4barsrest.com | eMagazine

Five live for Wardle

NEWS

Five ensembles from Wardle High School will perform at the Music for Youth Festival in Birmingham in July.

Wardle High School has confirmed that five of its musical groups have been selected to perform at the National Music for Youth Finals in Birmingham in July.

Selected

The school’s Senior Brass Band, the Symphonic Wind Band, Wind Band, Junior Brass Band and Percussion Group have been invited to the prestigious event.

Meanwhile, the members of the National Championship winning Smithy Bridge Primary School is starting to rehearse ahead of their forthcoming performance with the newly crowned European Champion Black Dyke.

Wonderful news

MD Lee Rigg told 4BR: "The news of the Festival for Youth appearances marks a wonderful achievement for everyone involved in the Wardle organisation. The pupils are a credit to the school as they work hard to continue the high standards it has always aimed to achieve."

Torquay open for invitations

NEWS

SWBBA Open Championships to be held in Torquay in November.

The South West Brass Band Association’s 66th annual Open Championships will be held on Saturday 3rd November at the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay.

Sections

The Championships will incorporate seven sections: Open (joint Championship/First); Second; Third; Fourth; Ungraded; Youth; Training Band, with 2012 National Grading being recognised. The adjudicators will be John Berryman and Paul Holland.

More information

The schedule and entry form is available from the Secretary, Brian Elliott
Telephone: 01752 892056
or email: ,
or by visiting the Association’s website www.southwestbrassbandassociation.co.uk.

Entries close 14th September 2012.

World Rankings: May update

NEWS

Black Dyke close the gap at the top of the rankings following their recent win in Rotterdam at the European Championships

The latest World of Brass – 4barsrest.com Rankings see few changes at the very top following last weekend’s European Championships, but Black Dyke’s
first victory in the event since 2005 means that Cory’s lead at the top has been vastly reduced.

'Dyke' will now approach the English National Championships in June as hot favourite to take over the number one position.

Continental success at Rotterdam also means big rises for Eikanger-Bjørsvik (Norway), Noord Limburgse (Belgium) and Brass Band Schoonhoven
(Netherlands), while other big movers since the last update include North American Champion, Atlantic Brass Band, and Australian Champion, Gunnedah
Shire.

Other ranking contests taking place since the last update are:

Tameside Open - won by Oldham (Lees);
Northern Ireland Brass Band League - won by 1st Old Boys Association Silver;
Flemish Open - won by Brass Band Schoonhoven;
Fife Brass Band Festival - won by Kingdom Brass;
Buxton Brass Band Festival - won by Bollington Brass;
Irish Championships - won by Drogheda.

To view all the ranked bands, go to:

www.4barsrest.com/rankings/default.asp

Advert: John Packer Musical Instruments

NEWS

There is a fantastic mute deal on offer with John Packer and Denis Wick! All you have to do is enter...

John Packer Ltd and Denis Wick have teamed up in a fantastic competition to give away £250 worth of mutes.

Easy to enter:

This unique competition is really easy to enter – just follow the link below:

https://apps.facebook.com/sweepstakeshq/contests/218619

£250 of Denis Wick mutes

To enter simply fill in your name, email and instrument. The winner will receive a set of Dennis Wick mutes of their choice up to a recommended retail value of £250.

Any mutes can be chosen from the Denis Wick range for any instrument or instruments.

Go to: http://www.deniswick.com/

The prize includes carriage to mainland UK only.

The prize has no nominal value and cannot be exchanged for cash. The winner is picked at random and will be notified by email.

Major changes at Brass in Concert

NEWS

Quality led mission statement sees radical overhaul to points system at BiC.

The organisers of the Brass in Concert Championship have revealed the major changes that will be implemented to the scoring system for the world's premier brass band entertainment contest later this year.

Advisory group

An advisory group consisting of Malcolm Brownbill, Alan Morrison, Simone Rebello, Frank Renton, Kenneth Crookston and Stuart Bulmer have discussed various and methods in which this crucial aspect of the event could be driven forward.

Free

As a result a radical new scoring system will be implemented, inspired by an event mission statement that emphasises the desire to see competing bands be free to display artistic excellence.

In future there will be a weighted percentage of points allocated for ‘Quality of Performance’, ‘Programme Content’ and ‘Entertainment and Presentation’, with each adjudicator assigned a very specific role in the process which will not cross boundaries with judges deliberations in other categories.

Full article:

A full article on the changes are to be found at:
http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2012/1312.asp

2012 Europeans: Results to your mobile

NEWS

We will be sending out the 2012 European Championships (Championship Section) results as a FREE text message.

Not going this weekend?

4barsrest will we be providing our comprehensive live text coverage of the event, and 'tweeting' our way through the contest but you can also receive the results as a FREE SMS to your mobile as soon as the results are announced.

All you need to do is sign up, log in and give us your mobile number.

Not got an account yet?

Create an account with us - it'll only take a few minutes.

www.4barsrest.com/accounts/create.asp

Already got an account?

Log in and check you have supplied your mobile number in the correct format and ticked the box to receive the text message.

www.4barsrest.com/accounts/login.asp

This could be Rotterdam...

NEWS

It doesn't matter if you're in Liverpool or Rome this weekend, you'll get great coverage of the 2012 European Championships here on 4barsest.

We'll be bringing you our usual comments on every performance as well as galleries and videos of the event that takes place this weekend at the De Doelen Hall, Rotterdam.

In addition to our posts on Twitter, we've created our own short news ticker that will keep you up to speed with what's happening at the event throughout the day.

New page

We've also developed a dedicated page on the site for you to follow our coverage which will hopefully bring you the full flavour of the event as it unfolds over the next few days

You can check out our new 'live coverage' page at:
www.4barsrest.com/live/2012europeanchampionships/

Twitter

Those of you who like to tweet should use the hashtag #ebbc2012

Advert: John Packer

NEWS

John Packer set to help young player progress with their innovative upgrade scheme.

John Packer Ltd has launched a major initiative to support the progress of young players using their instruments.

Upgrade

If you own a John Packer instrument, you can upgrade to a higher level instrument of the same type from the John Packer Range and save up to 20%!

It's called the JP+ Upgrade scheme and it couldn't be simpler - ownership of a JP instrument is all that is required to save money when you buy a new JP upgrade instrument.

Full details

For full details, contact any member of the UK network of JP instrument stockists: www.jpmusicalinstruments.com

BFBB help in Stalham future

NEWS

The BFBB help Stalham Brass towards a youth inspired future.

Stalham Brass Band in North Norfolk is facing a wonderful future thanks to the award of two £10,000 grants.

Grants

With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on the distant horizon the band’s enterprising Musical Director, Dr Tim Thirst MBE, set about a bold new plan to create the ‘Stalham Training Band fit to perform for The Queen’.

Tim told 4BR: "I knew it would take hard work and about £35,000 of funding to firmly establish a new Stalham Training Band with up to 50 new recruits."

Help

With the active help of the British Federation of Brass Bands and their Liaison Officer Terry Luddington, the band initially gained £1,000 from the Norman Jones Trust Fund, with a further £29,600 raised through over 40 applications, including £10,000 from the Norwich Town Close Estate Charity and £10,000 from Grants for the Arts.

Success

The amazing success has seen over 50 new recruits join the free training scheme which has provided innovative teaching and co-operation from a variety of musical sources including the Corps of Army Music.

The initial time scale of three years has been designed to eventually become a rolling programme for 8 –16 year olds in the area with over a hundred participants.

Great opportunities

Terry Luddington of the BFBB told 4BR: "We believe putting Brass Bands back into our local communities can provide some great opportunities for improving community cohesion.

We look forward to monitoring the progress of the Stalham Brass Band training programme and see how we can further develop and replicate the best practice results in other rural communities around the country."

Composer Awards reach 10th anniversary

NEWS

The British Composer Awards have reached their 10th anniversary, with the launch of a new website and celebration concert.

The British Composer Awards reach their 10th anniversary this year and have announced exciting plans to celebrate this milestone in the history of the event.

New logo

A new logo, website and celebration concert are planned with further details available at: www.britishcomposerawards.com

The concert will celebrate British Composer Awards winning works which received their first performances between 2002 and 2011.

Over the life of the British Composer Awards so far, there have been 84 winning composers. More than 2,000 new works have been assessed by over 300 judges.

Marathon status

The Awards have given rise to 19 commissioned works or projects and the broadcast performances of the works of both nominees and winners are too many to enumerate.

Spokesperson Sarah Rodgers commented to 4BR: "From a standing start, we sprinted into an annual event which has become the most eagerly anticipated celebratory occasion in the classical music calendar and now as the 10th anniversary event approaches in December 2012, it clearly takes on marathon status!"

Radio: Sounds of Brass

NEWS

Philip Hunt leads us through more great brass band music.

Advert: Bandmaster Ltd

NEWS

Bandmaster to present All England Masters International Champion Tredegar in concert at end of month in West Byfleet.

Bandmaster Ltd is proud to present the current All England Masters International Champion, Tredegar in concert at St John’s Church, West Byfleet on Saturday 28th April.

New launch

The event will see the band under the baton of MD, Ian Porthouse launch their brand new CD, entitled, ‘Tredegar in Concert’.

The concert promises to include something for everyone to enjoy in a mix of stunning arrangements and stylish original works, featuring a host of brilliant soloists and spine tingling band playing – all of which you will be able to hear again on the CD.

Prize winning

Prize winning compositions from the pen of Composer Matthew Hall, such as his brilliant Brass in Concert award winning ‘Nightingale Dances’ and ‘Legends of Cyfarthfa’ will intermingle with solos from principal cornet Dewi Griffiths, Danny Winder, Stephen Sykes and Buzz Newton, sophisticated west coast Americana funky New Orleans jazz – plus much, much more.

Opportunity

It’s a great opportunity to hear one of the most inventive elite concert bands in the world in action.

Saturday 28th April: 7.30pm (Doors open at 7.00pm)

Limited tickets available on the door: £12.50 (Concessions: £10.00 - under 16 or over 65).

Go to: http://www.tredegartownband.org/events

Co-op's quartet dividends

NEWS

Leicestershire Co-op players recently enjoyed a great day at their local solo & quartet contest at Groby.

The players of Leicestershire Co-op Band enjoyed a good day at the office at the recent Leicestershire BBBA Open Slow Melody & Quartet Contest.

Top of the tree

Heading the individual honours board was Harry Lear, who claimed the Junior Slow Melody title, before later being joined by Bethan Brown, Chloe Hudson and Marina Slee to take the Junior Quartet title.

Awards

Other awards won on the day included second prize for Sheila Dixon, (who teamed up with old friend Jo Priestly from Newhall) in the Open Duet class, and third in the Junior Hymn Tune Quartet for Hannah Capstack, Frances and Eve Gallimore and Abigail Barham.

This was later matched by the band’s senior quartet, which claimed third prize in the Open Section.

Harry Lear and Bethan Brown were also in action in the Junior Air Varie class, taking second and third prizes respectively.

Paying dividends

Musical Director, Graham Jacklin told 4BR: "Our training programme is really starting to pay dividends, we have a number of youngsters who are now playing in the senior band. Their quality is shining through at these contests, which we have always supported and we can now be competitive as well."

Report & Results: 2012 Australian National Championship

NEWS

Gunnedah Shire celebrates victory in Melbourne to take National title under Howard Taylor's baton.

A warm and inviting Melbourne recently played host to the 2012 Yamaha National Band Championships, at the Sebel Hotel in Albert Park.

Heavyweight trio

The Championship A Grade provided the high class centrepiece to the event, as for the first time since 2008, Australia's three leading bands - Brisbane Excelsior, Gunnedah Shire Band and Kew Band Melbourne, lined up against each other at Australia’s premier brass band contest.

Reigning champion Kew, 2010 winner Brisbane Excelsior and 2009 victor Gunnedah Shire were expected to battle it out for the famous Fireman’s Helmet Trophy, which has been presented to the winning band at the Championships since 1971.

Did not disappoint

The trio did not disappoint, as they locked horns to provide the large and knowledgeable audience with performances to savour.

It was also the first time the trio had squared up against each other since the 2011 FABB contest, where Gunnedah and Excelsior shared the honours, so the sense of anticipation was palpable.

Intrigue

Brisbane Excelsior's former conductor, Howard Taylor was now at the helm of Gunnedah Shire, whilst the band’s regular MD Jason Katsikaris, who is taking a break from conducting, was to be found playing repiano cornet.

However, a strong challenge was also expected from a resurgent Darebin City Brass lead by Tom Paulin, and exceptionally strong St Mary's Band Club, recently coached by Professor David King.

They were conducted by emerging superstar Ben Crocker, whilst there were many people who fancied the chances of last year's runner up, the powerful Footscray-Yarrville City Band.

Vibrant

The vibrant atmosphere was enhanced by a host of bands staying at the hotel complex itself, whilst live streaming of the event provided by the www.brassbanned.com website, enabled the whole of the banding world to sit back and enjoy the action, with coverage of each of the sections that took place in the two large function rooms within the Sebel Hotel.

Thrilling

After a thrilling top section contest, where there was standing room only in the main concert hall, the Championship title was claimed by Gunnedah Shire in emphatic fashion – topping all four disciplines of Sacred Item and Test Piece on the Friday, as well as the Own Choice and Stage March the following day.

News of their victory even made the front page of their area newspaper, the Naomi Valley ‘Independent’, where the local mayor Adam Marshall described them as, ‘absolutely brilliant ... a superb group of musicians.’

Closer margin

Gunnedah’s performances of the set work, ‘Cambridge Variations’, own choice selection of ‘The Legend of King Arthur’ by Pete Meechan, plus their hymn and march disciplines gave them a six point winning margin over runner up Brisbane Excelsior, with Kew Band in third.

It was a much closer contest that the points tally may have suggested however.

Immense challenge

It still meant though that Gunnedah had repelled the immense challenge of Brisbane Excelsior, conducted by Allan Withington, who opted for Edward Gregson’s ‘Rococo Variations’ as their own choice selection, and Kew, after Mark Ford had led them in defence of their title with an own choice selection of Philip Wilby’s ‘Revelations’.

Enjoy

There was so much to enjoy in each of the band’s quartet of performances over the two days.

Brisbane Excelsior produced a wonderful full band sound with Dean Morley and Steve Riddler leading the lower and middle sections and with soprano Jamie Brown in exceptional form.

Meanwhile, Kew’s powerful playing was contrasted with a sublime sense of musicality; especially from the euphonium duet of Matthew van Emmerick and Patrick Mudge in the Wilby own choice selection.

Unbeatable

Gunnedah Shire though was on unbeatable form, led with consummate class by New Zealand principal cornet John Lewis, whilst baritone player Kristy Rowe and tuba heavyweight Iain Fisher also shining.

It was their thrilling performance of Peter Meechan’s, ‘The Legend of King Arthur’ that sealed the Championship title – played with a sense of raw energy and vibrancy that brought the score to life and drew prolonged applause from the audience.

Howard Taylor drew every last drop of emotion out of his band in what was a performance out of the very top draw of overall quality.

Champions

In the B Grade there was a comprehensive victory for City of Holroyd Brass who topped all four disciplines to take the title from Toronto Brass, with Townsville Brass in third.

In the C Grade, it was Marion City Band that claimed a comprehensive victory over their rivals, with a tremendous battle for the podium places finally being claimed by second placed Enfield Brass with Sunshine Community Brass in third.

In the Youth Sections, Gunnedah also celebrated success with their Juniors winning the Junior A Grade for an 11th time under debutant conductor Anthony Rowe. Warriparinga Youth took the B Section honours with Bendigo Youth Brass winning the C Grade.

With thanks to Tim Kelly of www.brassbanned.com

Go to:
http://www.brassbanned.com/

Results:

Championship A Grade:
Hymn/Test/Own Choice/March =Total

Adjudicator: Peter Walmsley OAM

1. Gunnedah Shire Band (Howard Taylor): 48/195/197/47 = 487
2. Brisbane Excelsior (Allan Withington): 47/194/195/45 = 481
3. Kew Band Melbourne (Mark Ford): 41/191/196/46 = 474
4. Footscray-Yarraville City (Phillipa Edwards): 46/192/192/41) = 471
5. St Marys Club Brass (Benjamin Crocker): 45/190/191/41 = 467
6. Boroondara Brass (Daniel Van Bergen): 41/186/190/42 = 459
7. Brisbane Brass (Ian Wilson): 39/180/194/42 = 455
7. South Brisbane Federal (Russell Gray): 40/178/193/44 = 455
9. Warringah Concert Brass (John Saunders): 43/185/182/40 = 450
10. Royal Agricultural Society of WA Brass (Alan Lourens): 43/182/185/39 = 449
11. Darebin City Brass Preston Band (Tom Paulin): 38/83/182/39 = 442
12. Hawthorn Band (Wayne Bowden): 38/177/184/40 = 439
13. Geelong West Brass Band (Jeff Steele): 39/175/183/40 = 437
14. Glenorchy City Concert Brass (Dean Hunt): 40/180/173/38 = 431
15. K&N Spring Gully Brass (Kevin Cameron): 41/180/171/37 = 429

B Grade Brass:

1. City of Holroyd Brass = 490
2. Toronto Brass = 485
3. Townsville Brass = 482
4. Diamond Valley Brass Band = 479*
5. City of Greater Dandenong = 479
6. Wonthaggi Citizens = 478
7. Canning City Brass = 477
8. Maroondah Brass = 476
9. Brisbane Brass 2 = 474*
10. Hall Village Brass = 474
11. Box Hill City Band = 470
* Higher points on set work

C Grade:

1. Marion City Band = 480
2. Enfield Brass = 472*
3. Sunshine Community Brass = 472*
4. Moonee Valley Brass = 472
5. Warringah Concert Brass = 470
6. Marist Brothers Band = 469
7. Darebin City Brass Northern Brass = 464
8. Boroondara Harmony Brass = 463*
9. Frankston City Band = 463
10. City of Greater Bendigo = 462
11. Mitcham City Brass = 460
12. Bankstown City Brass = 455

* Higher points on set work

Junior A Grade Brass:
1. Gunnedah Shire Band = 484

Junior B Grade Brass:
1. Warriparinga Youth = 447
2. Whitehorse Brass

Junior Grade C Brass:
1. Bendigo Youth Brass = 409
2. Hyde Street Youth = 401

Full results of all sections on http://www.vbl.org.au/

Provisional line up confirmed for IBBC Contest

NEWS

The first batch of invited bands ready to battle for the 8,000 euro first prize at the International Brass Band Contest in Belgium have been revealed.

The organisers of the 2012 International Brass Band Contest, which is due to be held at the Lemmensinstituut of Leuven in Belgium in November, have released detail of the first batch of bands who have been invited to take part in the event.

Manger head

So far the line up of invited bands attracted by the generous prize fund is headed by current European champion, Manger Musikklag from Norway and Rotterdam bound Noord-Limburgse, whilst former European champion Brass Band Willebroek and Belgian national champion Brass Band Buizingen are also on the initial list of invitees.

Intentions

Seindorf Beaumaris has indicated its competitive intentions from Wales, whilst the provisional line up of bands looking to claim the first prize of 8,000 Euros is completed by Brass Band Heist, Oslo Brass, Jersey Premier and Young Brass Band Willebroek.

Pleased

IBBC President, Michael Dils told 4BR: "We have been very pleased with the response so far, and we hope to be able to confirm more international competitors in the near future.

The very best bands are contacting us to enquire about taking part and to see how they can fit this ground breaking contest into their programmes."

The contest will take place on 10th & 11th November.

Further information:

Bands who have yet to confirm their participation should contact:

Provisional list of competitors:

Brass Band Buizingen
Brass Band Willebroek
Noord-Limburgse Brass Band
Brass Band Heist
Seindorf Beaumaris
Manger Musiklag
Oslo Brass Band
Jersey Premier Brass
Young Brass Band Willebroek

Further information can be gained at: www.ibbc.be

Report & Results: 2012 LBBA Spring Festival

NEWS

Great turn out at Groby in Leicestershire for a days long festival of top class contesting.

Hundreds of performers representing bands from up and down the country, took part in the annual Leicestershire Brass Band Association Spring Festival: Solo, Duet and Quartet competition, at Groby Community College, Leicestershire.

Eleven sections

Adjudicators Steve Pritchard-Jones, Dave Lea and Mark Smith keenly listened to the performances across the eleven sections, with competitors as young as six years of age taking to the stage to perform.

Top names

The growth in the event’s popularity and prestige saw a number of competitors from some of the country’s top bands, with members of Brighouse & Rastrick, Leyland and Fairey featuring in the prizes.

LBBA Chairman Steve Plant told 4BR: "We were delighted with the quality and quantity of the competitors, and particularly the range of bands now entering the contest with new bands entering for the first time each year."

Rising star

In the Junior Sections, rising star Freddie Buchanan of Hathern Youth Band produced a number of excellent performances to claim prizes in the 10 years and under Slow Melody, the Junior Air Varie (18 and under) and the Junior Hymn tune sections.

Meanwhile, leading the field in the Open Slow Melody was trombonist Daniel Brooks, from National Champion Brighouse & Rastrick.

Joining Daniel, in winning the Open Duets title, was bass trombonist Stephen Lomas from Leyland, as they impressed adjudicator Steve Pritchard-Jones with their performance of ‘Conversation for Tenor and Bass Trombone’.

Blidworth and Co-op triumph

In the Open Air and Variations sections, regaining the Open Champion title once more was Sarah Lenton from Fairey, whilst a happy quartet of David Hirst, Jaqui Oswin, Janice Gregory and Andy Baldwin from the Blidworth Miners Welfare Band took first prize in the Open Quartets, performing ‘Air and Rondo’.

It proved to be a very good event for the Leicestershire Co-op Band with Harry Lear taking the Junior Slow Melody title, whilst he then teamed up with Bethan Brown, Chloe Hudson and Marina Slee to take the Junior Quartet title too.

There were also prizes for Sheila Dixon and Jo Priestly the Open Duet class, Hannah Capstack, Frances, Eve Gallimore and Abigail Barham in the Junior Hymn Tune Quartet.

The band’s MD, Graham Jacklin told 4BR: "Our training programme is really starting to pay dividends, we have a number of youngsters who are now playing in the senior band. Their quality is shining through at these contests, which we have always supported and we can now be competitive as well."

Congratulate

Secretary Lesley Bentley told 4BR: "The LBBA would like to congratulate all of the prize winners, and in particular those young performers participating in their first contest. The association now looks forward to their next solo, duet and quartet event for member bands, which will take place on Sunday 7th October."

Further information and pictures from the event can be found at www.lbba.org.uk

Results:

Section A: Junior Slow Melody (10 years and under)
1. Freddie Buchanan – Hathern Youth
2. Joshua Watson – Harborough
3. James Glover – Crich Brass

Section B: Junior Slow Melody (11-14 years)
1. Harry Lear – Leicestershire Co-operative
2. Harriet Coulton – Ratby Mid
3. Will Thirkell – Shirland Welfare Training

Section C: Junior Slow Melody (15 – 18 years)
1. Lewis Squires – Ireland Colliery
2. Richard Bates – Gresley Colliery
3. Jack Rudin – Enderby

Section D: Junior Air Varie (18 years and under)
1. Freddie Buchanan – Hathern Youth
2. Harry Lear – Leicestershire Co-operative
3= Bethan Brown – Leicestershire Co-operative
3= Lewis Squires – Ireland Colliery

Section E: Open Slow Melody
1. Daniel Brooks – Brighouse & Rastrick
2. Patrica Woodings – Newhall
3. Louise Edgar – Leyland

Section F: Open Air Varie
1. Sarah Lenton – Fairey
2. Glen Birks – Shirebrook (Unison)
3. Daniel Brooks – Brighouse & Rastrick

Section G: Open Duets
1. D. Brooks & S Lomas - Brighouse & Rastrick and Leyland
2. S. Dixon & J Priestly – Leicestershire Co-operative
3. A. Whittle & L Squires – Chapeltown and Ireland Colliery

Section H: Junior Quartet Hymn Tune (14 yrs and under)
1. Hathern Youth
2. Shirland ‘A’
3. Leicestershire Co-operative ‘B’

Section I: Junior Quartet (18 and under)
1. Leics Co-op ‘A’
2. Ratby Youth ‘B’
3. Ratby Youth ‘A’

Section J: Open Quartet
1. Blidworth Miners Welfare
2. The Wigston Band ‘B’
3. Leicestershire Co-operative ‘B’

Section K: Open Percussion
1. Edward Brown – Hathern Training

Radio: Sunday Bandstand

NEWS

More selections of great brass band music from Chris Helme.

Sunday Bandstand:

Broadcast on Phoenix FM 96.7 community radio in the Halifax area of West Yorkshire. This programme is also available via www.phoenixfm.co.uk Every Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 3pm

Produced and presented by Chris Helme or further information please see: www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk

It is also available via Podcast from the Radio Phoenix website.

I am always pleased to receive requests – you might want to hear a piece from your own early days in banding, recordings that have long since joined the record deletions list and difficult to find.

Or have a burning nostalgia question about the world of brass bands, if you have then please contact me via e-mail:

Sunday 8th April:

Rhythm and Blues
Philip Sparke
Opening for weekly show Fodens Band
MD: Michael Fowles - 2010

Danse Espagnol
Tchaikovsky arr: Ken Smith
Brass Band Rijnmond
MD: Anno Appelo - 2010

Comedy Overture
John Ireland
The Virtuosi Band of Great Britain
MD: Eric Ball - 1975

Klezmorim
Sandy Smith
Tuba Soloist Joe Cook with the
Black Dyke Band
MD: Dr. Nicholas Childs - 2010

Whitworth Veterans March
Arr: Dr. Roy Newsome
Whitworth Veterans Band
MD: Dr. Roy Newsome - 2010

Music Box Dancer
Frank Mills
Royal Doulton Band
MD: Edward Gray - 1970s

Fiesta
Peter Graham
Trombone Soloist Andrew Newell with the
Household Troops Band
BM: Major John Mott - 2008

Trauermarsch from Gotterdammerung
Wagner arr: Peter Koster
Brass Band Rijnmond
MD: Anno Appelo - 2010

Credo
Lorne Barry
Brass Band Willebroek
MD: Frans Violet 2009

Rhythm and Blues
Philip Sparke
Ending for weekly show Fodens Band
MD: Michael Fowles - 2010

Spring Festival line ups announced

NEWS

The bands competing at the 92nd Spring Festival in Blackpool have been announced.

The line up of 80 bands taking part in the 92nd Spring Festival Brass Band Festival at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on the Saturday 12th May has been released by the organisers.

Cut price and cut throat

There is an exciting day of cut price as well as cut throat competition in store for brass band supporters and the neutral listener, with tickets less than a tenner to enjoy three keenly contested sections.

Grand Shield

20 bands that can’t usually be separated by a sheet of Bronco paper will surely provide plenty tension, anxiety and high class Grand Shield entertainment in the Opera House.

Peter Graham’s ‘On the Shoulders of Giants’ is the immense test that needs to be overcome to claim the brace of qualification places on offer to get to the British Open at Symphony Hall in September.

Senior Cup

Meanwhile, the Pavilion Theatre provides the intimate surroundings for the 20 competitors in the Senior Cup.

Martin Ellerby’s elegiac ‘Elgar Variations’ will test the 20 rivals all looking to book themselves on of the four qualification places on offer.

Senior Trophy

The same will apply in the Senior Trophy which will take place in the vast expanse of the Ballroom, where 20 bands battle it out on Martin Ellerby’s wonderfully filmatic take on Errol Flynn at his brilliant best, with his wonderfully colourful ‘Chivalry’.

A batch of new bands take what they hope will be their first steps towards an eventual appearance at the British Open, as City of Cardiff (Melingriffith), Drighlington, Lochgelly, Oldham (Lees) and Tylorstown make their appearances in the Senior Trophy.

Judges

As always there is an eclectic mix of adjudicators, with Dr Robert Childs making a quick dash back from the European Championships to join David Read MBE, Malcolm Brownbill, Ian Brownbill, Paul Andrews and John Doyle in the various boxes.

4BR will be there to bring you the action throughout the day, as well as pics, twitter, live comments and post contest analysis.

Tickets available on the day Adults £9 Concessions £6

The Grand Shield:
Opera House
Draw: 9.30am
Start: 10.30am

Test Piece: On the Shoulders of Giants (Peter Graham)

First Prize: £800 plus framed pennant presented by Centre Stage Uniforms
Second Prize: £600
Third Prize: £400
Fourth Prize: £300

Aveley & Newham (Nigel Taken)
BTM (Phillip McCann)
Co-operative Milnrow (Marieka Grey)
Exchange Communications Whitburn (Ian Porthouse)
Flowers (Paul Holland)
Freckleton (Paul Dalton)
Hepworth (Russell Gray)
Jaguar Land Rover (Dave Lea)
Marsden Silver Prize (Glyn Williams)
Mount Charles (Simon Dobson)
Newstead Brass (Duncan Beckley)
Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Mark Bentham)
Redbridge (Jeremy Wise)
Seindorf Beaumaris (Gwyn M. Evans)
Skelmanthorpe (John Roberts)
Staffordshire (Nigel Seaman)
Thoresby Colliery (Garry Cutt)
Tongwynlais Temperance (Philip Harper)
Wingates (Andrew Berryman)
Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (David Nesbitt)

The Senior Cup:
Pavilion Theatre
Draw: 9.00am
Start: 10.00am

Test Piece: Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby)

First Prize: £600 plus framed pennant presented by Centre Stage Uniforms
Second Prize: £400
Third Prize: £300
Fourth Prize: £200

Aldbourne (David Johnson)
Ashton Under Lyne (Simon Stonehouse)
Blackburn & Darwen (Nick Sheppard)
Bo’ness & Carriden (Bryan Allan)
Co-operative Funeralcare North West (Jef Sparkes)
Dalmellington (Archie Hutchison)
Derwent Brass (Keith Leonard)
East Yorkshire Motor Services (Alan Morrison)
Felling (Stephen Malcolm)
Fishburn (Huw Thomas)
Friary Guildford (Chris King)
Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
Kingdom Brass (Andrew Duncan)
Laganvale (Metal Technology) (Ernest Ruddock)
NASUWT Riverside (David Roberts)
Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss)
Ratby Co-operative (Michael Fowles)
Unison Kinneil (Russ Young)
Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (Derek Renshaw)
Woodfalls (Dr Nicholas Childs)

The Senior Trophy:
Ballroom
Draw: 10.00am
Start: 11.00am

Test Piece: Chivalry (Martin Ellerby)

First Prize: £600 plus framed pennant presented by Centre Stage Uniforms
Second Prize: £400
Third Prize: £300
Fourth Prize: £200

Barton Town (Richard Evans)
Bon-Accord (Alan Duguid)
Bournemouth Concert (Major David Barringer)
Burry Port Town (Michael Thorne)
City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Gareth Ritter)
Drighlington (Jim Davies)
Easington Colliery Brass (Chris Bentham)
Hade Edge (Simon Wood)
Hatfield Colliery (Graham O’Connor)
Johnstone (Paul Kiernan)
Lochgelly (Allan Ramsey)
Longridge (Mark Peacock)
Newtongrange (Paul Drury)
Oldham Lees (John Collins)
Sovereign Brass (David Maplestone)
St Dennis (Darren Hawken)
Tylorstown (Gary Davies)
Wakefield Metropolitan (Michael Howley)
Wantage Silver A (Phil Bailey)
Wrexham Brass Glyndwr (Stephen Curtis)

Live coverage: 2012 Australian Nationals

NEWS

Follow all the action with live video coverage from the 2012 Australian Championships from Melbourne.

Coutesy of brassbanned.com [www.brassbanned.com], watch live coverage of the 2012 Australian Nationals from The Segel Albert Park, Melbourne.

You can also contribute by Tweeting and and posting comments via Facebook.

Follow it live at:

www.4barsrest.com/live

Grimethorpe to set up youth band

NEWS

Grimethorpe set for long term investment in musical youth.

Grimethorpe Colliery Band is set to launch an exciting new venture, which they hope will provide young players with the inspiration to start a lifelong association with brass bands.

Youth Band

The first Grimethorpe Besson Youth Band open day, starting at 9.45am, will take place on Saturday 26th May at the local Shafton School, and will see many of Grimethorpe’s star players on hand to offer advice, tips and practical teaching skills.

Free Open Day

The opening day and all future courses are all completely free of charge and funded by Besson Musical Instruments.

Euphonium player Michael Dodd told 4BR: "We are all extremely grateful to Besson for providing financial assistance to help make this fantastic venture work. It’s a great opportunity to be involved with Grimethorpe Band.

We have long term plans to ensure that these young players get the very best start to what we hope will be a lifelong passion for playing in a brass band."

First taste

Michael added: "The first open day will see Grimethorpe players tutor the young players in both sectionals and full ensemble rehearsals. To round things off we will give them all the first taste of what being part of Grimethorpe Band is all about, with a joint concert involving the new Youth Band."

Fully committed

Gareth Crane gave 4BR further details. "The concept is still in early development, but we are fully committed to the long term success of this exciting project. We have spoken to the music services of Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley and Wakefield who are all keen to come on board. The ethos though is about making it open to everyone aged 19 or younger at Grade 4 standard."

Student links

He added: "We are going to run this in partnership with Salford University Music Department to ensure there is progression and opportunity for students and players in the next stage of their musical careers.

Students will benefit by being invited to conduct, tutor and compose pieces for the youth band which in turn will assist them greatly with their studies, whilst it will give the young players the chance to find out more about the possibility of making a long term commitment to a career in music."

Interested?

Anyone interested in becoming a member or would like further information please contact the band at: www.grimethorpeband.com

Rankings update: March 2012

NEWS

The first updated World of Brass - 4barsrest.com Rankings of 2012 reveal few changes near the top, but the usual flurry of activity following the first part of the contest season.

Tongwynlais Temperance and Flowers are among the most significant movers following their recent successes, while Zone One Brass and Co-operative Milnrow have both reached their highest ever positions following their respective ‘Area’ contest achievements at Blackpool and Stevenage.

Over the next few months, we can expect to see significant changes near the top, as the European Championships in Rotterdam boast arguably the strongest field in its 35-year history. The Spring Festival also offers valuable points-scoring opportunities for the bands battling for places at the British Open, while the All-England Masters International and English Championships both remain significant in rankings terms.

Our next update will follow the European Championships, where Manger Musikklag will be hoping to retain the title that it won so spectacularly in Montreux last year.

The contests held since the last update are:

French National Championships - won by Paris Brass Band;
Norwegian National Championships - won by Eikanger-Bjørsvik;
Butlins Mineworkers - won by Flowers;
Gloucester BBA - won by Bream Silver;
Durham County BBA - won by Easington Colliery;
Brass at the Guild - won by Pemberton Old Wigan JJB;
Yeovil Entertainment Contest - won by Flowers;
DFDS Seaways Contest - won by Brass Band Heist;
Welsh Open - won by Tredegar;
Northern Ireland Brass Band League - won by 1st Old Boys Silver.

To view all the ranked bands, go to:

www.4barsrest.com/rankings/default.asp

Advert: John Packer

NEWS

The best new brass band holiday package deal is now available to help keep you lip in...

The Summer is fast approaching and the holiday season is just around the corner, your thoughts drift off to those lazy days sat in the sun on the beach, but then a horrible realisation hits you.......my cornet is too big to take on holiday, so how will I keep my lip in??

Clever chappies

Do not despair, the clever chaps at John Packer Ltd have the answer with this specially designed pocket trumpet called a JP159.

Small but beautiful

Essentially it is a Bb trumpet which is wrapped up extremely small measuring only 230mm in length which can be stowed away in your luggage without taking up valuable clothes space.

Holiday colours

The JP159 comes in a range of wonderful colours to match your Summer outfit - Red/Blue/Green/Black/Silver plate or lacquer for only £138 inc vat which includes a mouthpiece and a easy to carry case!

So why not pack a little something to keep yourself happy whilst sunning yourself by the pool?

More information

For more information call Steve on 01823 282386 or email

Equinox wins prestigious Stainer & Bell Award

NEWS

Christopher Bond's 'Equinox for Four Euphoniums' wins prestigious composition award in Cardiff.

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff recently hosted the prestigious Stainer & Bell Award for Brass Composition.

The third running of the event was open to all music students at the RWCMD and was for a work of five to seven minutes in duration for brass quartet.

Six works

Six works were shortlisted for a recital finale in which the compositions were introduced by their respective composers before being performed by students.

Adjudication was made by Jeremy Aknai, Antony Kearns and Nicholas Williams.

First Prize

The first prize of £250 and publication of the winning work went to composition student Christopher Bond for 'Equinox for Four Euphoniums', which was performed by the outstanding, versatile quartet Euphony.

Highly commended

Lisa Pipkin was commended for 'The Pacific' whilst David Harrington was highly commended for his 'Three Fantasies', for compositions that would happily grace any brass chamber concert programme.

The score and parts for Equinox will be available for sale later this year.

2012 National Championship finalists

NEWS

The runners and riders for the 2012 National Finals in London and Cheltenham is now known.

The list of bands who will challenge for National honours in the autumn is now complete following the last round of 2012 Regional contests on the weekend.

Four weekends

Following four weekends that have seen around 15,000 musicians compete for bands from as far afield as Scotland down to the West Country, the full list of challengers is now known.

The full list of qualifiers for 2012 is as follows:

Championship Section
The following bands wil compete on Saturday 20th October at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

Barton Town
Beaumaris [pre-qualified]
Black Dyke
Bournemouth Concert Brass
Brighouse & Rastrick [pre-qualified]
Co-operative Funeralcare
Cory [pre-qualified]
Desford Colliery
Exchange Communications Whitburn
Fairey [pre-qualified]
Felling
Flowers
Foden’s
Jaguar Land Rover
Leyland
Rothwell Temperance
Staines Brass
Tongwynlais Temperance
Tredegar
Zone One Brass

Cheltenham:

Sections 1-4 to take place at The Centaur, Cheltenham on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September.

First Section
Sunday 23rd September

Becontree Brass
Brunel Brass
Burry Port
Chalford
Clackmannan
Dalkeith & Monktonhall
Foresters Brass 2000
Lewis Merthyr
Milton Keynes Brass
Phoenix West Midlands
Rainford
Ratby Co-operative
Shepherd Group
Unite the Union (City of Sheffield)
Wardle Anderson Brass
Westoe
Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel

Second Section
Saturday 22nd September

Bilton Silver
Chalgrove
City of Bradford
Clifton & Lightcliffe
Coalburn Silver
Croy Silver
Goodwick
Haslingden & Helmshore
Littleport
Llwydcoed
Lympstone South West Telecoms
Mossley
Otterbourne Brass
Shirebrook Miners Welfare Unison
South Milford Brass
Thundersley Brass
York Railway Institute

Third Section
Sunday 23rd September

A W Parker (Drybrook)
Besses Boys
Bream Silver
Daventry Brass
Elland Silver
Emley
Epping Forest
Hitchin Town
Ibstock Brick Brass
Jedforest Instrumental
Kirkby Lonsdale
Long Eaton Silver Prize
Ogmore Valley
Perthshire Brass
Pontypool Brass
Ripon City
Trinity Girls
Whitworth Vale & Healey

Fourth Section
Saturday 22nd September

Amersham (L&SC)
Andover Town
Armthorpe Elmfield
Bletchington Silver
Bon-Accord Silver B
Burbage (Buxton)
Cleobury Mortimer Concert Brass
Darwen Brass
Dunston Silver
Golborne
Hawk Green
Ireland Colliery Chesterfield
Kingdom Brass B
Kingsway Printers Cleethorpes
Launceston Town
Linthwaite
Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver
Newhall
Norfolk Wherry Brass
Parr (Richardson Ltd.) St. Helen’s
Rhyl Silver
Severn Tunnel
Wilton & District

Thrilling climax to Regional qualifiers

NEWS

There was a sting in the tail as the final 2012 Area titles were decided in Swansea, Darlington and Stevenage.

There were contrasting scenes of immense joy and crushing disappointment around the UK on what turned out to be an engrossing final weekend of the 2012 Regional Championships.

Celebration and despair

There was celebration for Cory in Swansea, as they claimed their 9th Welsh title under Dr Robert Childs, whilst there was despair in both Darlington and Stevenage for pre-contest favourites and multiple champions Reg Vardy and Redbridge, as they crashed out of the qualification race for the Royal Albert Hall.

Acclaim

Cory’s victory was greeted with universal acclaim at the Brangwyn Hall, as they booked their place at the 2013 European Championships in Oslo, whilst in contrast there were seismic shock waves reportedly felt emanating from areas surrounding the bars at the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre and Darlington’s Dolphin Centre.

London:

Zone One was crowned London & Southern Counties champion for the first time in Stevenage on Sunday night, as Richard Ward led his talented band to their first Championship Area triumph, just a decade after they first made their appearance at the event.

After coming runner up twice in the past three years, they finally claimed the title off the early number 2 draw to repel the challenge of an inspired Staines Brass conducted by Melvin White.

He celebrated his 30th consecutive Regionals appearance by sending the newly promoted band back to the Albert Hall for the first time since 2006.

With Friary Guildford, Aveley & Newham and Medway Brass building on last year’s results to claim their top six places, the tsunami shock wave came with the announcement that reigning champion Redbridge under Jeremy Wise, had slumped to sixth place – their worse position since 2000, as they sought to win the title for a sixth consecutive year.

Title wins

Over the weekend there celebrations to be heard from the supporters of Becontree Brass, Thundersley Brass, Hitchin Town and Amersham as they took the various section titles on offer.

Pre contest favourites Becontree certainly lived up to their tag under MD Adam Cooke, as they added the Area title to their recent Butlins win, whilst John Ward, younger brother of Zone One’s MD Richard, ensured that the family bragging rights were shared by leading Thundersley to a second successive Second Section victory.

Hitchin returned to the Finals for the first time since 2005 by taking the Third Section honours under Chris Patterson, whilst bookies favourites Amersham claimed their first ever Fourth Section title under Paul Fisher.

North of England:

If the audible gasps of surprise could be heard for many a mile in Stevenage, then an intake of breath almost of hurricane force proportions was felt in Darlington.

Felling’s remarkable rise to Championship prominence was completed when they claimed the North of England title under the baton of Stephen Malcolm. At the beginning of the Millennium the band was battling for a place at the Finals in the Third Section.

They will be joined at Kensington by Barton Town, conducted by Nick Sheppard, who completed their own fairytale rise to the highest contesting echelons just six years after they made their debuts in the Fourth Section.

The result meant that for the first time since 2001 the name of Reg Vardy will be missing from the Albert Hall programme, after they could only manage third place under the direction of Black Dyke’s Dr Nicholas Childs.

Section titles

There was further joy for Shepherd Group, South Milford Brass, Ripon City and Dunston Silver as they took the titles in the other sections.

Richard Wilton led Shepherd Group to their first Area win since 1998, as they claimed the First Section honours, whilst South Milford conducted by Martin Hall added the Second Section laurels to those won in the Fourth and Third Sections in 2008 and 2009.

Ripon City led by Malcolm Dibb lived up to their favourites tag by claiming the Third Section as they return to Cheltenham for a second year in a row, whilst Dunston Silver under Steve Archer took their first Fourth Section title to head to the Finals for the first time since 2005.

Wales:

In Wales, Cory re-affirmed the pre-eminence under the baton of Dr Robert Childs.

With rumours flying around the bars at the Brangwyn Hall of major changes at the British Open champion, the MD concentrated all his efforts to ensure they didn’t suffer the same fate as the heavily backed favourites in other parts of country, with a clear cut victory.

With the added luxury of two extra qualifying places up for grabs with both Cory and Beaumaris pre-qualified for the Albert Hall, there was an engrossing battle to see who joined them there.

Scottish Open champion, Tongwynlais Temperance deservedly took their place after returning to form with a thrilling performance under the baton of Philip Harper, whilst Masters Champion Tredegar overcame the loss of their solo horn player Chris Davies, who was hospitalised less than 24 hours before the contest, to book their place under Ian Porthouse.

Section titles

Wales will send up another batch of strong representatives to Cheltenham, with the other titles being claimed by a commanding Burry Port, who took the First Section honours under Michael Thorne, whilst Matthew Jenkins led the talented youngsters of Goodwick Brass to their third consecutive Welsh Area win, this time in the Second Section.

Cory’s horn star Owen Farr led Pontypool Brass to victory in the Third Section, helped by having a real Olympic athlete in discus thrower Venissa Head playing tuba in the band, whilst 19 year old Josh Ruck lead Severn Tunnel back to the Fourth Section Finals for the first time since 2008.

Full results:

Further details and full results

Links:

London & Southern Counties:
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=14874

North of England:
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=14875

Wales:
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=14876

Radio: World of Brass

NEWS

Plenty of great brass band music from John Maines from his Cornish homeland

World of Brass Radio:
Presented by John Maines

www.worldofbrass.com/¬wobradio

A new programme every Friday heard 24/7 52 weeks!

Also catch up with previous programmes
Contact:

9th March:

Death or Glory
Robert Browne Hall
Grimethorpe
Conductor: Brian Grant

Ruslan and Ludmilla
Mikhail Glinka
Foden's
Conductor: Brian Hurdley

The Whistler
Green arr Peter Graham
Black Dyke
Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs
Soloist: Paul Judge

Bonnets of Dundee
Trad arr Elgar Howarth
Grimethorpe
Conductor: Elgar Howarth

Benvenuto Cellini
Hector Berlioz
Williams Fairey
Conductor: Major Peter Parkes

Hejre Kati
Jeno Hubay
Fodens
Conductor: Michael Fowles
Soloist: Mark Wilkinson

Diadem of Gold
G Bailey
Cory
Conductor: Dr. Robert Childs

Home of Legends
Paul Lovatt Cooper
Black Dyke
Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs

Prelude on Three Welsh Hymn Tunes
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Cory
Conductor: Dr. Robert Childs

Amporita Roca
Jamie Texidor
Black Dyke
Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs

16th March:

Sounds from Thuringia
Hermann Blankenburg
Black Dyke Mills (1978)
Conductor: Roy Newsome

Overture on Famous English Airs
Ernest Tomlinson
Grimethorpe
Conductor: Elgar Howarth

Cavatine and Variations
Jean Baptiste Arban
Leyland
Conductor: Michael Fowles
Soloist: Russell Gray

An Epic Symphony
Percy Fletcher
Cory
Conductor: Dr. Robert Childs

Mid All The Traffic
Leonard Ballantine
Staines SA
Conductor: Tim Parker

With Flying Fingers
Luc Rodenmacher
Brighouse
Conductor: Alan Morrison

Celebration
Leslie Condon
Croydon Citadel
Conductor: Iain Parkhouse

The Pilgrim’s Progress
Rodney Newton
ISB
Conductor: Dr. Stephen Cobb

A Scots Miscellany
Alan Fernie
Black Dyke
Conductor: Dr. Nicholas Childs

A Jaunt Around the Town (St Austell Suite)
Kenneth Downie
Brighouse
Conductor: Dr. Stephen Cobb

Radio: Sunday Bandstand

NEWS

More brass band music on the airwaves from Chris Helm in Yorkshire

Sunday Bandstand:

Broadcast on Phoenix FM 96.7 community radio in the Halifax area of West Yorkshire. This programme is also available via www.phoenixfm.co.uk Every Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 3pm

Produced and presented by Chris Helme or further information please see: www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk

It is also available via Podcast from the Radio Phoenix website.

I am always pleased to receive requests – you might want to hear a piece from your own early days in banding, recordings that have long since joined the record deletions list and difficult to find.

Or have a burning nostalgia question about the world of brass bands, if you have then please contact me via e-mail:

Sunday 18 March:
Rhythm and Blues
Philip Sparke

Opening for weekly show
Fodens Band
MD: Michael Fowles - 2010

La Russe - March
William Rimmer
Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band
MD: Jack Atherton - 1969

Home of Legends
Paul Lovatt-Cooper
Black Dyke Band
MD: Dr. Nicholas Childs - 2010

A Jewish Wedding
Hugh Verweij
Delta Brass Zeeland
MD: Luc Vertommen

Skater Waltz
Emile Waldteufel
Fodens Band
MD: Rex Mortimer - 1969

Gresford
Robert Saint
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
MD: Philip McCann - 2008

Black Domino Overture - Auber
Rochdale Band
MD: Norman Ashcroft - 1974

The Paragon
Edwin Sutton
Cornet Soloist James Shepherd
with the Black Dyke Mills Band
MD: Roy Newsome - 1969

Flying Fingers (Cornet Feature)
Goff Richards
Ensemble de Cuivres Valaisan (Switzerland)
MD: Gregoire Dubons - 1987

A Carmen Fantasy
George Bizet
arr: Gordon Langford
Williams Fairey Band
MD: James Gourlay - 1997

Creswell Crags - March
Harold Moss
Creswell Colliery Band
MD: Ernest Woodhouse - 1965

Rhythm and Blues
Philip Sparke Ending for weekly show
Fodens Band
MD: Michael Fowles – 2010

Radio: Sounds of Brass

NEWS

More great music from Philip Hunt on the 25th March and 1st April, including the winning performances from Torquay and a Broadbent bonanza.

SOUNDS OF BRASS:

BROADCAST ON BBC RADIO BRISTOL, CORNWALL, DEVON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GUERNSEY, JERSEY, SOMERSET SOUND, SWINDON & WILTSHIRE EVERY SUNDAY EVENING @ 5 PAST 7

PRODUCED AND PRESENTED WEEKLY BY PHILLIP HUNT.

AVAILABLE LIVE AND LISTEN AGAIN EVERY WEEK ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB THROUGH THE RADIO iPLAYER. Live on Sundays at 19-05 British Time or at any time for 7 DAYS after the Broadcast.

To hear this week’s programme instantly go to www.bbc.co.uk/devon and click on Listen Live or Listen Again.

Requests and Comments welcome at E Mail.
Telephone 01752 843919.

Sunday 1st April:

A Broadbent Bonanza.

THE PIONEERS MARCH
Derek Broadbent
CWS (Glasgow) Band
Conductor: Archie Hutchinson

FANFARE AND LARGO FOR A MEMORABLE OCCASION
Derek Broadbent
Massed Bands of the Wessex Youth Course
Conductor: Derek Broadbent

YOU NEEDED ME
Goodrum arr. Derek Broadbent
Soloist: Bill Bailey

VARIATIONS IN BLUE
Derek Broadbent
Trio: Paul Coupe, Steve Breen, Paul Warder
Besses o th’ Barn Band
Conductor: Derek Broadbent

MUSIC FOR A CENTENARY
Derek Broadbent
Brass and Voices of the Isle of Man
Conductor: Derek Broadbent

ROMANCE from the GADFLY
Dimitri Shostakovitch arr. Derek Broadbent
Williams Fairy Band
Conductor: Brian Grant

VECTIS ISLES SUITE
Derek Broadbent
Flowers Gloucester Band
Conductor: Derek Broadbent

Sunday 25th March:

Three winning Performances from the West of England Brass Band Championships, courtesy of Chorum Records.

MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Bertrand Moren
Brunel Brass
Conductor: John Winterflood

OLYMPUS
Philip Harper
Bream Silver
Conductor: Bryn James

ENGLISH FOLK SONG SUITE
Ralph Vaughan Williams
Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver
Conductor: Joanne Sykes

SEMPER FIDELIS
John Philip Sousa arr. Keith Wilkinson
William Davis Construction Group Band
Conductor: Keith Wilkinson

MATTHESON’S AIR
Gilbert Vinter
Soloist: Bryan Taylor
Williams Fairey Engineering Band
Conductor: Peter Parkes

PLENTEOUS GRACE
Kenneth Pelmear
Camborne Town Band
Conductor: Leonard Adams

ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST
Ennio Morricone arr. Andrew Duncan
Soloist: Paul Richards
Brunel Brass
Conductor: John Winterflood

4barsrest on your Smartphone

NEWS

Love your Smartphone? Love it even more with the new 4barsrest mobile site.

It's in Beta testing at the moment but check it out and and please let us know what works, what doesn't and what we can do to improve things.

Point your Smartphone at:

http://m.4barsrest.com

Breath of Souls to test New Zealand's best

NEWS

Breath of Souls leads the test piece selections for New Zealand National Championships later this year.

Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 2011 National Finals set work, 'Breath of Souls' has been chosen as the set work for the 2012 New Zealand Championships to be held in Timaru later this year.

Oldest National

It will provide the band's at the oldest National Championship contest in the world with the opportunity to pit their wits against its fiendishly difficult technical challenges.

Classic

Meanwhile, a classic piece of Vaughan-Williams will test the B Grade bands, with his 'Variations for Brass Band', which was also used at the National Finals in the UK, way back in 1957.

Philip Sparke's highly enjoyable 'Triptych' will provide the test for bands in the C Grade.

Set Works:

A Grade: Breath of Souls (Paul Lovatt-Cooper)
B Grade: Variations for Brass Band (R Vaughan Williams)
C Grade: Triptych (Philip Sparke)