (D. Price) Sunday 6 March 1. Bon Accord Silver B (R. Kidd) Draw: 12.00noon 23. Wirral Brass (P. Smith) Draw: 10.45am (starts at 12.15pm 2. Brass Sounds Inverclyde (L. Nicholson) (starts after Section 1 results) approx.) 3. Buckhaven and Methil Miners (D. Neil) Adjudicator: Kevin Wadsworth Adjudicators: Philip Harper and 4. Dumfries Town (P. Heyes) 1. Besses o’ th’ Barn (G. Bradley) Major Paul Norley 5. Dunfermline Town (A. Shaw) 2. Blackpool Brass (R. Waite) 1. Chapeltown (A. Dennis) 6. Jedforest Instrumental (P. Rosier) 3. Co-operative 2000 Brass (J. Meredith) 2. City of Bradford (L. Skipsey)

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3. Crofton Silver (T. Sidwell) 5. Foresters Brass 2000 (P. Collins) Steve Pritchard-Jones 12. Shrewton Silver (M. Dunford) 4. Elland (J. Shepherd) 6. Foss Dyke (P. Murrell) 1. Bestwood Welfare Black Diamonds 13. Storm Brass (tba) 5. Gawthorpe Brass ’85 (J. Edward) 7. Harborough (C. Groom) (B. Draper) 14. Verwood Concert Brass (P. Bailey) 6. Horbury Victoria (D. Beckley) 8. Hathern (D. Newman) 2. Burbage Buxton (S. Critchlow) 15. Yeovil Town (N. Seaman) 7. Huddersfield and Ripponden (A. Coe) 9. Jackfield (Elcock Reisen) (S. Platford) 3. Ceramic Brass (S. Thompson) 8. Lofthouse 2000 (A. Whitaker) 10. Langley (C. Parker) 4. Corby Silver (N. Hall) SECTION 2 9. Maltby Miners Welfare (T. Clifford) 11. Oddfellows Brass (R. Boulter) 5. Fairfield (Buxton) (C. Kitchen) Sunday 13 March 10. Skelmanthorpe B (P. Garlick) 12. Phoenix West Midlands (J. Ward) 6. Ifton Colliery (M. Robinson) The Forum 11. Thurcroft Welfare (K. Vernon) 13. Ratby Co-operative (M. Fowles) 7. Ilkeston Brass (D. Jones) Draw: 8.45am (starts at 10.0am) 12. Worsbrough Brass (J. Hopkinson) 14. Shirland Welfare (A. Dennis) 8. Ireland Colliery Chesterfield (I. Knapton) Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill and 15. Shirley (D. Bishop-Rowe) 9. Kirkby Colliery Welfare (S. Berrill) David Lancaster SECTION 4 16. Tintwistle (S. Groarke) 10. Malvern Hills District Brass (J. Swindells) 1. Bath Spa (D. Hayward) Saturday 5 March 17. Wellington (Telford) (M. Phillips) 11. Market Rasen RPC (A. Needham) 2. Bodmin Town (G. Lannie) Draw: 9.00am (starts at 10.30am) 18. Wigston (G. Sleath) 12. Melton (G. Sutton) 3. Bristol East and Kingswood (R. Griffiths) Adjudicators: J. Stuart Fawcett and 13. Moulton 77 (B. Stradling) 4. Brunel Brass (J. Winterflood) Stan Lippeatt SECTION 2 14. Newhall (K. Holdgate) 5. Bugle Silver (J. Willcock) 1. Armthorpe Elmfield (H. Griffiths MBE) Sunday 13 March 15. Pleasley Colliery Welfare (K. Buxton) 6. Cinderford (N. Seaman) 2. Barnsley Metropolitan (A. Francis) The Civic Hall, Bedworth 16. Ratby Co-op Mid (G. Newman) 7. City of Bristol (C. Thomas) 3. Clifton and Lightcliffe B (J. Clay) Draw: 9.00am (starts at 10.00am) 17. Rushden Town (M. Dawson) 8. Forest of Dean Brass (M. Ford) 4. Deepcarr (L. Bolt) Adjudicators: Major Paul Norley and 18. Skegness Silver (S. Walker) 9. Pendennis Brass Falmouth (S. Thomas) 5. Dinnington Colliery (J. Beatty) David Horsfield 19. Trentham Brass (M. Caveney) 10. Phoenix Brass (Crewkerne) (D. Hatton) 6. Dronfield CMW (J. Davis) 1. Bakewell Silver (M. Wilcockson) 20. Whitwell (L. Cooper) 11. Soundhouse Brass (S. Badge) 7. Friendly (Sowerby Bridge) (C. Caton) 2. Bilton Silver (Rugby) (D. Stowell) 12. St. Pinnock (C. Spreadbury) 8. Golcar (M. Cox) 3. Blidworth Welfare (M. Heartfield) WEST OF ENGLAND 13. Swindon Pegasus Brass (M. Lock) 9. Linthwaite (G. Pulleyn) 4. Ibstock Brick Brass (H. Thomas) 74 bands 14. Wotton-under-Edge and District (D. Grant) 10. Oughtibridge (G. Somerset) 5. Leicestershire Co-op (Snibston) (G. Jacklin) Riviera International Conference Centre, 11. Wilsden (K. Lee) 6. Matlock (D. Clark) Torquay SECTION 3 12. Yorkshire Traction Honley (W. Bostwick) 7. Porthywaen Silver (M. Parry) Saturday 12 March 8. Raunds Temperance (R. Norman) CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION The Forum MIDLANDS 9. Shirebrook Miners Welfare (Union) (M. Sunday 13 March Draw: 8.45am (starts at 10.00am) 76 bands Wilcockson) The Forum Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill and The Civic Hall and Nicholas Chamberlaine 10. Towcester Studio (D. Jones) Draw: 12 noon (starts at 3.00pm) Kevin Wadsworth Technology College, Bedworth 11. Wem Jubilee (R. Thorne) Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent and 1. Bream Silver (H. Cole) Kevin Wadsworth 2. Corsham (tba) CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION SECTION 3 1. Camborne Town (G. Cutt) 3. Denmead Brass (E. Flood) The Civic Hall, Bedworth Saturday 12 March 2. Flowers (P. Holland) 4. Downton (R. Wright) Sunday 13 March Nicholas Chamberlaine Technology 3. Helston Town (J. Hitchens) 5. Gillingham Imperial Silver (P. Williams) Draw: 12 noon College, Bedworth 4. Lynbrook (I. Holmes) 6. Pillowell Silver (I. Whitburn) (starts after Section 2 results) Split draw: 10.00am and 12 noon 5. Mount Charles (A. Duncan) 7. Sidmouth Town (A. Harvey) Adjudicators: Philip Harper and (starts at 11.00am) 6. Poole Borough (P. Randell) 8. St. Stythians (J. Burns) Peter Bassano Adjudicators: David Horsfield and 7. Portishead Town (I. Dickinson) 9. Test Valley Brass (S. Dunster) 1. City of Coventry Brass (S. Cooper) Alan Hope 8. Sherborne Town (P. Cosh) 10. Tewkesbury Town (N. Morgan) 2. Derwent Brass (K. Leonard) 1. Amington (W. Kendrick) 9. St. Austell Town (G. Pritchard) 11. Weston Brass (T. Osborne) 3. Desford Colliery (R. Gray) 2. Arrow Valley (P. White) 10. St. Dennis (D. Hawken) 12. Weymouth Concert Brass (A. Glynn) 4. Glossop Old (P. Pavey) 3. Avonbank (Evesham) (N. Smith) 11. Woodfalls (Dr. N. Childs) 5. Gresley Colliery (W. Kendrick) 4. City of Birmingham (W. Belshaw) SECTION 4 6. Jaguar (Coventry) (D. Lea) 5. Croft Silver (I. Needham) SECTION 1 Saturday 12 March 7. Kibworth (J. Wise) 6. Cubbington Silver (A. Webb) Saturday 12 March The Arena 8. Newstead Welfare (D. Beckley) 7. Daventry Brass (N. Howard) The Forum Draw: 10.15am (starts at 11.30am) 9. Sovereign Brass (D. Maplestone) 8. Hucknall and Linby M.C. (P. Whyley) Draw: 12 noon (starts at 3.00pm) Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent and 10. Staffordshire (H. Thomas) 9. Long Eaton Silver Prize (S. Stansfield) Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill and David Lancaster 11. Thoresby Colliery (I. Porthouse) 10. Rolls Royce (Derby) (G. Cardwell) Kevin Wadsworth 1. Andover Town (S. Large) 12. Virtuosi GUS (J. Berryman) 11. Rushden Windmill (J. Fletcher) 1. Aldbourne (D. Johnson) 2. A.W. Parker (Drybrook) (K. White) 12. Shipston Town (H. Gibbs) 2. Bournemouth Concert Brass 3. Bideford Town (R. Ashby) SECTION 1 13. Stamford (R. Prew) (Captain D. Barringer) 4. Bratton Silver (S. Carr) Saturday 12 March 14. University of Warwick (S. Hogg) 3. Camborne B (A. Pope) 5. Chalford Academy (S. Tubb) The Civic Hall, Bedworth 15. West Mercia Police (D. Thomas) 4. Chalford (S. Tubb) 6. Gosport Silver (R. Sharp) Split draw: 10.00am and 12 noon (starts 5. Filton Concert Brass (B. James) 7. Hatherleigh Silver (D. Hayward) at 11.00am) SECTION 4 6. Hyde (I. Hutchinson) 8. Launceston Town (D. Dobson) Adjudicators: Peter Bassano and Sunday 13 March 7. Lanner and District Silver (S. Chappell) 9. Marshfield (D. Jones) Major Paul Norley Nicholas Chamberlaine Technology 8. Lympstone South West Telecoms 10. Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver 1. Bedworth Brass (G. Bennett) College, Bedworth (C. Fleming) (J. Sykes) 2. Brackley and District (J. Glynn) Split draw: 10.00am and 12 noon 9. Michelmersh Silver (M. White) 11. New Forest Brass (I. Luxford) 3. Carlton Brass (S. Lippeatt) (starts at 11.00am) 10. Ocean Brass (J. Camps) 12. Okehampton Excelsior Silver (D. Law) 4. Enderby (J. Mott) Adjudicators: Alan Hope and 11. Otterbourne Brass (Dr. C. Davis OBE) 13. Porthleven Town (F. Ralph)

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 17

BB 16-17-18-19.indd 17 22-02-2011 17:14:06 www.plcmusic.com

PLC Music is proud to exclusively present a whole range of new music by Paul Lovatt-Cooper Enchanted Kingdom An exciting concert fi nale composed for the Brighouse and Rastrick Band and given its world premier at the Sage Gateshead at the 2009 Brass in Concert Championships. Circa 7’00” Diffi culty level: 2nd section+

Pound The Streets A fast pounding rock number commissioned for the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland by the Scottish Brass Band Association for the Tartan Heart Festival 2010. Circa 3’30”. Diffi culty level: 3rd section+

Wall of Sound A real ‘feel-good’ piece that mixes the genres of dance, jazz, rock and funk that is an ideal showcase for band and soloists. Commissioned by Dr Nicholas Childs and Philip Biggs for the National Children’s Band of Great Britain 2010. Circa 7’20”. Diffi culty level: 3rd section+

On The Castle Green A grand concert march commissioned by the Third Carrickfergus Band to mark the occasion of their Golden Jubilee. Circa 4’30”. Diffi culty level: 2nd section+

Canzona Bravura A fresh new and exciting euphonium solo that shows off the technical skills of the soloist and also their musicality in the beautiful middle section. Commissioned by Louise Martin for euphonium soloist Martin Smith. Circa 5’30”. Diffi culty level Band: 3rd section+; Soloist: Grade 6 ABRSM.

Jack in a Box A fun xylophone solo commissioned by the Bilton Silver (Rugby) band for talented up and coming percussionist Jack Fisher. Circa 2’30”. Diffi culty level Band: 4th section+; Soloist: Grade 5 ABRSM.

Emerald Skies A beautiful medium tempo solo for either cornet or fl ugal commissioned by Ross Johnson and the Camberwell Citadel Band in Australia. Circa 4’00”. Diffi culty level Band: 4th section+; Soloist: Grade 3 ABRSM Plus two brand new Christmas pieces... Christians Awake This Christmas fanfare is a great way to start a concert or a second half. It has lots of excitement in the fanfare while the use of the Christmas carol Christians Awake gives it a fantastic sense of occasion. Ideal for 3rd section bands and upwards. Circa 2’10”. Carol of the Bells Based on the famous Ukrainian Christmas Carol this piece would be a fantastic addition to any Christmas concert programme. It is ideal for any band 4th section and upwards and it has a unique twist to it with a choice of two different endings. Circa 3’00”.

To order any of the above pieces then visit www.plcmusic.com To order by telephone 07794542165 All major credit cards accepted

BB 16-17-18-19.indd 18 22-02-2011 17:14:09 2011 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

14. Shanklin Town Brass (M. Lewis) 8. Fulham (S. Jones) 7. Kirkbymoorside (J. Woodward) 7. Tredegar (I. Porthouse) 15. Swindon Brass (F. Cowley) 9. Grimsdyke Brass (S. Broughall) 8. Lockwood (J. Roberts) 16. Tiverton Town (G. Taylor) 10. Hungerford Town (T. Crouter) 9. NASUWT Riverside (I. Robinson) SECTION 1 17. Torbay Brass (T. Finnigan) 11. Littleport Brass (N. Bramley) 10. Reg Vardy (Dr. N. Childs) Saturday 19 March 18. Totnes (S. Davis) 12. Northfleet Brass (M. White) Starts after completion of Section 2 19. Verwood B (A. Clarke) 13. St. Sebastian Wokingham (L. Woodward) SECTION 1 Adjudicator: C. Brian Buckley 20. Wight Brass (T. Carter) 14. Stantonbury Brass (E. Keeley) Sunday 20 March 1. Abergavenny Borough (D. Griffith) 21. Wilton and District (C. Herbert) 15. Thundersley Brass (tba) Draw: 8.15am (starts at 10.00am) 2. Burry Port (M. Thorne) 22. Wincanton Silver (B. Kelloway) 16. Tilbury (A. Duguid) Adjudicator: Jim Davies 3. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (G. Ritter) 17. Ware Brass (P. Littlemore) 1. Dearham (C. Shanks) 4. Deiniolen (G. Saynor) LONDON AND SOUTHERN COUNTIES 18. Waterbeach Brass (J. Utting) 2. Harrogate (C. Ratcliffe) 5. Parc and Dare (M. Ford) 77 bands 3. Murton Colliery (D. Noble) 6. Penclawdd Brass (A. Small) Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre SECTION 3 4. Shepherd Building Group (R. Wilton) 7. Pontardulais Town (P. Jenkins) Sunday 20 March 5. Wansbeck’s Ashington Colliery (tba) 8. Rogerstone (J. Jones) CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION Main Hall 6. Westoe (J. Smith) 9. Tylorstown (G. Davies) Sunday 20 March Draw: 10.00am (starts at 11.00am) 10. Wrexham Brass (W. Ruston) Gordon Craig Theatre Adjudicator: Major Paul Norley SECTION 2 Draw: 1.30pm 1. BAE Systems Brass (K. Woodger) Saturday 19 March SECTION 2 (starts after Section 4 results) 2. Battle Town (J. Penton) Draw: 1.30pm (starts after Section 3) Saturday 19 March Adjudicator: Denis Wilby 3. Brighton and Hove City Brass (M. Hackett) Adjudicator: David Lancaster Starts after Section 3 1. Aveley and Newham (N. Taken) 4. Chalgrove Brass (T. Brotherhood) 1. Billingham Silver (V. Evans) Adjudicator: David Read MBE 2. City of Cambridge (S. Phillips) 5. Cold Ash Brass (S. Sizeland) 2. Catterick Brass (B. Wheeler) 1. Blaenavon Town (A. Protherough-Jones) 3. Clacton-on-Sea Co-operative (P. Bassano) 6. Crystal Palace (M. Gray) 3. Cockerton Prize Silver (G. Nicklin) 2. Crosskeys Silver (K. Bowden) 4. Friary Guildford Brass (C. King) 7. Hangleton (R. Baker) 4. Durham Miners’ Association (tba) 3. Gwaun Cae Gurwen (G. R. Davies) 5. Medway (M. White) 8. Hemel Hempstead (D. Klein) 5. Ferryhill Town (S. Norris) 4. Lewis Merthyr (G. Pritchard) 6. Milton Keynes (MK) Brass (P. Fensom) 9. Hitchin Town (C. Patterson) 6. Houghton Brass (I. Langthorne) 5. Llanrug (P. Hughes) 7. Norfolk Brass (D. Stowell) 10. Jubilee Brass (Oxford) (C. Sadler) 7. Northumbrian Water Ellington Colliery 6. Llwydcoed (G. Davies) 8. Redbridge Brass (J. Wise) 11. Tadley Concert Brass (P. Chapman) (J. Fenwick) 7. Newtown Silver (S. Edwards) 9. Regent Brass (A. Duguid) 12. Wantage Silver ‘B’ (D. Dullforce) 8. South Milford Brass (M. Hall) 8. RAF St. Athan Voluntary (A. R. Bourne) 10. Sandhurst Silver (I. McElligott) 13. Watford (R. Graves) 9. Royal Buckley Town (M. Bousie) 11. Wantage Silver A (P. Bailey) 14. Woodbridge Excelsior (C. Lewis) SECTION 3 10. Yynshir (D. Evans) 12. Zone One Brass (R. Ward) Saturday 19 March SECTION 4 Draw: 11.30am (starts at 1.00pm) SECTION 3 SECTION 1 Sunday 20 March Adjudicator: Jim Davies Saturday 19 March Saturday 19 March Gordon Craig Theatre 1. Bearpark and Esh Colliery (A. Hall) Starts at 11.30am Main Hall Draw: 9.00am (starts at 10.00am) 2. Dunston Silver (J. Bell) Adjudicator: C. Brian Buckley Draw: 2.30pm (starts after Section 2 Adjudicator: Duncan Beckley 3. East Riding of Yorkshire Brass (D. Warley) 1. Briton Ferry (Dr. C. Jenkins) results) 1. Amersham (P. Fisher) 4. Marske Brass (A. Prest) 2. Crwbin (A. Jones) Adjudicator: Duncan Beckley 2. Bletchington Silver (N. Hall) 5. Ripon City (M. Dibb) 3. Goodwick (M. Jenkins) 1. Alder Valley Brass (R. Burke) 3. Bradwell Silver (B. Keech) 6. York Railway Institute (G. Eddison) 4. Newport Borough (I. Barnett) 2. Bedford Town (A. Kershaw) 4. Charles Church Camberley (tba) 5. Ogmore Valley (A. Jones) 3. Cawston (L. Sharpe) 5. City of Oxford Silver (R. Fleming) SECTION 4 6. Severn Tunnel (A. Harris) 4. East London Brass (J. Murrill) 6. Cobham (D. Ruel) Sunday 20 March 7. Tata Steel (Port Talbot) (C. Thomas) 5. Egham (G. Green) 7. Cottenham Brass (P. Mackley) Draw: 10.00am (starts after Section 1) 8. Treherbert and District (C. Roberts) 6. Epsom and Ewell Silver (T. Howard) 8. E.P.B. Brass (M. Turner) Adjudicator: David Lancaster. 7. Fairlop Brass (K. Jordan) 9. Great Yarmouth Brass (C. Sweap) 1. Backworth Colliery (tba) SECTION 4 8. Haverhill Silver (M. Ager) 10. Harwich R.B.L. Brass (A. Sanders) 2. Durham Constabulary (tba) Sunday 20 March 9. Horsham Borough (L. Cole) 11. King’s Lynn Town (S. Ingham) 3. Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes (S. Askew) Starts at 11.00am 10. Ipswich and Norwich Co-op (G. Chambers) 12. L.G.B. Brass (I. Stewart) 4. Knaresborough Silver (S. Morland) Adjudicator: C. Brian Buckley 11. Jersey Premier Brass (T. Pritchard) 13. Letchworth Garden City (T. Welch) 5. Lanchester (R. Valance) 1. Abertillery Youth (D. Evans) 12. Kidlington Concert Brass (D. Wilson) 14. Milton Keynes (MK) Development 6. NASUWT Riverside Concert (B. Tait) 2. Cwmbran (A. Lucas) 13. Soham Comrades (K. Schroeter) (D. Johnston) 7. Stanhope Silver (S. Robson) 3. Melingriffith 2 (D. Griffiths) 14. St. Albans City (P. Littlemore) 15. Royston Town (S. Early) 8. Swinton and District Excelsior (N. Sutherland) 4. Oakdale (A. Browning) 15. Staines Brass (M. White) 16. Snowdown Colliery Welfare (K. Twyman) 9. Trimdon Concert Brass (P. Ash) 5. Ystradgynlais (W. White) 16. Welwyn Garden City (D. Daws) 17. Yiewsley and West Drayton (C. Cole) NORTH OF ENGLAND WALES 39 bands 40 bands British Bandsman SECTION 2 Dolphin Centre, Darlington Brangwyn Hall, Swansea Saturday 19 March wishes all the Main Hall CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION Draw: 9.00am (starts at 10.00am) Sunday 20 March Sunday 20 March bands success Adjudicator: Denis Wilby Draw: 12.30pm (starts after Section 4) Starts after Section 4 1. Becontree Brass (A. Cooke) Adjudicator: Jim Davies Adjudicator: David Read MBE 2. Betteshanger Colliery Brass (D. Cutting) 1. Barton Town (R. Evans) 1. Beaumaris (G. Evans) at the 2011 3. Chichester City (R. Hunt) 2. Easington Colliery (D. Hirst) 2. BTM (T. Davoren) 4. Chinnor Silver (D. Pegram) 3. EYMS (A. Morrison) 3. Cory (Dr. R. Childs) Regional 5. Colchester (P. Ivey) 4. Felling (S. Malcolm) 4. Markham and District (A. Morton) 6. Denham Hendon Brass (G. Davies) 5. Fishburn (John Ward) 5. Northop (T. Wyss) Championships 7. Epping Forest (D. Desmond) 6. GT Group Peterlee (N. Law) 6. Tongwynlais Temperance (P. Harper)

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 19

BB 16-17-18-19.indd 19 22-02-2011 17:14:19 EVENT NEWS Allan Withington’s Conductor Summer School 2011

Yet another forward-thinking Conductor Summer School is planned He chaired the more formal discussions, which focussed on the current for 2011 by internationally acclaimed conductor, Allan Withington, in state of brass banding, how the students see the future and how conjunction with Soli Brass, Leeuwarden. The Summer School has been leadership can be provided to move towards this vision. This year will held for the past two years at the same venue and has inspired keen see the website 4Barsrest’s Iwan Fox chair the discussion during his visit students to develop their conducting skills. Passion and a commitment to to the Summer School. brass bands have been great factors amongst the students. The students have been from all over the world, young and old, male and female, Allan Withington’s reputation as an innovator is well known from his experienced and inexperienced. concert creations for the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Stavanger Brass Band and Grimethorpe Colliery Band. Allan has said about his summer This year, Allan Withington will be joined by guest lecturer, Robin school: “I’ve reached a stage in my life when I almost feel morally obliged Dewhurst, who is acknowledged internationally for his work as composer/ to pass on some of the experiences that I’ve had for the benefit of others. arranger, musical director, performer and educator. Robin is Senior I know that now I’ve achieved certain things in the banding world, I’m in Lecturer in Music at the University of Salford. a position where I have skills, techniques and experience that I’d like to be In addition to practising their conducting skills, the students will be able to share.” given the opportunity to consider issues such as programming, logistics and presentation. They will also collaborate in the development of an innovative programme for a final concert called Ready, Steady… Design. In the concert, students from the fashion department of the Friesland College will be helped by Soli brass and the conductors to show off their creations on a specially designed catwalk in the centre of Leeuwarden. A ladies choir will also be present at the final concert.

Students will receive individual coaching from Allan Withington and Robin Dewhurst, and will also be focussing on public performances throughout the week, i.e. street concerts amongst the town’s historic buildings and bridges. A spokesperson for the event commented: “The past two summer schools have hosted visits from a representative from British Bandsman and last year the Editor of Brass Band World, Philip Harper, came to learn about the best practice on the podium.

Following the success of the 2009 and 2010 Summer School, Allan Withington and Soli Brass have been asked to hold the course again in 2011 25 June – 1 July 2011 with guest lecturer Robin Dewhurst and is organised in conjunction with Soli Brass Leeuwarden

Venue: Parnas, Centre of Arts, Leeuwarden (The Netherlands) Fee - Euro 375 Fee includes : 1. All tuition 2. Accommodation 3. Breakfast, lunch and dinner 4. Transport to and from Schiphol International Airport 5. Cost of postage, all course material will be sent out one month before start of course.

Please send application, together with up to date CV (including name, address and all relevant personal details) to: Allan Withington Anja Abma [email protected] [email protected]

Because of the success in 2009 and 2010 there has already been a great deal of interest in the course so the organizers encourage people to enroll early. This project is sponsored by Gobelinmusic.com

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 20

BB 20-21-22-23-24-25.indd 20 22-02-2011 18:37:41 TRIBUTE Major Peter Parkes 1928 2011

With the help of some who ever walked on a contest stage - a man In 1962, Peter was commissioned to the who inspired a generation of bandsmen and Alamein Tank Band. Three years later, he leading figures in the life women, and a musical giant in every sense. He became Director of Music of the Royal won the admiration of brass band audiences Engineers and, in 1966, Director of Music of and career of Major Peter the world over, as well as anyone who ever the Grenadier Guards, where he remained listened to his countless recordings. To those until shortly before his high-profile retirement Parkes, Kenneth Crookston lucky enough to know and work with him, his from the Army, when he spent a short time as influence went even deeper. Director of Music of the Band of the Royal Army pays tribute to the most Peter Parkes was born in Northampton on 8 Medical Corps. May 1928, the second (but first surviving) child Patrick Parkes added: “From these early times, successful brass band of fishmongers, Leonard Parkes and his wife he really spoke with fondness of Kneller Hall Kate (nee Haycock), who had married two years and the Grenadier Guards. He was also very conductor of the modern earlier. They later produced five more children proud of his first appointment with the Duke (Pamela, Paul, Patrick, Leonard and Barry) of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. We believe he era, who passed away on 12 and they were duly dispatched to St. Mary’s was the youngest ever bandmaster at the Junior School when the time came. In 1939, time. He also enjoyed his times living in Hong February at the age of 82. young Peter passed his 11-plus and moved to Kong and Jamaica.” Campbell Square Intermediate School, leaving Peter and Audrey Parkes had four children three years later at the age of 14 to become an - Jennifer, Marion, Tony and Cathy - and he apprentice electrician with the Northampton married for a second time in 1976, to his ever- We are all familiar with those defining moments Electric Light Company. loving Birgit, with whom he had two sons, that occur only a few times in anyone’s life; for Rather surprisingly, for someone who was to Jonathan and Christopher. They keep the instance, where people were when England become such a giant in brass bands, he began family’s musical torch burning brightly, Chris won the World Cup in 1966, who they were his musical life as a violinist, but his clearly as a French horn player reaching the heights of with when men first walked on the moon in the enlightened teacher suggested to him that, his profession and Jonathan as a busy freelance summer of 1969 or what they were doing on as he would be called up for National Service trombone player and teacher. 11 September 2001 when the news of the at 18, it might be a good idea to learn a wind Speaking about his father’s influence on both terrorist attacks on the USA was breaking. instrument and apply to join an Army band of their lives, Chris Parkes commented: “As Likewise, for those of us who attended the when the time came. He acquired a clarinet and far as my brother and I are concerned, he was Norwegian Brass Band Championships a made such progress that he was able soon to certainly the biggest influence in our lives, fortnight ago, we’ll probably never be able join the town’s wind band. musically and otherwise. I shall never forget to go near Bergen in future without recalling His brother, Patrick, recalled: “In 1945, Peter his determination to push us towards the goals that this was where we heard the sad news and his friend, Don Singlehurst, applied to that we set for ourselves. Maybe the discipline of the death of Major Peter Parkes. From the join the Royal Engineers Staff Band, but they didn’t pass to me (6:30am piano practise before first rumour on the morning of Saturday 12 were declined. However, the Director of Music school!), but his love of music was infectious February, word spread like wildfire around the recommended them to the Royal Leicestershire and we were soon hooked. I was playing tenor magnificent venue, and although the greatest Regiment’s bandmaster, who did accept them. horn with Polypipe Rossington Band and a bit years of his conducting career were towards In 1946, Peter was sent as a pupil to the Royal for Grimethorpe Colliery when he came home the end of the last century, the sense of shock Military School of Music at Kneller Hall, where from a car boot sale with two French horns. He that pervaded the Grieg Hall showed that even he met his first wife, Audrey, and married set me up with Stan Lippeatt for some lessons, young Norwegians are very familiar with the her in 1947. A few years later, he returned to which at first consisted of Stan and I trying to achievements and the legacy of the greatest Kneller Hall as a student bandmaster, passed his work out the fingerings!” brass band conductor of them all. exams with distinction in 1954 and was made After his studies at Chetham’s and Guildhall For anyone fortunate enough to have witnessed bandmaster of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light schools of music, Chris landed a job with the his career, at close quarters or otherwise, Peter Infantry with a rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 London Philharmonic. Peter and Birgit regularly Parkes was quite simply the finest conductor (non-commissioned).” attended concerts and loved it, but he made no

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 21

BB 20-21-22-23-24-25.indd 21 22-02-2011 18:37:47 TRIBUTE

secret of his ambitions for his son - the principal young cornet player like this writer at the time, horn job! In 2008, Chris became principal horn it was a band full of legends - Phillip McCann, of the Royal Philharmonic, where he stayed for John Clough, David Pogson, Derek Jackson two years before moving to the same position and John Slinger, later to be enhanced by with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra the emergence of such great names as Peter in Stockholm (his girlfriend, Emilie, is Swedish). Christian and Sandy Smith. Black Dyke didn’t He also plays with the Fine Arts Brass Ensemble win every contest that it went to in the next and as principal horn of the John Wilson few years, but if it didn’t then it was probably in Orchestra. “The sound of a good brass band second place. There were great performances is still my favourite of all,” said Chris. “I love to and victories almost every year, and in 1985 listen to the old Black Dyke recordings, and An the band won everything it entered - the Epic Symphony is my desert island disc! I went BBC Band of the Year, the Yorkshire ‘Area’ to see him conduct at last year’s Midlands and the European, British Open and National ‘Area’ with Sovereign Brass, when the test- championships, culminating in a performance piece was English Heritage. I hadn’t seen him of John McCabe’s Cloudcatcher Fells in London conduct much in the last few years, so as we that no one who heard it will ever forget. There waited for them to come on stage, I was a little was also a collection of fantastic recordings of apprehensive. What if the magic I remembered most of the great works in our repertoire and was just childish admiration? How would I many unforgettable concerts and tours before see him now I was working with supposedly he left Queensbury in 1989. By then, he had ‘great’ conductors? I needn’t have worried; the led Black Dyke to five British Open, six National moment he raised his arms, I relaxed. He was and seven European championship titles - more fantastic, as was the band, and the piece flowed major wins than anyone else in the post-war as beautifully as it could have. I’ll remember era. He added another three in the ‘Parkes those 15 minutes forever!” Slam’ of 1993 and ’94, when Williams Fairey Chris continued: “Jonathan works mainly in the followed up an astonishing four-point victory at north west, playing regularly with the Halle, the British Open on Philip Wilby’s Masquerade BBC Philharmonic, Liverpool Philharmonic with another dominating win on The Devil and Manchester Camerata amongst others. He and the Deep Blue Sea, as well as a European also has more experience with bands, having Championship triumph in Montreux. When we played with Black Dyke, Grimethorpe and add them all up, there were 21 major titles and Foden’s, and he is heavily involved in teaching another 20 runner-up places - a record that and coaching in schools and on music courses. may never be equalled, and it’s the subject of In October 2010, Jonathan and his wife, records that takes us to another remarkable Gemma, had a baby, Edward Peter Parkes. aspect of the career of Peter Parkes. Dad was in love with him and it was really While he was ‘hoovering up’ titles with Black great to see them together. He was still going Dyke, other bands around the UK saw the strong until the end. He had plans to conduct obvious benefits of having ‘The Major’ lead Sovereign at the Midlands ‘Area’ in March and their assaults on their respective regional titles. then to come over and see me in Stockholm. Between 1980 and 1996 (with the exception This really was very sudden.” of 1988), he won at least one ‘Area’ title every Peter Parkes’ ‘explosion’ into the world of brass year, but usually more, with Desford Colliery, bands may be the most resounding in the 160 Ever Ready, Fairey, Grimethorpe Colliery, or so years that we’ve been contesting. The Jaguar Cars, Whitburn or Yorkshire Imperial story has been told countless times, but for Metals, as well as with the Queensbury band the sake of brevity it began with a call in 1975 on the rare occasions that it had to qualify in from Peter Lambert, a Director of John Foster those days. He won ten North of England titles and Sons Ltd., to ask if he would be interested with Ever Ready (now Reg Vardy) and a record in taking the Company’s band to a contest. eight Scottish Championships with Whitburn, “What’s the band and what’s the contest?” was contributing to an all-time record of 30 in the response. “The band is Black Dyke Mills and total. It would be quite reasonable to ask how the contest is the National Championship at the he ever found the time! Royal Albert Hall. Would you like some time to The victories naturally started to dry up with think about it?” said Mr. Lambert, to which he the passing of time, but only two years ago, at replied, “Yes, about half a second. I’ll do it!” The the age of 80, he inspired Sovereign Brass to a rest, as they say, is history. famous victory at the Pontin’s Championships Despite some internal wrangling in the days on Cloudcatcher Fells. He may not have been before the event (there was a movement within given the fastest cars any longer, but he clearly the band to dispense with his services on the still knew how to drive them. Friday before the contest and ask resident Since the sad news of his death reached us, conductor, Roy Newsome, to replace him), by the BB office has been inundated with tributes all accounts Black Dyke won the contest by the to Peter Parkes. Among the first was from the length of Kensington High Street on Robert great leader of the Black Dyke cornet section Farnon’s Un Vie de Matelot. It returned to do from 1973 until 1988, Phillip McCann, who so on Sinfonietta - ‘The Wayfarer’ by Eric Ball in commented: “You only encounter someone 1976 and Connotations (Gregson) the following like Peter Parkes once in a lifetime. What he year. British Open titles were also won at Belle achieved during his years at Black Dyke was Vue, Manchester in 1976 (An Epic Symphony) nothing short of remarkable. It wasn’t just and ’77 (Diadem of Gold). To an impressionable about winning contests either. He worked

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constantly at making the players better boys. Our thoughts are very much with them musicians, as he did with all the other bands at this sad time as, along with everyone else, he conducted. He will be sorely missed by we send them our condolences. Nevertheless, everyone who knew him.” while we all mourn the passing of this great Another ‘giant’ of the Black Dyke years, Roy man, we also celebrate and give thanks for his Newsome, wrote: ‘Along with all connected wonderful life with bands.’ with brass bands, I mourn the passing of Bram Gay, who witnessed many of the Major’s Major Peter Parkes. As resident conductor of winning performances, added: “The news Black Dyke Mills Band, I was among the first to of Peter’s passing comes as a great shock welcome “The Major” to our particular world. to his many friends and admirers. He was He was already an icon in the military band deservedly among the most successful contest scene, but he was delighted to be invited, in conductors of his time, and certainly one of 1975, to become our professional conductor. the nicest personalities among them. As a By his own admission, he knew little or nothing listener, I was grateful to hear from him some about brass bands at the time, but what a quick of the very finest performances of my banding learner he proved to be. experience, especially his Cloudcatcher Fells at ‘His first important task was to take Black Dyke the ‘National’ and Refrains and Cadenzas at the to the National Championships. Rehearsals in ‘European’ in Edinburgh. Both were stunning the run-up to the contest, I have to say, were performances but especially the latter, during not particularly encouraging, but on the day which the composer, Thomas Wilson, sitting of the contest, his supreme assurance and with me, was moved almost to tears of confidence - his presence - inspired the band to gratitude. Peter will be very much missed by give what proved to be a winning performance. a great number of friends. He improved our This ability to inspire was the key to Peter’s lives, musically and otherwise.” almost unprecedented success with his bands. One of the people who worked most closely ‘The 1975 win was a good start, but no one with Peter Parkes was Ralph Couzens, who could have foreseen what was to follow. It produced a number of the most iconic brass was to be the first of a hat-trick of wins at band recordings of all time on the Chandos the “National”. Peter won his first five major label. He commented: “I was very sad to competitions at the “Open” and “National” and learn the news of the death of Major Peter in so doing not only achieved the rare hat-trick, Parkes. We made many recordings with him but the even more rare double-double. throughout the 1970s and 1980s, notably with ‘However, contests weren’t the be-all and end- Black Dyke Mills, and also with Williams Fairey, all with Peter. He was regularly involved with Grimethorpe Colliery and Sellers Engineering. tours with his bands, made highly-acclaimed Many of these recordings have become brass recordings and broadcasts, and took his bands band classics. That they are so good is a to prestigious concert venues, including a tribute to the sheer musicality of ‘The Major’. rare appearance at the BBC Proms in 1987. Recording sessions with him were very happy What were the reasons for his success? It was occasions, his sheer professionalism ensuring certainly not his prowess as a brass player as, that everything went smoothly and he achieved prior to taking up conducting, he had been a the very best results from his virtuoso group clarinettist. Without doubt, he was a powerful of players. He become something of a legend figure in front of a band. He was a great in the brass band world and will be sorely motivator and also had the ability to see the missed by brass band lovers in general, and in musical possibilities in any piece on which he particular by his wife and children.” was working. Most of all, he had this indefinable One of the most memorable performances presence, with which he inspired his players from the golden years at Black Dyke was that of to play to their full potential - even, at times, Connotations for Brass Band at the Royal Albert seemingly beyond it. Hall, and its composer, Edward Gregson, was ‘Apart from all of this, he was a lovely person keen to pay tribute to a conductor who clearly to know, great fun and with a wealth of stories. left a deep impression on him. He wrote: ‘The After leaving the army in 1979, Peter became sad passing of Peter Parkes brings to a close totally involved in the world of brass bands. He a particular chapter in the recent history of took up a post as head of the course in band brass bands. Peter was a real gentleman, a studies at Barnsley College and was to become fine musician and a highly skilled conductor. the President of the British Federation of Brass He also had a knack for knowing how to win Bands. He also became Vice-President of the contests! Part of the reason for this came from National Association of Brass Band Conductors, his military conducting background (similar a founder member of the Association of Brass to another other significant figure like Arthur Band Adjudicators and an influential member Kenney) and the thorough training he received, of its Executive. He was also a member of the which instilled in him essential core values. Council of the National Youth Brass Band of From a personal point of view, his contest win Great Britain, did stalwart work with several that will remain with me was his performance youth bands and among his many adjudicating with Black Dyke of Connotations in 1977. This assignments he appeared regularly at completed a hat-trick of wins for him and ‘Dyke’ the various youth competitions, always at the National, and for that reason alone it encouraging the stars of tomorrow. had particular significance. The reasons for ‘My wife, Muriel, and I have enjoyed a long and his many successes came from his attention happy friendship with Peter, Birgit and the two to detail, gained through a thorough study of

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 23

BB 20-21-22-23-24-25.indd 23 22-02-2011 18:37:56 COMPANY NEWS Service, quality and value from long-established uniform manufacturer

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BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 24

BB 20-21-22-23-24-25.indd 24 22-02-2011 18:38:08 TRIBUTE

the musical score in hand. He was punctilious said, ‘Please be punctual. I had Philip Wilby here something in it to capture his imagination. His about tempi, dynamics and balance, and last week and he was an hour and ten minutes expertise and experience was truly impressive, helped to create a velvet-like sound from the late. Reverse your car into the courtyard and I and his enthusiasm was infectious. When band. I also remember sharing some very will be waiting to administer a parking fee!’ Our I set up the Brass Band Heritage Trust and pleasant conversations with him when he time together at Grimethorpe was never dull. I was invited to manage the National Youth was adjudicating my music. He will be greatly think, deep down, it was a bit of a culture shock Championships, having Peter as the Chairman missed by everyone associated with brass to him having had the discipline of Black Dyke and “right hand man” was so valuable. As I banding. People like Peter don’t come around and Fairey. There was one particular period write, I’m listening to Contest Music from The that often!’ when there was a bit of politics in the band. Complete Champions - the second movement The current conductor of Black Dyke, Nicholas We were both in the boardroom discussing has such authority, space, poise and depth. The Childs, was present in Bergen with the band pieces for our next CD. We were due to share finale bristles with energy - so vibrant. Royal when news of the Major’s death was beginning the rehearsal. He quietly asked, ‘Do you want Parks has so much presence. What a second to filter through, and he paid this tribute: “There to go first?’ I looked at him and said, I wasn’t movement - such elegiac power. I know that aren’t many musicians who have gained the fussy, why? Again the wry smile and he said, when Cloudcatcher Fells comes around, I’ll have right of legendary status at Black Dyke. I never ‘They frighten me to death!’ I laughed out loud to put my pen down and follow Peter’s majestic referred to him by his Christian name, but and said, ‘Give over, they are only pussycats,’ to and evocative reading from start to finish. I’ll always as ‘the Major’. He was simply the most which he replied, ‘So are tigers!’ It was that wit miss Peter’s professionalism, his company, his successful brass band conductor in post-war that was there all the time. Peter was always the fund of stories, his wit and wisdom.’ history. His performances oozed musicality, same - full of enthusiasm, extremely witty and a Another regular contributor to BB, Frank with space within the music being his hallmark. true gentleman. It really has been a privilege to Renton, added: “Peter Parkes had a great run The Major was always encouraging to me say that I have worked with him in banding and, of success with Black Dyke Mills Band in the and I remember chatting to him just after my more importantly, had him as a genuine friend.” 1970s and ‘80s, but formed successful and long appointment, when I asked him what the secret lasting relationships with several top bands, all to his success was. He replied with a smile on of which remember him with great fondness. his face, ‘Always try to play the music faster, He was always fun to be with and will be greatly slower, louder and softer than anyone else!’ The missed by us all.” Major won so many accolades, but when we Finally, as the Editor of British Bandsman, to played Deep Harmony in his memory to over say that Major Peter Parkes was personally 2,000 people in the Grieg Hall, Bergen, I told influential would be the understatement of a the audience he was simply ‘the Godfather’ of lifetime. Witnessing some of his early winning conductors. The thoughts of everyone at Black performances with Black Dyke Mills was indeed Dyke are with Birgit and the family.” thrilling for a teenage cornet player, who Garry Cutt worked closely with Peter Parkes could never have imagined at that time that during his spell at Grimethorpe Colliery in he would go on to spend the best part of two the late 1990s, and he commented: “My first decades in his cornet section at Whitburn. experience of Peter Parkes was in 1977. I was Those years were special and irreplaceable, a young cornet player with CWS (Manchester) and during them he managed to lift the and it was my first British Open. The test-piece band from being a big fish in the small pond was Diadem of Gold and the atmosphere as of Scottish banding in the late 1970s to the you walked through the audience to take the runner-up position at the 1990 European stage was electric, or so I thought. Later in Championship, with a whole host of other the day, the bars underneath were emptying great memories along the way. I used to and the warren of corridors packed was with wonder why he kept making the tiresome people frantically trying to take their place in BB’s Features Editor, Paul Hindmarsh, also had a journey to Scotland when he could earn much the hall. Why? Black Dyke was going on. The long working relationship with Peter Parkes in more money on his doorstep (and we could band was seated and its conductor arrived. the recording studio, and he paid this tribute: ‘I hardly ever afford to pay him in any case!). That trademark gesture of the Major’s arms knew about Major Peter Parkes long before I The fact was he just loved the band and the going up was spellbinding. There was an had the privilege to meet him and work with people there, some of whom he regarded as instant hush, you could hear a pin drop and him. My earliest memory of Peter is seeing among his closest friends. As the other leading then there was the famous preparatory beat him conduct one of his Army bands on a bands in Scotland, like Kirkintilloch and CWS and wow! - the opening eight bars like you had seaside bandstand in the 1960s. When I lived (Glasgow), rose to challenge the Whitburn never heard before. It gripped me and, from in Glasgow during the 1970s and early ‘80s, dominance during the 1980s under Walter then on, I used to love to watch him in action my contact with brass bands was minimal, Hargreaves and Howard Snell respectively, he whenever possible.” but my interest was kept alive by a series of thrived even more on the sweet and frequent Garry continued: “Peter’s presence in front wonderful recordings of Black Dyke Mills Band taste of the triumphs that followed, and he of the band was amazing. He was in total on Chandos, culminating in The Complete loved being the King of Scotland! command. The years went by and after he Champions, which is the finest brass band CD Brass bands, wherever they are in the world, finished conducting Fairey, in 1995, I spoke I have in my possession. But then there was may never see his like again and we offer the with Ken Hirst. I was due to take Grimethorpe his Volcano, Diadem of Gold, Connotations, sympathies of the entire brass band community to the British Open, but I told Ken, ‘We must Refrains and Cadenzas (a complex piece to Birgit, Jonathan, Christopher and the other get him here.” From then on we became very which he really ‘got’ and loved) and so many members of the family. close friends. It was sheer pleasure to be in more. At his peak, the quality of Peter’s music his company. He could talk forever, relaying making, with Black Dyke, Fairey and then The funeral of Major Peter Parkes will take fabulous tales of his Army days, which he Grimethorpe, was matchless.’ place at St. John’s Church, Dukinfield spoke about with such enthusiasm. He would Paul added: ‘We first worked together on early (www.stjohnsdukinfield.com) on Monday 28 give that wry smile and ask, ‘Am I boring you?’ BBC Festival of Brass programmes. Peter was February. The service will be at 12:45pm and Never! I recall that he and Birgit invited my always open to new areas of repertoire. Even if will be followed by a drinks reception at the partner, Lucy, and I for a meal at the house near he didn’t really like what I suggested, he always Roe Cross Inn, Mottram, Cheshire, SK14 6SD. Doncaster. He telephoned me on the day and respected the quality of the music and found All friends are welcome.

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 25

BB 20-21-22-23-24-25.indd 25 22-02-2011 18:38:10 Harlem Nocturne

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BB 26-27.indd 26 22-02-2011 17:10:24 PRODUCT NEWS New improvisation method from Schott

The Free to Solo series is a new method which explains how to improvise in funk, soul, Latin, folk and jazz styles. This new and unique series presents fun play-along books for students who want to enjoy soloing freely. With interesting heads and long open sections, the tunes encourage creativity over the inspiring contemporary material. Free to Solo is suitable for intermediate students seeking a challenge as well as more advanced players requiring additional material to explore.

The book will help players develop their ability to solo more confidently, giving them inspiring contemporary original material to work with. Suggestions on how to develop a solo creatively will be provided throughout. The author, Rob Hughes, is writing the book from a perspective of an experienced soloist and teacher who knows the improvisers world. The student will have plenty of space in which to solo on each track but will also be able to enjoy the tune and perhaps perform it at a school concert or other occasions.

Each piece of music will have its own different challenge; the book will be designed so that the tunes gradually get more advanced. The first two or three tunes will be easily played by someone who has passed their ABRSM Grade 4 exam, tracks seven to nine would be of a Grade 6 to 7 standard. The accompanying CD includes the tracks to play along with as well as complete performance versions of all the instruments, so that the reader can draw upon different interpretations of the improvised material. The book is available for alto/tenor sax, flute, clarinet, trumpet, violin and guitar.

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BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 27

BB 26-27.indd 27 22-02-2011 17:10:28 INTRODUCING THE NEW STERLING VIRTUOSO TENOR HORN NOW AVAILABLE FROM GLYN WILLIAMS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

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BB 28-29.indd 28 22-02-2011 17:06:16 CRITICS CORNER

Italian Concertos Perspectives of Pretoria Harlem Nocturne Alison Balsom (trumpet) Wingates Band Brett Baker (trombone) Scottish Ensemble (leader Jonathan Morton) Musical Director David Thornton Ratby Co-operative Band, conducted by EMI Classics 4 56094-2 Music House Productions MHP1110 Michael Fowles Widely available Available from World of Brass, 4barsrest, White River Evocations WR11 – 01 Alison Balsom’s latest album with the excellent Midland CD and Wingates Band Available from World of Brass, 4barsrest and Scottish Ensemble (strings) is a brilliant When one of the shafts of the Pretoria coal Midland CD confection of well-known violin and oboe mine collapsed in December 1910, 344 men The Brett Baker production line of solo albums concertos and sonatas from Italian baroque and boys of the Lancashire district around with its seemingly inexhaustible supply of fresh masters, which have been converted through Westhoughton, near Bolton, lost their lives. It and novel repertoire continues with this mixed her transcribing skill or artistry into eloquent was one of the worst disasters in the British bag of lighter and more serious numbers, the works for solo trumpet. Balsom has adapted mining history and is remembered in this majority receiving their first recording. The title the violin parts of the concertos in A minor imaginative concept album by Wingates Band, track is one of a trio of jazz items that reveal and G major (Op. 3, no.2) with great taste and many of whose members lost their lives on that all of Brett’s renowned agility, technique and evident affection. Listening to her silky smooth fateful day. stylish cantabile. The lightning fast Green Bee playing of the D trumpet, you’d be hard pressed Musical Director, David Thornton, and the (Tommy Newsom, arr. Mark Freeh) is particularly to think that they weren’t authentic trumpet band have honoured the memory of their ear-catching. concertos. Her light agile technique, born of her predecessors with a moving tribute in words musical upbringing in brass bands (in Royston) and music. The juxtaposition of an archive There are times in the more symphonic is so well suited to the baroque repertoire, while recording of former principal trombone (1917- numbers when one wishes for a more her mellifluous and engaging melodic ‘voice’ 1934) Ben Byers recalling in measured but deep-throated, orchestral sound – as in the can tug at the heartstrings. compelling terms the horrors of the day and fascinating opening Fanfare by John Kenny, She also includes two concertos that are already the effect it had on his own family is perhaps played over piano strings to pick up all the part of the recorded repertoire of some other the most moving aspect of the enterprise. sympathetic vibrations, or Bram Wiggins’ distinguished trumpeters – including Maurice The burr of his East Lancashire accent and the Caprice. However, I would defy anyone not André and Hans Gansch. The middle movement natural way he delivers his memories forms an to be touched by the beautiful final bars of of the Marcello Oboe Concerto in E flat is simply ideal context for some of Wingates’ signature Howard Snell’s treatment of Londonderry Air. gorgeous and the elegance of her approach music – the marches Wingates and The Pitman While Dorothy Gates’ adaptation of The Dam to the Tartini Concerto in D is impressive. Her by J.A.Greenwood and, to open, Honest Toil, Buster’s and Richard Rock’s version of the phrasing of the middle movement of the much- by the professional conductor from the period second movement of Mendelssohn’s Violin performed Albinoni Concerto in B flat would be immediately before the Pretoria disaster, Concerto are in questionable musical taste, the a match for any oboist. William Rimmer. playing is lovely. Kevin Bolton’s Aubade is a fine This is the second time that Balsom has fulfilled The miners’ hymn, Gresford, Abide with Me addition to the repertoire – in a Philip Sparke the dual role of both soloist and director. In and Deep Harmony add an appropriate period meets Eugene Bozza way! musical and artistic terms, it is as successful as atmosphere, while Tony Berry’s singing of The her first ‘self-drive’ recording of the Haydn and Pretoria Pit Disaster (which he made famous The other première recordings are Bone Hummel concertos, which proved to be a hit of with the Houghton Weavers) ends the album Apart (Don Gibson), Oberland Variations (Roy 2009. with the intimacy of unaccompanied song. Newsome) and My Love is like a red, red rose (arr. Paul Hindmarsh For the brass band connoisseur, the two tracks Drover). of substantial original music couldn’t be more contrasted. Percy Fletcher’s 1913 tone poem The programme notes are comprehensive. Labour and Love receives a robust reading, The recorded sound from this new company while Lucy Pankhurst’s brand new tribute, In balances the trombone comfortably in front of Pitch Black, receives the best performance on Ratby Band, which plays with confidence and the disc. The music is intense and moving, style under the experienced guiding hands of sensitively coloured with fragments of the Michael Fowles. Wingates signature music reflected through a Paul Hindmarsh strong contemporary voice – impressive. The notes are excellent. The recording is Pay a visit to Brett Baker’s website and see and adequate, although over-treated with variable hear info about his new CD. amounts of digital reverb. www.brettbaker.co.uk/harlemnocturne Paul Hindmarsh

BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 29

BB 28-29.indd 29 22-02-2011 17:06:25 WIRELESS BRASS PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

We take every possible precaution to ensure the accuracy of the details given below. However, we cannot be responsible for changes to stated A to P

times or running order. DUNCAN A. BECKLEY. BA. Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator. ALAN JENKIN. B.Sc., LTCL, BBCM, Cert. Educ., Conductor, Adjudicator. 26 Ruskin Avenue, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield 4 Beauchamp Close, Neath Hill, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK14 6HZ. BBC Radio 2 WF1 2BD (MOB) 07973 389707 Tel/Fax. (01908) 604818 (Home), 0845 200 0096 (Music Centre) Listen to the Band. No broadcast this week. Email: [email protected] 07901 552235 (Mobile), Email [email protected]

Listen to the Band is normally available all week via Radio 2’s website at JOHN BERRYMAN. ALCM, LTCL, Conductor, Adjudicator. TERRY JOHNS. A.R.A.M. Composer/Conductor/Adjudicator www.bbc.co.uk/radio2. Click on the playback section to hear the show, on 12 Beaufort Drive, Barton Seagrave, Kettering, Northants. NN15 6SF 55/6 Waterfront Avenue Edinburgh EH5 1JD demand, for a week following transmission. Also available on the BBC iPlayer Tel. (01536) 722991. by selecting Radio 2. Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07777603675 NICLAS BLIXT. Music Director, World of Brass Radio. John Maines introduces a weekly one-hour Band of the Swedish Home Guards, Uppsala STEWART LEWINS, BA (HONS) Conductor programme of the best of international banding. Commencing on Fridays, the Ingvarsgatan 28, Uppsala 74 Southampton Street, READING rolling programme of the most recent two shows can be accessed 24 hours a Telephone home: 46018267613 Telephone mobile: 07786694491 day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year on www.worldofbrass.com (then Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] click on the WOB Radio link) or www.worldofbrass.com/wobradio Website: www.niclasblixt.info This week’s programme includes: Foden’s (Michael Fowles): The Black ALAN R. LEWIS. B.Phil, LTCL. Website: arlmusic.com MALCOLM BROWNBILL. Band Tutor, Conductor, and Adjudicator. Bull (Darrol Barry); Enfield Citadel (Jonathan Corry): Beatrice and Benedict Akay Lodge, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5SH. 49 Pike House Road, Eccleston, St. Helens, Merseyside. WA10 5JZ. (Berlioz); Black Dyke (Dr. N. Childs): Oh Dry Those Tears (Teresa del Riego Tel. (01744) 28642. Tel: (015396) 22230 (w) – trombone soloist: Ian Bousfield); Brighouse and Rastrick (Professor David King): Terra Australis (Martin Ellerby); Leyland (Russell Gray): November C. BRIAN BUCKLEY. C.Chem., FTCL, LTCL, ALCM, Conductor, Adjudicator, STAN LIPPEATT. B.A., L.R.S.M. Conductor, Adjudicator. Moods (Darrol Barry – euphonium soloist: Brenden Wheeler); Stanshawe Band Teacher. ‘Egmont’, 81 Gabalfa Road, Sketty, Swansea, 60, Sixth Avenue, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Notts. NG21 9PW. (Walter Hargreaves): Suite Gothique (Boelmann arr. E. Ball); Grimethorpe West Glamorgan SA2 8ND. Tel. (01792) 205896. Tel (01623) 822672 Mobile 07875 138776 Colliery (James Gourlay): Who is On The Lord’s Side? (Caradog Roberts); Belgian Brass: Canzona Omaglo a Giovanni Gabrielli (Jan Van Der Roost); DOUG CLARKSON. MISM Conductor/Arranger/Composer Mount Charles Youth (John Small): Cornish Sunset (Kevin Ackford - soloist: JANE LLOYD. MA FVCM, LGSM, ALCM, PGCetEd, Dip Mus. Conductor, 33 Ings Mill Avenue, Clayton, West Huddersfield Performer, Arranger, Teacher. Northampton & East Midlands Area. Neil Pascoe); Whitworth Vale and Healy Veterans: The Whitworth Veterans Tel. mobile: 07872 539378 Tel: 01604 675188 (Roy Newsome). Tel. work: 01484 437437 Fax: 01484437436 Email: [email protected] Local Radio for next week KEITH MacDONALD. N.A.B.B.C., A.L.C.M. Conductor, Band Trainer, Sunday 27 February, 1905-2000. Sounds of Brass. FM frequencies: BOB CHILDS. DMA, M.Mus(dist), ARCM(hons), FLCM, PGCE, Euphonium Adjudicator, Author (see website). 20 North Haven, Seaham, Bristol 94.9, Cornwall 95.2, Devon 103.4, Gloucestershire 104.7, Soloist, Conductor, Teacher. 13 Parc Plas, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 1SJ. Co. Durham SR7 0DS. Tel: 0191 581 4224 (home), 07949 947703 Guernsey 93.2, Jersey 88.8, Swindon 103.6, Wiltshire 104.3. Tel 01495 226106 (home), 07966 263881 (mobile). [email protected] (mobile) Email: [email protected], [email protected] Available on the Internet at 1905 British time or at any time for seven days http://www.bobchilds.co.uk/ Website: www.keithmacdonald.co.uk after the broadcast. To hear the programme, access www.bbc.co.uk/devon and click on Listen Live or Listen Again. DAVID DAWS. Cornet Tutor, Conductor JOHN MAINES. Conductor, Adjudicator. 3 Chevalier Close, Stanmore, Middlesex HA7 4YW 39 Alexandra Road, St. Austell, Cornwall. PL25 4QW. Phillip Hunt presents a programme of brass band recordings and news. Tel. mobile: 07956844364 Mobile: 07901 528059. Website: www.johnmaines.co.uk This week’s edition includes: Cornwall Youth Brass Band (Dr. Robert Childs): Email: [email protected] Buglers Holiday (Leroy Anderson arr. Roger Barsotti), Barchester Suite (Derek STEVEN MEAD. Euphonium Soloist, Conductor, Adjudicator. Bourgeois), Mission Impossible (Lalo Schifrin arr. Alan Fernie), James Bond DR. KENNETH DOWNIE. DMA. BA(Mus) Dunelm. Kantara, Collection (arr. Goff Richards); Guernsey Youth Band (Cyril T. Hockaday): 8 Downs Road, South Wonston, Winchester, SO21 3EU. 10 Old Forge Road, Fenny Drayton, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 6BD. Vermont (Edrich Siebert), Louisiana Polka (Edrich Siebert); Greater Gwent Tel: (01962) 883031 Internet: www.kantaramusik.com Tel/Fax: (01827) 711964, Mob. 07971 843668, Youth Brass Band (Philip Harper): All Through the Night (Trad. arr. Gordon Email: [email protected]. J. STUART FAWCETT. OAM, LDBBA. Conductor, Adjudicator. Langford), Sosban Fach (Gareth Wood), Kingdom of Dragons (Philip Harper). 23A Mill Moor Road, Meltham, Holmfirth, HD9 5JT. Tel: 01484 309500. Dr. ROY NEWSOME. PhD, B.Mus, FRCO, ARCM. Requests and comments are welcome at e-mail: [email protected] 17 Belmont Drive, Seddons Farm, Bury, BRUCE FRASER. Adjudicator, Conductor, Composer. Manchester BL8 2HU. Tel. 0161-764 2009. Lomond Music, 32 Bankton Park, Kingskettle, Fife. KY15 7PY. Monday 21 February, 2100-2200. Manx Radio Tel. (01337) 830974. Email: [email protected] Time for Brass. Frequencies 97.2, 89 and 103.7 FM and 1368 AM and PHILIP NEVILLE. MIMIT. worldwide on www.manxradio.com MORTEN E. HANSEN. Conductor and Adjudicator. Brass Instrument Repair Technician Click on Listen FM or Listen AM for the programme at the time of broadcast Fjelldenden 10, Stavanger, Norway. 74 Babington Lane, Derby or on Listen Again for a week following transmission. Tel 0047 9901 4386. Email: [email protected] Tel. mobile: 07790676282 Ian Cottier presents a programme of brass band music and comment. Tel. work: 01332290762 COLIN HARDY. Member NABBC, Adjudicator and Conductor, Fax: 01332290762, Email: [email protected] Sunday afternoons – weekly. Live show at 1300-1500 BBC Radio Leeds 25 Thirlmere Avenue, Wyke, Bradford, W. Yorks. BD12 9DS. Website: http://www.nevillebros.com and 1300-1400 on BBC Radio York. Tel/Fax. (01274) 674174. Email: [email protected] Yorkshire Brass. David Hoyle presents a programme of brass band recordings and listeners’ requests. DAVID HIRST. Conductor and Adjudicator. GRAHAM O’CONNOR. Conductor, Adjudicator, Band Trainer. Listen live online at www.bbc.co.uk/radioleeds or BBC Radio Leeds FM The Cottage, Main Street, Milton, Newark, Nottinghamshire. 19 Rosehill, Mosborough, Sheffield S20 5PJ frequencies 92.4, 95.3, or 103.9. BBC Radio York FM frequencies 95.5, 103.7 Tel. 01777 872339 Fax 01777 872852 0114 2514425 Mobile: 07903 310951 or 104.3. Also available on the BBC iPlayer. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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BandsBRITISH man the leading international brass magazine A list of forthcoming events that have been advertised in British Bandsman. ADVERTS INSURANCE The leading international brass band magazine Incorporating Brass FEBRUARY Band News, British Mouthpiece and International Bandsman 26 - Chatham. The International Staff Band, 7.00pm, Chatham Salvation Army Hall. Brass Band Insurance Services Managing Director Trevor Caffull 26 - Slough. 41st Euphonium Recital, Charley Brighton with Jonathan Sproule, 12:00am, St. 312 High Street, Harlington, Hayes, Middx. UB3 5BT Finance Director Mary’s. Tel: 020 8759 0825. Fax: 020 8564 9063. Beverley Phillips THE ORIGINAL SCHEME Editor 26-27 - Perth. Scottish Championships, Perth Concert Hall. OFTEN COPIED—NEVER BETTERED Kenneth Crookston Underwritten by Aviva Associate Editor 27 - Blackpool. North West Regional Championships, Winter Gardens. Professor Philip Wilby MARCH Features Editor CDs Paul Hindmarsh 6 - Bradford. Yorkshire Brass Band Championships, St.George’s Hall. Contributors and consultants 12-13 - Bedworth. Midlands Regional Championships, Civic Hall and Nicholas Chamberlaine MIDLAND CD Dr. Robert Childs Technology College. We hold one of the world’s largest selections of brass & Chris Helme military band CDs including most BB-reviewed CDs. Pat Herak 12-13 - Torquay. West of England Regional Championships, Riviera International Conference Order on-line at www.ukcd.net Alan Jenkins Lt. Col. Graham Jones MBE Centre. E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0044 (0) 121 244 4605 or 6 Mike Kilroy Fax: 0044 (0) 121 680 9018 Ron Massey 19-20 - Stevenage. London and Southern Counties Regional Championships, Stevenage Arts Dr. Peter Meechan & Leisure Centre. Tim Mutum MUSIC Rodney Newton 19-20 - Darlington. North of England Regional Championships, The Dolphin Centre. Frank Renton MUSIC FOR BRASS BAND by Robert Richardson 19-20 - Swansea. Welsh Regional Championships, Brangwyn Hall. JOHN LAWES John Stirzaker Roy Terry APRIL Please phone 0118 988 2526 or David Thornton 9 - Kettering. Brass For Africa 2, Kettering Salvation Army Hall. 07739 709 413 Carl Woodman FOR A CATALOGUE Malcolm Wood 16 - Derby. Black Dyke Band, 7.30pm, Assembly Rooms. Editorial 23-1 May - Montreux, Switzerland. European Brass Band Festival. CONCERTS Telephone: 01506 882985 MAY Fax: 01506 881596 Email: [email protected] Southampton Shirley Salvation Army, 1 - Buxton. Buxton Brass Band Festival, Pavilion Gardens. Display and classified advertising Victor Street, Southampton SO15 5LH Gregan Quick 8 - Manchester. The Great Northern Spring Brass Arts Festival, Bridgewater Hall. Sunday 6 March 4.30pm Telephone: 01933 445474 ‘Inspirations’, an evening of music with Email: [email protected] 17 - London. Royal Over-Seas League Final, Queen Elizabeth Hall. BM Richard Phillips (piano) Accounts 20-22 - Amboise, Loire Valley, France. 17th French Open Brass Band Championship. No admission charge Hazel Foster Telephone: 01933 445442 22 - Weston-super-Mare. 43rd Own-Choice Contest. Subscriptions and Trade Orders Hazel Foster JUNE The Salvation Army Telephone: 01933 445442 Typesetting and Artwork 4 - London. ISB 120th anniversary. Full day event. Royal Albert Hall. Eastbourne Citadel GK Graphic Design VOF Presents JULY Cover price: £1.25 SOUTH LONDON FELLOWSHIP BAND SUBSCRIPTION RATES 12 months 6 months 31 - 6 August - Swansea. International Brass Band Summer School. On Wednesday 20 July 2011 at 7.45pm UK £56.00 £30.00 Donation tickets on door £6 (concessions £5) Europe £75.00 £45.00 Rest of the World £115.00 £60.00 A selection of good second-hand band and 2 x BBb bass Yamaha, 4-valve, £650.00. (52 issues per year) orchestral brass instruments available. 1 x BBb bass Sovereign 994, 4-valve, DIRECT DEBIT (only for subscribers living in the UK) For details, please telephone 07974 412269 offers welcomed. Also, several Eb basses, British Association of Christian Bands, One month: £4.85 (saving nearly 10% on the cover price) 12 months: £52.00 (saving contact 07974 412269 Salvation Army, Stoke Road, Slough SL2 5BW 20% on the price of a weekly copy from newsagents). Contact us for a direct debit form. Saturday 9 April at 5.30pm, E-Bandsman - Only available to overseas readers - online edition direct to your desktop. Conductor Derek Smith, £52 per year or £30 for 6 months. You can subscribe to E-Bandsman with a credit or former BM New York Staff Band debit card, or pay by a sterling cheque/bankdraft. log onto www.britishbandsman.com Make this space work for you by advertising in Entrance free, retiring collection. Please make cheques payable to British Bandsman. Subscriptions, accounts and general enquiries Contact No: 01753 662325. British Bandsman classified. Telephone: 01933 445442 Telephone: 01933 445474 Fax: 01933 445435 RELAX! 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BRITISH BANDSMAN PAGE 31

BB 30-31.indd 25 22-02-2011 17:16:04 AVAILABLE MARCH AVAILABLE AVAILABLE ONLY £9.99! MARCH MARCH

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The fi rst in a new series of ‘in Concert’ A landmark recording in the history of Black Launched in The International Staff Band’s recordings from the current European Brass Dyke Band, being the tenth in a series that star- 120th anniversary year, this compilation takes Band Champions and world-ranked number ted in 1994. Following the pattern of previous the listener on a journey exploring the musical one brass band. volumes, this issue is a selection from the legacy of the ISB and through the development band’s concert repertoire with a judicious mix of the recording industry. of traditional and more modern works. RELEASES AT WORLD OF BRASS

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This release marks the special anniversary of The latest in the ‘Patrons’ series is dedicated This latest, themed, release from Leyland Band Boscombe Band’s 125th year and is conceived to Jimmie Charles who has recently celebrated tells of a time of kings and queens, of legendary as a tribute to all those bandsmen of the past 50 years of service to Foden’s Band, fi rst as a knights and honourable battle, in a selection as well as representing this moment in time player and more recently as custodian of the compiled and conducted by Philip Harper. for the current membership. The music chosen band’s unique library. The meticulous way in seeks to symbolise personal connections to which Jimmie has organised the library will the band and corps over those 125 years. surely be his lasting legacy to the band.

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